Is your deck looking shabby? Beginning to gray or look old and worn? Cleaning and staining your deck are great ways to spruce it up and make it more appealing, plus it protects it from the elements. If you’re wondering what the best temperature for staining decks is, we’re here to help!
Temperature and humidity affect drying time, adhesion, and finish. For best results, the air and wood surface temperatures should be between 70°F and 75°F (21°C to 24°C) and humidity between 40% and 50%. Always read the label for the application instructions and temperature guidelines.
In this guide, we’ll explain the importance of temperature to exterior staining, the best degree range, and what time of day and year produce optimal results. We’ll discuss how sunlight affects stain application and look at 8 popular stains and their temperature requirements. By the end of the guide, you should better understand the effect of temperature and the sun on the application and adhesion of stain and be able to determine the best time of day, year, and temperature to stain your deck.
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How Important Are Exterior Stain Temperature Requirements?
Temperature is very important, as is humidity and weather, and all need to be considered when staining a deck. Weather is obvious, forecasts of rain or snow within 48 hours of staining can ruin the finish. Humidity affects drying times which can be an issue if precipitation is forecast before the stain fully dries.
Heat and cold affect the application of stain in a variety of ways and can cause problems later. They can also shorten the lifespan of the finish. Stain manufacturer’s temperature guidelines don’t just mean the air temperature but that of the wood surface too. A sunny day can push the wood surface out of the acceptable range even if the air stays within it. This can cause the stain to dry too quickly for even penetration and leave lap marks.
Stained surfaces need to stay within the prescribed range until the stain is fully cured. Night temperatures may stay within the approved range, but the dew point temperature may not. Dew is as much a concern to curing stain as rain. It can affect drying times, durability, and make the finish peel, flake, and look splotchy, so it is another temperature issue.
What Is the Best Temperature to Stain a Deck?
The acceptable temperature range to stain a deck, according to most stain manufacturers, is between 50°F (10°C) and 90°F (32°C). The temperature doesn’t just refer to the daytime highs and lows though but to the surface temperature of what is being stained or painted. For the best results, the wood temperature needs to stay within that range until it is fully cured.
The best temperature to stain a deck is 70°F (21°C) with a humidity of 40%, which allows for a 20° buffer between the accepted high and low temperatures. If the wood is too warm, the stain can dry too quickly causing uneven absorption, blotchy finish, and poor adhesion resulting in peeling and flaking. If it’s too cold, there is less evaporation which can lengthen the drying time and curing process, preventing proper adhesion and reducing durability.
If you live in an area where cold temperatures are common but still need to apply stain to protect a deck or other wood surface, 50°F (10°C) may be a dream come true! Temperatures between 40°F (4°C) and 50°F are acceptable provided rain or snow aren’t forecast.
Cool days tend to have lower humidity, so the stain will cure fully, just slower. The coldest the wood temperatures should be is 32°F (0°C) to 35°F (2C°). However, the stain may not fully cure until the wood warms up some.
When Is the Best Time to Stain a Deck?
The best time to stain a deck is when there are at least three to four dry days forecast in a row with highs and lows between 40°F (4°C) and 80°F (27°C). The manufacturer’s recommended range is 10° higher, but slower curing is better than too fast. Four days allow for cleaning, drying, and one coat to cure. A second can be applied once the first is dry to touch, often within 4-hours according to some manufacturers.
Time of Year
The best time of year generally depends on where the deck is located geographically. In some temperate regions, it is better to stain in the spring before the summer heat or fall winds, or hurricanes. In much of the U.S. and Canada, the summer is a favorite time to stain, although spring and early to mid-fall often have more comfortable temperatures. Some places, like mine, you stain whenever the window of opportunity knocks.
Low humidity is better than high temperatures for drying, and shade or cloud better than direct sun. A block of days without precipitation is, however, necessary for the best results. Days with light or no winds are also better for even curing too. Summer tends to be a high use time for decks, so staining in spring or fall may work better for you.
Time of Day
The best time of day depends on the deck’s location. Mornings tend to be better before the heat of the day moves in, although morning dew (if any) needs to dry. If the deck is in the morning sun and shaded in the afternoon, the afternoon will be ideal unless the wood temperature is pushing 85°F (29°C) or more.
It is best to apply stain when the sun is not directly on the wood. The sun can dry the stain too fast causing the bond to fail and the finish to look dull and blotchy. If the deck is always in the sun, consider staining late in the day or in the evening. Spotlights may be necessary, but if the forecast, temperature range, and the dew point are acceptable, a midnight rendezvous with a can of stain, brush, or roller is a good alternative.
What Is the Best Weather to Stain a Deck?
The best weather to stain a deck is when the forecast calls for 3 to 4 days without precipitation and the wood surface temperature and highs and lows ranging from 40°F (4°C) 80°F (27°C). Cloudy days with low humidity and calm winds are better than hot, windy, sunny days as direct sunlight and UV can damage the bond. A low dew-point temperature is also helpful to ensure the deck surface stays dry while it cures.
Can You Stain a Deck in the Sun?
Staining your deck in direct sunlight is problematic since it’s difficult to pick the deck up and move it to the shade. The solar heat can cause the wood temperature to rise above the air temp, which can make the stain dry too fast, resulting in lap marks. It also can prevent the stain from bonding to the wood properly, causing it to peel and flake.
In addition, the ideal relative humidity is 40% according to many manufacturers. Humidity higher than 70% speeds up the drying time and can dull the finish. If you must stain in direct sun, it is best to pick a day with temperatures around 70°F (21°C), humidity between 40% and 70%, and a low dew point. However, provided the temperature of the wood and air stay below 85°F (29°C) to 90°F (32°C), you can stain in the sun.
Popular Deck Stains Application Temperature
Different manufacturers recommend temperature ranges for their stains. While the general guidelines may be 50°F (10°C) to 90°F (32°C) for wood and air temperatures, humidity, wind, dew point, and precipitation are also important factors. It’s always best to read the stain label and even check out the manufacturer’s website for application temperatures and recommendations.
Some manufacturers provide more information than others. Here’s some helpful application temperature information for different popular stains:
Cabot Gold and Australian Timber Oil Stain

- Wood and air temp should be between 50°F (10°C) to 90°F (32°C) during application and for 48 hours following for proper curing
- Humidity between 40% and 70%
- Avoid direct sunlight when applying
- Use a stain brush – roller, pad, and sprayer aren’t recommended
- New wood should season 45 days before staining
- Drying time 24 to 48 hours depending on temperature and humidity
- Apply 2nd coat within 7 days of first
- Wait 72 hours before returning furniture and a week before heavy use
- Stained surfaces should be kept dry for the first 12 to 24 hours
- Covered decks take longer to dry
Olympic Stain

- Air and wood temperature range for application is between 50°F to 85°F (10°C to 29°C)
- Humidity for best results is between 40% and 70%
- Apply with stain brush, pad, roller, or sprayer
- Let dry 24 to 48 hours before returning furniture or light foot traffic
Thompson Water Seal

- Air and surface temperatures should be between 50°F (10°C) to 95°F (35°C) and for two days following application
- Shouldn’t be applied in direct sunlight
- Apply with brush, roller, sprayer, or pad
- Allow 48 hours or more to dry depending on humidity and temperatures
- Humidity should be between 40% and 70% for best results
- Wait 24 hours to replace furniture or for heavy foot traffic
- Reapply every 2 to 3 years or when moisture is absorbed during splash test
- New wood should season for 30 days
Minwax Polyurethane

- Stir or shake depending on directions
- Air and surface temperatures should be between 50°F to 90°F (10°C to 32°C) and for 48 hours after application (50% humidity and temps around 75°F or 24°C provide optimal drying time)
- Humidity is best between 40% and 70%
- Apply with a natural bristle brush or lambswool/synthetic pad,
- Apply 2nd coat after 4 to 6 hours depending on temp and humidity
- Let dry for 24 hours before light traffic and 72 hours before returning furniture or heavy traffic
- Wait 7 days before cleaning or placing floor mats or coverings
Minwax Stain

- Stir or shake based on directions
- Wood surface and air temperature are recommended between 50°F (10°C) to 90°F (32°C)
- Ideal humidity is 50%, or between 40% and 70%
- Apply with brush or rag with the grain, let sit for 5 to 15 minutes and remove excess
- After 4 to 6 hours, apply a top or clear protector coat
- Color will fade in direct sunlight
Superdeck Stain
No products found.No products found. are waterborne and oil-based transparent, semitransparent, and solid stains that protect wood from UV, mildew, algae, weathering, and moisture. Instructions differ slightly between products, so read the instructions.- Application temperatures for wood surface and air are between 50°F to 90°F (10°C to 32°C)
- Humidity should be between 40% and 70%
- Apply stain to shaded surfaces produce best results
- Use a brush, roller, rag, or airless sprayer and apply at the rate of absorption
- Remove excess stain before it becomes tacky
- Do not apply if rain or snow is forecast for the next 24 hours
- Apply a second coat after 3 to 8 hours or within 7 days
- Stain can be applied to damp surfaces
- Penetration depends on the moisture content of wood and porosity
- Wait for 24 to 48 hours for light foot traffic and replacing furniture
- Surfaces can be washed after 30 days
Behr Deck Over

- Wood surfaces must be dry
- Apply when wood surface and air temperatures are 50°F (10°C) to 90°F (32°C)
- Humidity between 40% and 70% results in better drying times
- Avoid applying in direct sunlight and foggy, damp, or cool weather
- Apply with a roller, brush, or airless sprayer
- Wait 4 to 6 hours before applying the recommended second coat
- Do not apply if the forecast calls for precipitation within 24 hours
- Allow to dry for 24 to 48 hours prior to light use and 72 hours for heavier use
TWP Stain

- Apply when wood surface and air temperatures are between 45°F to 95°F (7°C to 35°C)
- Low to midrange humidity (40% to 70%) produces the best results
- Apply with a sprayer, pad, roller, or brush
- Don’t apply when precipitation is forecast within 48 hours
- Two coats are required if first is absorbed in 15 to 30 minutes and can be applied wet on wet
- Drying time is 4 to 72 hours depending on the product, humidity, temperature, and wood absorption
Can Deck Stain Freeze?
The type of base that a stain is made from determines if it can freeze or should be kept above freezing when stored. Water-based, water reducible alkyd-base, and modified oil-based stains will freeze and should be stored where they won’t. Oil-based stains won’t freeze and can be stored in heated or unheated buildings. Stored stains should be well shaken or stirred after storage to ensure they are fully mixed prior to use.
Conclusion
The best air and wood surface temperatures for staining a deck are between 70°F (21°C) and 75°F (24°C) with humidity between 40% and 50%. High humidity and conditions above 85°F (29°C) or below 40°F (4°C) can adversely affect absorption, adhesion, finish, and drying time.
The acceptable thermal range varies between manufacturers and even products within a brand, so it is important to review directions. Hopefully, you have a better understanding of why the temperature of the wood and air are important when applying stain, and also when to stain your deck for the best results.

Eugene has been a DIY enthusiast for most of his life and loves being creative while inspiring creativity in others. He is passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and woodworking.