How long after washing can I stain my deck?

After professional washing of your wood deck, it is crucial to let the wood dry completely before applying stain or sealer. The drying time depends on several factors: wood type, sun exposure, temperature and ambient humidity. Generally, allow 48 to 72 hours of dry, sunny weather. To check if the wood is ready, sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface: if the water penetrates quickly, the wood is dry and porous enough to absorb the stain. If the water beads up, the wood is still too wet. A moisture meter can also give a precise reading (aim for less than 15% moisture). Applying stain on wet wood is the number one cause of premature peeling.