Here’s the thing nobody tells you at the home improvement store: pressure treated lumber is sopping wet when it arrives. It’s literally pressure-cooked with preservatives, and that moisture has to evaporate.
You can’t just slap stain on top of that—it’ll peel, flake, and generally mock your efforts. I’ve seen decks that looked like they had a bad case of dandruff because someone rushed it.
So, how long do you wait? The golden rule is usually 30 to 60 days, but that’s like saying, “I’ll see you sometime next month.” Not exactly precise, right?
