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 pressure treatment protects the wood against fungal decay and insects.
You can apply an exterior wood stain later to refresh or change the colour. Make sure you wait until the timber is dry before you apply it and use a product suitable for pressure-treated wood that sits outdoors.
Read our guide to maintaining wooden stables for more information about stable maintenance.
Is it better to paint or stain pressure-treated wood?
If you want to change the look of your timber stables, staining is usually the simpler option.
A wood stain allows the timber's grain to stay visible and is fairly easy to refresh when needed.
Paint, on the other hand, gives you more colour choices 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 fully dry. How quickly the timber dries will depend on the weather, the timber and the treatment used.
A 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 of it, it might be ready for staining.
How to stain pressure-treated timber stables
1. Prepare the timber
The whole 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 the stain needs to dry for and look at the weather forecast.
3. Prepare and test the stain
Mix or shake the product following the manufacturer's instructions.
Test the stain on a small, less visible area and let it dry. This gives you a chance to check you're happy with the final colour before changing the whole building.
4. Stain the stables
Apply the stain evenly, working from the top of the building down.
Pay attention to exposed edges and ends, and apply the number of coats recommended by the manufacturer.
Allow each coat to dry 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 About Wood Preservation
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.
