How to Stain Pressure-Treated Timber Stables
Find out whether pressure-treated stables need staining and how to prepare and treat the timber when you want to refresh its appearance.
Do Pressure-Treated Timber Stables Need Staining?
Pressure-treated timber stables don’t normally need staining when they’re new. The treatment protects the wood against fungal decay and wood-boring insects, while the timber will naturally change colour as it weathers.
You may choose to apply an exterior wood stain later to refresh or change the colour. Wait until the timber is dry and use a product suitable for exterior pressure-treated wood.
For routine inspections and repairs, read our guide to maintaining wooden stables.
Is it better to paint or stain pressure-treated wood?
If you want to change the appearance of your timber stables, staining is usually the simpler option.
A wood stain allows the grain of the timber to remain visible and is relatively easy to refresh when needed. Paint gives you more choice of colour but requires more preparation and can peel or flake if you don’t prepare the timber properly.
Whichever option you choose, make sure the product is suitable for exterior pressure-treated timber and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
How long should you wait to stain pressure-treated wood?
Don't stain newly pressure-treated timber until it’s dry. How quickly the timber dries will depend on the weather, the timber and the treatment used.
One simple way to check is to put a small amount of water onto the surface. If the water soaks into the timber rather than sitting in beads on top, it may be ready for staining.
Always check the instructions for the stain you've chosen before applying it.
How to stain pressure-treated timber stables
1. Prepare the timber
The surface needs to be clean and dry before you start.
If you're staining older stables, remove dirt and loose material and clean the timber using a method suitable for the surface.
2. Choose a dry spell
Check how long your chosen stain needs to dry and look at the weather forecast before starting.
Avoid applying stain if rain is forecast before the product has had enough time to dry.
3. Prepare and test the stain
Mix or shake the product according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Test the stain on a small, less visible area first and let it dry. This gives you a chance to check you're happy with the final colour before covering the whole building.
4. Stain the stables
Apply the stain evenly, working from the top of the building down.
Pay special attention to exposed edges and ends, and apply the number of coats recommended by the manufacturer.
Allow each coat to dry for the specified time before applying another.
Keep your Colt timber stables in good condition
Colt timber stables are built using pressure-treated shiplap cladding, so the timber is protected before your building arrives.
You can leave the timber to weather naturally or stain it later if you want to change or refresh its appearance.
Take a look at our timber stables, or get in touch if you have questions about looking after your Colt stable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you paint pressure-treated stables?
Yes, but it needs to be dry and properly prepared first. Applying paint while the timber still contains too much moisture can prevent it from bonding properly and lead to peeling or an uneven finish.
Does pressure-treated timber turn grey?
Yes. Pressure-treated timber gradually fades and turns grey as it's exposed to sunlight and the weather. This is a natural change and doesn't mean the timber needs replacing.
How often should you stain timber stables?
This will depend on the stain you use and how exposed your stables are to the weather. Follow the manufacturer's guidance on when the product needs another coat.
Can you stain old timber stables?
Yes. Older timber can be stained as long as it's in suitable condition and properly prepared. Clean the surface and allow it to dry thoroughly before applying a suitable exterior wood stain.
