Q: Can I stain or seal my pressure treated deck right away, and how will weathering affect my deck?

A:  We recommend using the "cup-of-water" test before staining. Take a cup of  water  and pour it onto the treated lumber in several places. If the water  is  absorbed and doesn't bead up, the lumber is ready for  sealing, painting or staining.  In  general, as wood is exposed  to environmental elements, it will begin to fade, split and  crack especially if it is left untreated. The extent of fading depends  on  the type  of wood, the temperature, the frequency and type of  environmental exposure and  time.   Cedar, Redwood, Exotic  Hardwoods and Southern Yellow Pine left untreated,  will  weather  to varying shades distinguished silvery grey.