However with semi transparent stains you will need to take care with the application.
Staining new cedar deck boards.
Therefore you should stain or seal your cedar decking within 2 to 3 months of installing the deck.
Let dry for 24 48 hours then apply your deck stain of choice.
This will renew the decking color as well as allow the stain to be absorbed more effectively.
Since cedar is all natural and chemical free it comes without any enhanced protection.
Stain all sides of cedar decking.
New wood needs to season and be prepped prior to stain.
This simply allows moisture to soak in through the ends or bottom of the boards causing the stain to flake and peel quickly.
Staining cedar with a semi transparent stain.
Stain new deck right away.
Cedar is not exceptionally hard wood.
Not the most common approach but can be done if you prep properly.
Some people make the mistake of leaving ends unsealed or the bottom of boards untreated.
Apply a wood deck cleaner and thoroughly scrub and or pressure wash lightly.
When to stain cedar decking.
After cleaning the deck you will need to neutralize the wood deck cleaner with a wood brightener.
Staining or sealing a cedar deck has different rules than decks using pressure treated lumber.
Preparing to stain a new deck is different from staining a deck that has already been stained.