New wolmanized wood deck...What to do for winter?

[Garret]

Finished building most of my new deck this late summer and fall and still need stairs and rail which will happen next spring. Used womanized wood and was wondering if I need to do anything before winter to the decking or can I just leave it then seal and stain it next spring? Should I cover it with plastic over the winter months? Was going to call a lumber yard and a paint and stain place to get opinion but hope for info here.

Any help is appreciated and thanks in advance!


G-MAN

[live2fishdjs]

I'd like to know more about a "womanized" deck...:lol:

J/K. It should be fine over the winter, IMO it's best to let it age for a year before staining/painting anyway.

[Garret]

My wife hammered me about getting rid of the old deck for years that's why it's womanized!;):lol:

[amberjack1987]

The wood should age till next spring before putting anything on it. Power wash it before coating it with your product of choice. I have found that new WOLmanized ;) will not absorb well.

[Garret]

Thanks for the input gang. Much appreciated!

[Ausable Junkie]

yup, let it go this winter w/out any sealer. Don't be cheap when u
get ur stain stuff. The $25/gallon stuff will need recoating every other
year if you're lucky.

The good stuff runs $40-$60/gallon and lasts 3-4 years. Sikkens is one
of the good ones. Thompsons has a great ad campaign, but their product
sucks.

My $.02

[Garret]

Thanks AJ i'll do just that. For the additional few bucks it's worth using a quality stain.

Thanks again!

Garret

[Big Reds]

Definately leave it go until at least next summer! The process to make it wolmanized injects water with other chemicals to treat the wood. Nothing will stick to it for long until it is completely dried out. It will last below ground for years and years untreated. Above will last a very long time, but only if treated properly!
karaconhomes.com

[Michigander1]

I always heard you should do nothing for 3 or so yrs before you treat it.It wont soak up nothing cause it takes so long for it to dry up.Most Stains ect will tell you this on the can.Mich

[Paul Thompson]

I wouldn't touch it for three years either, it is heavy with sealent now to last three years or more. It will not accept any new sealer or color for at leat three years.

[Garret]

Thanks for the input! Very helpful information!