Use and Care Manual

Maintenance

Although ProWood pressure-treated lumber is protected

against rot (fungal decay) and termites, periodic maintenance

must be performed to maximize protection against weathering.

This maintenance will let you enjoy your new outdoor project for

many years.

In some cases ProWood treated lumber has water repellent

already applied during the pressure treating process. Make

sure to read and understand the end tag on your new lumber

to determine whether a factory-applied water repellent has

been added. The information on the treated lumber tag or end

tag will help you understand when to apply a topical wood

sealer.

Apply Stain or Sealer to Dry Wood

The time it takes for wood to dry out depends on the climate

and the wood’s exposure to the sun. During the summer

pressure-treated lumber under full sun can dry in a few days.

In cool, damp whether or when shaded by an overhanging

roof or tree, it will take much longer for wood to dry.

Use the water test to see if it’s time to seal (or re-seal).

Drizzle some water onto the wood. If the water beads, the

wood is still sealed and protected. If the water is absorbed

into the wood within a few seconds, it’s time to apply a

sealer. Test a few different areas of a deck, fence or wood

project. Note: High-traffic spots on a wood deck are likely to

wear down before corners and railing balusters.

Seal Kiln Dried Lumber

In some areas you can buy treated wood that is Kiln Dried After Treatment (KDAT). With KDAT lumber, moisture is

removed from the wood before shipment to a lumberyard. KDAT will be marked on each piece of wood with an end

tag or an ink stamp. It is recommended that you seal KDAT lumber immediately unless it has been pressure-treated

with a water repellent additive.

Add Color and Water Repellency with a Wood Sealer

Start by applying a topical sealant to your new project for surface protection. We do not recommend using a

conventional multi-coat paint system or varnish. The performance is nearly always disappointing and scraping and

sanding and often must precede repainting. Instead, choose an outdoor wood sealer. A wood sealer offers a degree

of water repellency and color to treated lumber without forming a thick coating on the surface. It will also allow any

remaining moisture to slowly leave wood after the coating has been applied. Wood sealers come in three versions:

solid stains, semi-transparent and clear.

Staining and Sealing

Treated Lumber

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Staining and Sealing Treated Lumber Maintenance Although ProWood pressure-treated lumber is protected against rot (fungal decay) and termites, periodic maintenance must be performed to maximize protection against weathering. This maintenance will let you enjoy your new outdoor project for many years. In some cases ProWood treated lumber has water repellent already applied during the pressure treating process.
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Staining and Sealing Treated Lumber Solid Stains It is recommended that “solid” wood sealers, which have more pigment, be used only on vertical projects such as fences and siding. If used on decking, weather and foot traffic will wear through the pigment unevenly. Semi-transparent Sealants This type of wood sealant is suitable for vertical or horizontal surfaces such as deck boards, rails, siding and playground equipment. There are several brands available in many colors.