Water based exterior stain on pressure treated lumber

[Joe O'Connor]

Do I have to wait for the lumber to dry out before staining? How long if so?

Project is a pergola so no horizontal or walking surfaces.

Thanks Joe.

[Mel Fulks]

That is one of its main uses, I think it's ok unless the material is really soaking wet.

[Jim Becker]

Do you have to wait? No. But it's not a horrible idea to wait a few months so more moisture can escape from that treated lumber. You almost can't work with anything wetter than treated unless you pay big bucks for treated that's been subsequently through the kiln. You'll get better results and longer life from your stain if things are dryer when you apply it.

[Jason Roehl]

What Jim said. In Michigan, your lumber is not going to dry quickly, and the range I've always heard is six weeks to six months. I'd tend toward the six months in your case.