[PET41]

I am refacing my deck with 51/2" wide X 11/2" thick treated lumber (treated for above ground construction). The lumber arrived wet and my question is; how long do can I wait before water proofing & staining. The answers I am getting from Home Centers, etc. are all over the map. TIA
PET41

[ballengerb1]

Wet with rain water or wet with the pressure solution? If it's the solution a 6 month wait is best. Many of the really good sealer have their own recommendation on the can so pick one and rean. I really like Thompson's Advanced and their Wareproofer plus Wood Protector. The later comes in clear or 4 tints. Thompson's® WaterSeal® Waterproofer Plus Tinted Wood Protector - ThompsonsWaterSeal.com

[PET41]

Wet with rainwater on some of the lumber. I am trying to find out from the dealer.

[ballengerb1]

If the wet boards are laid out and can get dry air circulating around them for 3-4 days you should be good to go. You could start even earlier if you chose a water based stain/sealer like Thompsons Advanced

[02dodgeman]

Pet41, when dealing with wood as I often do I have seen construction and home owners in a hurry to finnish a job with wet lumber weather it's wet with rain or treatment and a few years later it's rotting from the inside and has to be replaced. You can stack your wood in several rows say 4 or 5 boards with a 1" strip of wood in several locations between each layer and tie it down to help warping. After drying then install with the proper gap between boards say a 1/4" to allow for expansion. OR you could install the wood wet with tight joints and as the wood dries you will have your exransion gap, wait a coupel of weeks for some nice weather and the wood is dry and waterproof it then. When the wood is dry it will soak up the stain or waterproofing of your choice and last you for a long time with every other year retreating the wood. ( sorry such a lond explination got carried away when it comes to wood )