OT: staining deck posts?

[tychicus]

Do you guys know if it's necessary to stain the wooded posts that support a raised second floor deck?

The wood is exposed, that's what I'm wondering if it's best to treat that with stain, if yes, any recommendations on stains to use?

Thanks

 

[Crazed_RU]

No expert but I don't think staining does anything for durability.

 

[RUtix4me]

I thought you were looking for posts about staining decks. Ive never posted on that

 

[RUinPinehurst]

Hopefully your building code required the builder to use treated lumber. Adding a quality stain with UV protection and water proof compound will provide a bit more protection against the elements and may prolong the life of the structure.

 

[SkilletHead2]

Get a dog.

 

[Saint Puppy]

I just bought a home that had a deck that needed TLC, so I did a lot of research including watching videos since I knew nothing. I would say staining the wood support is the same as staining the deck itself. Below is the video I ended up using as my guide - all the materials are easily gotten at Home Depot - and agree with RUinPinehurst that using the right kind of stain will help to protect the wood. I would even take it a step further and say to use a wood cleaner/protector in addition. Good luck!

 

[R1776U]

pressure wash it down... stain it... then put a coat or two of polyurethane ... you'll be good for a LONG time

 

[Blitz Pakage]

Do you guys know if it's necessary to stain the wooded posts that support a raised second floor deck?

The wood is exposed, that's what I'm wondering if it's best to treat that with stain, if yes, any recommendations on stains to use?

Thanks

The builder should have used pressure treated lumber. If so, yes power wash it first and then stain the wood or if you want to keep it natural just use transparent sealer. I do this for a living so I hope my advice helped you!

 

[R1776U]

The builder should have used pressure treated lumber. If so, yes power wash it first and then stain the wood or if you want to keep it natural just use transparent sealer. I do this for a living so I hope my advice helped you!

kinda what i said [cheers]

 

[ashokan]

If the treated lumber is new you might want to let it season in a bit. The chemicals used can block absorption/adhesion when new. Its like a sponge that's already wet so let it dry (sprinkle some water on wood and see if it soaks in or sits). If using a coating you shouldn't need pressure washing on new wood. A garden house and scrub brush pole should be fine. The coatings I like best are from Sikkens. Their stuff can be more expensive but they have marine grade finishes that are more durable than others. All clear UV protective coatings deteriorate quickly over a few years but Sikkens seems to last best. Home Depot has their stuff and so does West Marine

http://www.perfectwoodstains.com/products/deck-stain

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Sikkens-...-Exterior-Wood-Finish-SIK500-190-01/205857609

 

[mikershoein]

after you pressure wash it and the deck drys, you can get a sand paper attachment on a boom stick (don't know what its called) and used to scrape any loose particles and wood splinters then use a leaf blower to get off dust. then start the staining

 

[RU5180]

Ashokan is right. Let the treated lumber dry out for a few weeks or even months before you stain. I would stain the posts the same asthe decking and trim boards, so long as you dont have any plastic wood. You should also use an end grain sealer where the PT wood was cut open. The central core of the pt wood doesnt always take the pressure treatment.