Staining Deck Before Install?

6673 Views 8 Replies 4 Participants Last post by obinnae, Feb 10, 2013

obinnae

Discussion Starter · Feb 9, 2013

I'm getting ready to replace the decking portion of my deck (the structure itself is fine). Recently moved into a new house and the prior owners never treated the boards. They're beyond repair at this point.

While I'm at it, I am planning on replacing the ballisters/top rails, etc. The deck is on the second story, so accessing the outside of the ballisters to stain them after installation won't be ideal.

Are there any issues with treating and staining the ballisters prior to installation, as opposed to after? Anything else I should take into consideration as I move forward?

Thanks in advance for any help!

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obinnae

Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 9, 2013

Thanks Joe. Any opinion on what type of wood I should get? Definitely preferred pressure treated wood over the trex material.

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obinnae

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 10, 2013

I'm in the Washington DC area. I'm guessing Pine is my best bet.

Any issues with going with a big box store to get the wood? What brand of stain do you recommend?

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obinnae

Discussion Starter · #9 · Feb 10, 2013

jagans said:
For the most part, the PT lumber they sell in the big box stores is very low grade material. You can get KDAT (Kiln Dried After Treatment) pressure treated material, but you will never get it at HD or L. Look for specialty lumberyards, and stick to No. 1 The stuff the big box stores sell looks like No. 3 to me, but they sell it as 2

Make sure you use stainless steel fasteners with ACQ, Galvanized will not last over the long haul.

Any specialty lumberyards you'd recommend - I'm in the same area as you.

Also, assuming I go with KDAT - would that mean I could stain prior to installation since it will be dry?

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