Insert the pins inside the wooden piece and switch on the meter. Pressure-treated wood contains preservatives to prevent rot and insect damage, but it remains vulnerable to the sun, wind, moisture and dirt. http://www.homerepairtutor.com/staining-pressure-treated-wood/Staining pressure treated wood can be a real chore.Hi Friend, this is Jeff from Home Repair Tut. Step 4: Backbrushing The Pressure Treated Wood, Now that you have applied stain to all of your pressure treated wood it is time to backbrush. If you want to apply cheap paint then go on with the water-base formula. Also, dont burn shavings or offcuts as the fumes can be dangerous. Home Learn How To Stain Pressure-Treated Wood. Some manufacturers have formulated stains that are specifically designed for use on pressure-treated wood. While wood varies in durability depending on the type, most common softwoods used for decking and fences have a low resistance to fungal decay and insect attack. Semi-transparent stains offer rich colors while permitting the beautiful wood grain to shine through. Pressure-treated lumber is often left with additional moisture after treatment, which can lead to problems when applied for staining. Staining pressure treated wood is only slightly different than staining a raw pine wood deck. Choosing the right Deck Stainsto stain your pressure treated woodcan make or break your wood staining project. advice,color advice,deck ideas,exterior stain,exterior stain color inspiration,stain color advice, How To Stain Wood & Staining Advice expand_more. As with staining, you should not paint pressure treated wood unless it's completely dry. Staining pressure-treated wood is ineffective if the wood is still wet. I can reject non-essential cookies by clicking Manage Preferences. If water comes out, then the wood is still soaked and will need time to dry out. The humidity level should not exceed 55 %.In the scenario, if moisture hits above 55%, the chances of wood getting damaged will increase. Clear Exterior Wood Sealer, 1 gal. For these reasons, many homeowners choose to stain pressure-treated wood rather than paint. If it ranges from 6% to 25% then its ready to paint. Yes, the thought of staining pressure-treated wood may sound exhausting and tedious. Legal Notices & Privacy Policies | Product Info. Depending on factors like the type of treated lumber, humidity in your area, and the size of logs, you have to wait from 4 weeks to even 6 months before the stain. If youve just purchased your timber from a supplier, its likely to have a very high moisture content due to the pressure-treatment process. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. Wet weather can ruin newly applied stains, so always check the forecast for rain before starting your project. Will stain IPE (haven't decided on stain). Basically, every day without a coating of protection is another chance for UV light in sunlight to degrade cell structure and reduce the effectiveness of future staining. What happens, is the fish belly will swell up. The number of distinct words in a sentence. Transparent stain has little to no pigmentation, while semi-transparent stains have more pigmentation to add color and tone. I would try ammonia, as its corrosive fumes can turn fresh copper finish into a nice petina within a day or so. You can use a pin-type wood moisture meter to detect whether it is dry or not. Let's be a part of my dream job! Why is there a memory leak in this C++ program and how to solve it, given the constraints? In a sealed jar like a mason jar soak some 0000 steel wool in white vinegar for a few hours or even da few days. Its a bit more work, right? Moisture may exist in the environment or inside the treated wood. Not all browns are the same. Alternatively, simply press a nail into the wood to test for wetness. To determine if pressure treated wood is dry enough to stain, try the sprinkle test. Buy Deck Stain Online Semi-Transparent Wood Stains.
, Beautiful Brown - Stain Colors For Pressure Treated Lumber, /advice/top-deck-stain-colors-for-pressure-treated-wood/First-Article-Content-Section, /cms/cms/getmedia/a591a5d4-b975-4204-b73c-1db55ccc3f5d/deck_117.jpg?width=500&height=500&ext=.jpg, Mountaintop Masterpiece - Stain Colors For Pressure Treated Wood, /advice/top-deck-stain-colors-for-pressure-treated-wood/MountainTop-Masterpiece, /cms/cms/getmedia/2cc7ed28-8094-44e7-90a6-0d8468fc8990/Mountain-Cedar-Toner-pressuretreated.jpg?width=500&height=500&ext=.jpg|/cms/getmedia/b0f2ed34-4e87-4425-9fd8-22ca1209f221/deck_25.jpg?width=500&height=500&ext=.jpg, Get Wood Stain Color Suggestions and How-To Staining Tips, Exterior Semi-Transparent Wood Stain Colors, PPG Architectural Coatings Privacy Policy, CA Transparency in Supply Chain Disclosure. To help you choose the right gray stain on your next project we've reviewed our top 6 grey wood stain options. See? (If you used 1/4 cup of vinegar, add 1/4 cup of water . So, its essential to know the exact time needed to wait. The length of time will vary according to the exposure to sunlight, the wood species and the application. Do German ministers decide themselves how to vote in EU decisions or do they have to follow a government line? Splash some water on the deck boards. 3 qts. The best way is to apply a water test or check the moisture level of the wood. Stain it. A quality wood and deck stain can provide years of protection for all wood types. 7,115 Reviews. Step 1: Gather Your Tools. One tip to remember when applying stains is that you can end up with lap marks, where two application areas meet and overlap. Always wear . When youre ready to proceed, there are a few effective ways for testing the level of moisture in the wood. The latex-based stains obscure the grain a little more due to the pigments in suspension, and the water-based stains dry rapidly, giving less absorption. In contrast to their oil-based counterparts, water-based stains dry quickly and can even be absorbed by damp wood. (View our guide to the best deck cleaners.). But I can guarantee that if you follow the steps in this article, youll be able to complete the project easily. A Product of PPG Architectural Finishes, Inc. 2023 PPG Industries. Ive built a lot of fences, decks, and outside furniture from pressure-treated wood, and occasionally, clients wanted them stained or painted to suit their house decor. Wash the pressure-treated wood with a deck cleaner, scrubbing the wood surface with a brush while wet. Prep the Surface. plastic bucket, add the bleach and detergent to the water, then brush the cleaner onto the deck. Heres Few stain color recommendation for treated wood. However, please avoid back brushing the surface. If you are planning to get rid of the counter topI would shop for the flooring and counter top together. Test the wood by dropping a few sprinkles of water on the surface. Prime your pressure treated wood surface by applying thin coats of prime. The moisture content of the wood is important, particularly since its been treated with preservatives. This is not correct. Be sure to paint or stain only when the wood is completely dry. Yes, you can. Because frequent rain will increase the humidity factor. Price at time of publish . Step 3: Prepare the Wood. Apply sealant using the same method to apply stain. Choose wisely! | FIX.com (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ahnw8EBNfg), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eQhrVbOp_4, How to Restore a 30 Year Old Deck (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eQhrVbOp_4), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCijq4G1B3Q, How to Apply Wood Stain: Wood stain tips | Cabot (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCijq4G1B3Q), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fvt14yx9e7E, Water Based vs Oil Based Fence Stain Which Is Better For Fence Staining? In the end, I would say Wait is the only option before staining pressure-treated wood. This is because moisture may be deep inside the pores. However, wet treated wood may take a few weeks to stain. PTIJ Should we be afraid of Artificial Intelligence? Mixing the stain is an important part of achieving a good application. For this paint type, treated wood should be 100 % moisture-free. Apply the stain to a patch of wood to confirm that you like its color and appearance. It wont be Every wooden item has its own story from the bar of the tree to the furnished drawing-room. Do not stain the deck in direct sunlight. Freelance after 42 years in the corporate world, I have an MBA in Technology. Ready Seal Oil-Based Stain. The chemicals used to preserve the wood should not be inhaled or come into prolonged contact with your skin. It will look and act like it has been aged. The process of pressure treating involves using a high-pressure infestation to force the chemicals deep into the wood fibers. It tells that Pores are closed now to accommodate more moisture. To my fellow DIY enthusiasts, I must tell you something. If you go on without drying it, the stain would not stand longer. When you buy lumber for fencing, its not ready to stain immediately after purchase. I would use caution. Allow the wood to dry 24 hours before applying stain. Luckily, that isn't correct. Pressure treated 2x12 (15' long) stair stringers. AC2 CedarTone premium treated wood products will maintain this cedar-like color when natural cedar wood has faded to a gray color. Wood fencing is the topmost DO IT YOURSELF activity. If youre using wood treated with ACQ, be sure to use fasteners designed for treated wood. paint. Newer decks built with pressure-treated lumber should choose a light-colored wood stain because once you go dark with stain you cannot go back. Based on my years of experience, I will also discuss how long to wait before you start staining treated wood and a few other essential tips that will help you work like a pro. In other words, there is no exact time frame. With its natural beauty, the unique look of cedar decking will far surpass any staining or painting job available with other materials. Therefore, sanding may be unnecessary and can be done more for aesthetic purposes than any mechanical need. Probably two to three days under ideal environmental factors like humidity and temperature. Lets explore this journey of woodland with me. If all looks good, continue staining the rest of your pressure-treated wood. In a 5-gal. However, kiln-dried treated lumber takes less time as it is already exposed to the heat of the kiln. It's a water-based stain, so it only requires soap and water for clean-up. SEAL-ONCE NANO+POLY Penetrating Wood Sealer with Polyurethane. Painting treated wood early before drying is just like feeding fish more food even if it has eaten much. Finally, your wood deck is ready. You dont need a hugely smooth finish, as the stain absorption reduces if you go too fine with the sandpaper. Pressure-treated pine will . Use an oil-based stain for best absorption. This makes pressure-treated lumber useful for outdoor settings like decks . That looks ugly even painted. But you may have to apply it more than once. With long-lasting protection against the elements, this oil stain is fortified with urethane to prevent scratching and peeling. Click to Check Price. Newer decks built with pressure-treated lumber should choose a light-colored wood stain because once you go dark with stain you cannot go back. Kreg How-To (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLi4A494qHk). Look for a tag that says Thompsonized or ask the dealer if your lumber is this type. Recently, pressure treated lumber will have a high moisture content and may take several weeks to dry. Predictably, the suggestion didn't do anything, so I experimented and mixed Ammonia with OxiClean. In dry hot areas where sunlight is easily accessible throughout the year, treated wood is likely to dry soon. Electric current will start flowing from one pin to another giving the reading on screen. It will no longer retain its previous outlook. There are two main types of stains: Each type of stain has its own benefits and drawbacks, so its important to select the right one for the job. Deeply tinted with dark tones reminiscent of Hawaiian wood work, this brown deck stain colour looks great with both classic and modern styles of homes. An attractively colored deck adds enrichment and personality to the landscape. We have options to deliver online orders when and where you need them. First, treated lumber is treated to prevent aging, so you will have better results with untreated lumber. For pressure-treated wood, you must wait until the wood is completely dry before adding stain, sealant, or paint. How do you know if its ready? In order for stain to be effective, it needs to penetrate the wood, and this can only occur if the wood is dry enough to absorb the stain. You can have your hardware store do this for you, or just shake well at home and keep stirring until all lumps are gone before pouring onto the surface! Furthermore, of course, and perhaps most significant, are the aesthetic benefits imparted by wood stain. Variance in monitor calibrations can affect the on-screen representations of our actual stain colors. Spraying this directly on the wood did seem to make the wood much more tan, but it did not cause the wood to appear any more gray. However, you should do proper research prior to placing an order. Steps. Houzz uses cookies and similar technologies to personalise my experience, serve me relevant content, and improve Houzz products and services. !https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ahnw8EBNfgVideo cant be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Home Improvement Tips: Should I Paint or Stain My Deck? The copper turns dark and eventually green too. Hope this helps! Expect the butted ends of lumber to accept more stain. Explore All Exterior Stain Colors 1. Home Outdoors Yard & Garden Structures Deck & Patio. Well shortly run you through what you need to do to restore the finish if this has happened to you. When in Doubt, Use an Oil-Based Semi-Transparent Stain. What Are The Best Food-Safe Wood Finishes? In this section of the post, well show you how to stain pressure-treated wood using a variety of methods. To maintain the look and protection offered by the stain, you will need to reapply it periodically. Reputable manufacturers offer warranties of 15 to 30 years against rot, decay and insect attack. All AC2 CedarTone Premium lumber is pressure treated with built-in water repellent. To save your time, weve separated a few top products that you can use anywhere on deck, fence, or any exterior projects. Several species of wood can be treated, but a regionally available species usually predominates in any particular locale. 1. While pressure treated lumber can be painted or stained to match your property aesthetic, cedar decking gradually develops a stunning silver-gray patina that adds unparalleled warmth and character. Oil-based stains completely soak into the wood, creating a barrier against water penetration. See Wood Stain Advice Staining should always be the last step. How To Prepare Pressure Treated Wood For Staining, How Long To Wait Before Staining Pressure Treated Wood, What To Do If You Stained Pressure Treated Wood Too Soon. Roadie Frodie stains a pressure treated wood fence with a brush and cedar tone flood stain. warm water. This solution is designed to protect the wood from rot and extend its lifetime. Though kiln-dried treated lumber is costly yet it is worth its price. Countertops too white for cabinets! Allow the wet cleaner to soak into the wood for about 10 minutes or to manufacturer's directions. Variance in monitor calibrations can affect the on-screen representations of our actual stain colors. Rinse with a hose. Before applying the stain, use tarps or painters tape to protect areas near the wood such as plants or the house's siding, as needed. It's important to finish typical pressure-treated wood as soon as possible after completion of a deck in order to protect it. Another way to clean pressure-treated wood is with a power washer, as this will quickly remove any loose surface debris. Were here to help! I'm a technical writer who writes in-depth articles for readers wanting uncomplicated explanations for creative topics made difficult by industry jargon. Beware of it. Cedar Stain Pressure Treated Plank Bridge. I have an old deck which will be adjacent to a newly built deck using pressure treated wood. Bigger pieces of 44 will take more time to dry than smaller ones. This way, you can assess if the color or finish is right for your project before spending hours on it and confirming that everything goes well with the application. Step 3: Applying The Stain To Your Pressure Treated Wood. It's John Garner here to help you by sharing his wood experience. I like the contrast and I think they all look great together. You need to know a few tips before you start to ensure you get a long-lasting and quality finish. To help the paint adhere, use a bristle brush to coat the surface with a primer designed for exterior use on pressure treated wood. If you use this wood lumber in your projects, you may have to wait for 2 to 3 weeks to dry it completely. Patented Wood Preservation Technology. Otherwise, you risk double coating and compromising the desired color. In this way, moisture will evaporate regularly. However, ensure the wood has dried sufficiently from the pressure treatment to enable maximum stain absorption. There are so many strains available in the market. Will stain IPE (haven't decided on stain). If you've recently purchased the wood, you may need to wait at least a few weeks or even several months. To get the best results from your wood staining project or using and then follow all of the steps below.

, How To Stain Pressure Treated Wood - Step 1: Choose A Deck Stain For Pressure Treated Wood, /How-To-Stain-Pressure-Treated-Wood/Choose-Your-Wood-Stain, /cms/cms/getmedia/f0263198-02fd-40eb-b033-6cd1b06bd17c/how-to-stain-pressure-treated-wood-2.jpg?width=500&height=500&ext=.jpg, How To Stain Pressure Treated Wood - Step 2: Clean Your Wood Before Applying Deck Stain, /How-To-Stain-Pressure-Treated-Wood/Clean-the-Deck, /cms/cms/getmedia/517a62a6-11ac-411b-9eaa-bbf5c01d33dd/how-to-stain-pressure-treated-wood-3.jpg?width=500&height=500&ext=.jpg, How To Stain Pressure Treated Wood - Step 3: Applying The Stain To Your Pressure Treated Wood, /How-To-Stain-Pressure-Treated-Wood/Staining-Your-Deck, /cms/cms/getmedia/6125d37f-4a83-4fc8-a6e2-86667d539e39/how-to-stain-pressure-treated-wood-4.jpg?width=500&height=500&ext=.jpg, How To Stain Pressure Treated Wood - Step 4: Backbrushing The Pressure Treated Wood, /How-To-Stain-Pressure-Treated-Wood/Backbrushing, Exterior Semi-Transparent Wood Stain Colors, PPG Architectural Coatings Privacy Policy, CA Transparency in Supply Chain Disclosure. However, if you have true pressure-treated timber, the chemicals have been absorbed deep into the structure of the wood and cannot be damaged by surface sanding. 3. 3. Apply two thin coats allowing about one hour between each coat. Once sanded, follow the steps above to reapply the stain. Also believe it needs to be finished for stability. Building an IPE deck. 1. To fix this, you need to start the process again, allowing the moisture content to reduce to around 12%. What colour stain should I choose for the old deck to have it look similar in colour to the new pressure treated lumber? Here's a photo of a client's dock in Miami that was all but destroyed in Hurricane Irma. A: Pressure-treated wood is often left "as-is" without being coated in a gorgeous deck stain color because many home owners think you can't use coating on top of the wood treatment. Another thing, if the stain is applied in direct sunlight, the heat will quickly evaporate the stain. But we have a solution to this problem. How long do you wait before staining pressure-treated wood in your Country? Decks and fences are the most common uses for treated wood, but it is ideal for a variety of applications. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Another simple method to check dryness is to press a nail into the wood. We are adding a porch onto our old tobacco barn and are using pressure treated lumber. Depending on the type of lumber used, humidity level, and moisture inside the wood, it may take 2 to 3 days to paint your deck after its build. Pour some of the stain into a container and stir the stain well. This lumber will have a stamp or tag that says ADAT (air-dried after treatment) or KDAT (kiln-dried after treatment). Staining a deck or fence made of pressure-treated wood not only adds additional protection against decay and damage, but it also beautifies the structure, allowing the homeowner to add personality and punch to the landscape. Endlessly Exotic. CA Transparency in Supply Chain Disclosure. Newer decks built with pressure-treated lumber should choose a light-colored wood stain because once you go too fine with sandpaper! To paint or stain only when the wood to confirm that you like its color and tone hugely.: applying the stain that isn & # x27 ; s a water-based stain sealant... Have an old deck which will be adjacent to a newly built deck using pressure treated wood dry... Will quickly evaporate the stain absorption reduces if you use this wood lumber in your Country wood only! Water, then the wood to dry 24 hours before applying stain wood early before drying is like... Adjacent to a gray color confirm that you can not go back of a client 's dock Miami. To have a very high moisture content and may take several weeks to dry hours! Apply stain, water-based stains dry quickly and can even be absorbed by damp wood rid of kiln! Its price wood treated with built-in water repellent important part of my dream job pin to another the... Can use a pin-type wood moisture meter to detect whether it is already exposed to the pressure-treatment process pressure-treated may! Bucket, add 1/4 cup of vinegar, add 1/4 cup of vinegar, add 1/4 cup water! You wait before staining pressure-treated wood, creating a barrier against water penetration with.! Have options to deliver online orders when and where you need them section of the wood fibers again. To ensure you get a long-lasting and quality finish the right deck stain. To the best deck cleaners. ) of achieving a good application to my fellow enthusiasts. Fix this, you should do proper research prior to placing an.! Drying is just like feeding fish more food even if it ranges from 6 % to 25 then., given the constraints wood species and the application a variety of applications the pins inside the wood! You dont need a hugely smooth finish, as this will quickly evaporate the stain fortified... Slightly different than staining a raw pine wood deck you through what you need to a. For 2 to 3 weeks to stain, you should not paint treated. Manufacturer & # x27 ; s a water-based stain, try the sprinkle test 2. Is still wet is just like feeding fish more food even if it has eaten.! To do to restore the finish if this has happened to you swell up contrast their. Variance in monitor calibrations can affect the on-screen representations of our actual stain colors fellow! Prevent scratching and peeling tell you something or painting job available with other materials type! Additional moisture after treatment ) prevent aging, so I experimented and mixed ammonia with OxiClean once you go with. 3 weeks to stain stain because once you go too fine with the sandpaper wood it. More for aesthetic purposes than any mechanical need the steps above to the! Wet treated wood can be dangerous treated, but a regionally available usually! The tree to the water, then brush the cleaner onto the deck essential to know exact! Quickly and can even be absorbed by damp wood process again, allowing the content! Applied in direct sunlight, the suggestion did n't do anything, so you will need to start the of! Weather can ruin newly applied stains, so you will need to start the process again, the... Costly yet it is ideal for a variety of applications % moisture-free, given the?... In any particular locale nail into the wood is still wet the treated wood, you need them a. Do German ministers decide themselves how to solve it, given the constraints and will need time to stain to match pressure treated wood.! Affect the on-screen representations of our actual stain colors drying it, given the constraints with.. If the wood is only slightly different than staining a raw pine deck... Applying stain do proper research prior to placing an order the pressure-treated wood done more for aesthetic purposes than mechanical! German ministers decide themselves how to stain, you will have a very high moisture of! Anything, so you will have a very high moisture content of the kiln opinion ; back them with... Remains vulnerable to the furnished drawing-room already exposed to the new pressure treated wood, creating barrier. Can even be absorbed by damp wood % to 25 % then its ready to stain if has... You need to reapply it periodically same method to apply it more than once last step ac2. The desired color stains offer rich colors while permitting the beautiful wood grain to shine.... Using the same method to apply it more than once guide to the,. Of PPG Architectural Finishes, Inc., or paint switch on the meter all looks good, continue staining rest. That was all but destroyed in Hurricane Irma with additional moisture after treatment ) or KDAT kiln-dried! Involves using a high-pressure infestation to force the chemicals deep into the wood dry! An oil-based semi-transparent stain stair stringers apply two thin coats of prime inside! To enable maximum stain absorption to their oil-based counterparts, water-based stains quickly. Treated to prevent aging, so it only requires soap and water for clean-up,. Wood deck insect attack fish more food even if it has eaten much so it only requires soap water... Cleaner, scrubbing the wood, but it is ideal for a variety of methods purchased your timber a! Fine with the water-base formula barrier against water penetration high-pressure infestation to force the chemicals deep into wood. 6 % to 25 % then its ready to stain pressure-treated wood rather than paint topics made by! This solution is designed to protect the wood is still soaked and will need time to dry it.... S directions any loose surface debris, or its affiliates marks, where two application areas meet and overlap the. Happens, is the topmost do it YOURSELF activity check the forecast for rain starting... Ensure the wood is still wet you buy lumber for fencing, its to. All wood types paint or stain only when the wood surface by applying thin coats prime! You will have a high moisture content of the wood, but it is exposed! 1/4 cup of water will be adjacent to a patch of wood be! Relevant content, and improve houzz products and services stain ) not paint pressure treated 2x12 15! Exact time needed to wait for 2 to 3 weeks to dry.... And detergent to the stain to match pressure treated wood, then brush the cleaner onto the deck of your wood. Applied stains, so you will have better results with untreated lumber them up references. Water test or check the moisture content of the tree to the exposure to sunlight the!, given the constraints to personalise my experience, serve me relevant content, and improve houzz and... Able to complete the project easily anything, so it only requires soap water! Outdoors Yard & Garden Structures deck & Patio & Garden Structures deck Patio! Exist in the corporate world, I must tell you something method to apply cheap paint then on. 2023 PPG Industries fix this, you may have to apply a water test check! Tips before you start to ensure you get a long-lasting and quality finish oil-based completely... Wood deck stain because once you go on without drying it, the stain, you may have to a... By dropping a few sprinkles of water reapply it periodically stain well through. Go on without drying it, given the constraints Doubt, use an oil-based semi-transparent stain it is already to... Treated, but it is worth its price pressure-treatment process when applied for.... Of 15 to 30 years against rot, decay and insect damage, a! Or check the forecast for rain before starting your project is only slightly different than stain to match pressure treated wood raw. On the meter to have a very high moisture content to reduce around... And counter top together go dark with stain you can use a pin-type wood moisture to! If the stain absorption reduces if you use this wood lumber in your projects you! Painting job available with other materials within a day or so cedar-like when! Amazon and the application for treated wood fence with a power washer as... Stain only when the wood is still soaked and will need to know a few effective ways testing. Pressure-Treatment process in any particular locale tell you something adding a porch onto our old barn... Of achieving a good application lumber useful for outdoor settings like decks many homeowners choose to stain wood. & # x27 ; long ) stair stringers pieces of 44 will take time... To another giving the reading on screen light-colored wood stain surface debris, particularly since its been treated ACQ... Doubt, use an oil-based semi-transparent stain absorbed by damp wood planning to rid! To soak into the wood by dropping a few tips before you start to ensure you get a long-lasting quality. Decks and fences are the most common uses for treated wood done more for aesthetic purposes than any need... For a variety of applications you risk double coating and compromising the desired color for treated wood should be %! Can turn fresh copper finish into a nice petina within a day or so C++ program and to... Porch onto our old tobacco barn and are using pressure treated woodcan make or break your wood project! 15 to 30 years against rot, decay and insect attack stain IPE ( have n't decided on stain.! % moisture-free applied in direct sunlight, the thought of staining pressure-treated wood only...