Best stain for rough sawn cedar. (30 to 60 sq. Discover the best finishing techniques that will protect and enhance the natural beauty of your cedar wood, ensuring long-lasting and stunning results. Discover tips for preparing the surface, choosing the right stain. Does Cedar Wood Stain Well? Some cedar naturally lacks pitch and resin, and these substances can make it very difficult for wood to accept stains. The porches are in and it's time to protect the wood. Staining rough cut cedar is a great way to enhance its natural beauty and bring out its unique grain character. Discover the best staining techniques, tips for preparing cedar surfaces, and recommended stain types for exterior and interior projects. Dec 20, 2025 · Applying stain to wood with a high moisture content traps the water, leading to premature finish failure, peeling, and the growth of mold or mildew beneath the film. Products I use: Minwax Wood Stain: https://amzn. Learn how to stain cedar wood effectively with our expert guide. Will have to replace some trim It all depends though on the type of cedar you have. Whether you're a seasoned artisan or a novice enthusiast, shop Woodcraft for expert advice, unbeatable prices, superior brands, and a woodworking experience like no other. Everyone knows that Western Red Cedar is an ideal building material for the outdoors. Apparently there was a insect just beneath the surface of the soffit. Because of the tannins in cedar, you can't treat it like other types of wood; you need to use specific types of primers and stains. 14K subscribers Subscribe Stain rough cut cedar with the understanding that the initial application probably won't last longer than a year or so. Smooth finished wood you can expect 250 to 350 sq. Now the price per gallon will change with the brand, the color, and the quantity you need to purchase. I'm getting ready to side a workshop with rough sawn SYP. (23 to 33 sq. Rough cut cedar siding is a durable building material. You'll need to properly prepare the surface, gather the right tools, choose the best paint and then apply the paint in the shade. In this video you'll learn how to stain rough sawn cedar shake or siding, not only the technique but also the tools and product, enjoy. Can you avoid the blotchy look? Yes, you can! After years of practice, I’ve learned the best ways to get perfect results every time. To stain cedar, start by cleaning and sanding the wood evenly with the appropriate grit sandpaper. Is there a better product that I should use ? (Don't really want to recoat every year) Cedar is a beautiful, natural material that can last for years with the proper care. Learn about finishing techniques, stain types, lasting power and surface preparation. Staining rough wood is different than staining smooth wood. Cedar wood is prized for its durability and stunning appearance, making it a popular choice for outdoor furniture and structures. This is what I noticed the first part of may this year. Here are some tips on how to clean your rough cedar interior walls and keep them looking their best: 1. Application Techniques for Rough Wood Applying stain to rough cedar is a process that requires working the material into the texture rather than simply coating the surface. Learn all you need to know before staining your cedar! Guide To Finishing Western Red Cedar. Staining rough sawn lumber is an excellent way to enhance its natural beauty while protecting it from the elements. to/3BmZEev General Finishes Arm-R-Seal: https://amzn. The rough cut timber takes some extra prep. Over the course of that year, the wood pores should open up a little bit, and subsequent applications of stain will last longer as more product is able to soak into the siding. So you've decided to finish your western red cedar siding, but not sure whether to use paint or stain? We discuss all the pros and cons of using both in our comprehensive guide. But, like any natural wood product, they require special care when cleaning. Best finish for rough sawn exterior wood With pine I think the first step should be an insect treatment and then follow-up with a protective coating. Wayne Julian Member Join Date:Oct 2006 Posts:731 Location:Central Toronto, Yonge and Eg area Share Post #6 03-11-2011, 03:07 PM Having learned how to stain hemlock wood, go ahead and add a pop of stain color to your furniture, siding, and other woodworking projects. ft. I used semi-transparent oil based stain. This guide explores the key aspects of how to stain rough sawn lumber. In this MasterStroke Ask an Expert video, Resene’s Jay Sharples shares his advice on how to paint or stain rough sawn timber, whether it's a pergola, fence o You can use penetrating stain on new, rough sawn cedar. I am located on the west coast of Canada so some of the I have an outdoor pergola structure, rough cedar, built mid-2019, so should be dry enough for finishing. Unlike smooth, planed wood, rough sawn lumber has a rugged and textured surface that can absorb stain differently, creating a unique and rustic finish. Trying to figure out if I need to light sand these rough cedar beams prior to staining. Preparation is key for success when staining rough cut cedar, so be sure to sand it thoroughly before staining. Finish Cedar Preparing Cedar For Finishing Learn how to prepare cedar for outdoor use with our step-by-step guide. Sep 4, 2025 · Rough cedar is most commonly used for siding on houses, but you can also find it on fences. Because it tends not to be as absorbent as a more traditional, milled siding, stains can have trouble penetrating. For rough cut cedar you can expect about 100 to 200 sq. Rough-cut lumber is a great, inexpensive option for outdoor projects. It has to be treated for outdoor use, but once you read this article. This will help ensure that the stain will have maximum adhesion and penetration. Find the perfect stains for cedar siding with our quick guide. The Best Stain for Cedar Recommendations Cedar is readily available in different grades and patterns, but the process of choosing the right stain for your cedar wood can prove to be challenging. You should remember from this blog post that staining hemlock, like other softwood species, needs thorough sanding and conditioning treatment. Explore our vast selection of premium wood, tools, and accessories, meticulously curated to fuel your passion for creating timeless pieces. Rough sawn-cut lumber is popular for exterior uses like fences and trim, but how can you stain it to get the best appearance and protection for the wood? Get advice from the pros at DeckStainHelp. ) of coverage per gallon of stain. Thinking of using an oil based cedar tint stain. After it dries, apply your chosen stain with a brush or rag, following the grain. If you wish to sand or power wash this siding effectively, however, use solid color stain. The less thought of costs may include: I am currently on a stain restoration job and the facia and some of the deck skirting is rough cedar. Clean off dust, then apply a wood conditioner to help ensure even staining. Staining rough-cut lumber is different from staining traditional lumber, so be sure to use the right method. Nov 22, 2024 · Learn how to stain rough cedar effectively. Cedar is a beautiful, natural material that can last for years with the proper care. Any suggestions on what I can do to protect the wood from the elements, especially because I'm going to be joining them with 45 degree cuts at the seams. Feb 4, 2026 · We tested several cedar stains to find the best options for protection and appearance. to/3DwmxPj Minwax Pre-Stain Conditioner: https://amzn. Jul 30, 2025 · To darken rough-cut cedar effectively, applying a semi-transparent oil-based exterior stain works best. I'm worried about them warping/separating over time. My main focus right now is just keeping it as weather proof (moisture) as possible since it won't get a tremendous amount of sun. To stain Douglas Fir, first sand the wood with medium-grit sandpaper. Dust regularly. Learn all you need to know before staining your cedar! Give rough-cut lumber a new and finished look by applying a stain before you begin your project. Apply a wood conditioner if needed to ensure even stain absorption. However, lacquer alone cannot be used for external wood covering, so it may need to be combined with other products or is best left for cedar installed in garages, sheds, and even in the house. Learn how to stain rough cedar effectively. m. Let it sit, then wipe off excess before it dries. more Everyone knows that Western Red Cedar is an ideal building material for the outdoors. Like the look of the raw cedar, prefer not to cover it or change color too much Rough-sawn and weathered surfaces are much more absorptive and are finished best with two coats of penetrating stain, which should last eight to ten years, providing the second coat is applied within one hour of the first so they both penetrate the surface. to/3BLv2op High Quality Foam Brushes How to Clean Rough Cedar Interior Walls Rough cedar interior walls are a beautiful addition to any home. ) per gallon. Also wondering what the best method for application is, roll or sprayer etc and any other tips so I don’t screw this up. Yes, you can stain rough cut cedar. Over time, exposure to the elements can dull its rich color, prompting A fresh coat of stain can transform any wooden surface from ordinary into something beautiful. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s naturally resistant to rot, decay and insects, so it just goes to show that nature’s most versatile building material is the perfect choice for siding and decking. Home » Wood Maintenance » Stain » Staining Douglas Fir (Best Stain For Douglas Fir) Staining Douglas fir brings out its beautiful grain and rich color, but getting a smooth finish can be tough. Is it rough sawn or smooth? if rough it will end up smooth if you use a sander so obviously a sander wont do it for you. Currently no finish on it, would like to apply urethane or stain to protect wood (carpenter bees, weather). Understand grades, seasoning, texture, and patterns for a beautiful result. Wood differs from other common building materials in that it is a natural biological material. For finishing rough sawn cedar weatherboards, an effective approach includes power washing followed by an oil-based stain or solid block paint. Rough cedar is most commonly used for siding on houses, but you can also find it on fences. While rough cut lumber can be slightly more tricky to stain than traditional lumber, it's a task that can easily be undertaken with a helpful instructional guide and a few basic staining tools. Staining a Rough Sawn Cedar Shed, a Deck and Playground in Plymouth Indiana- Matthews Painting Matthews' Painting Company, LLC 4. 14K subscribers Subscribe Choosing the right paint or stain for rough sawn timber will ensure your outdoor projects can endure even the toughest weather conditions. Stain that has not penetrated after an hour should be wiped off, for a uniform look Tips on how to finish your Western Red Cedar outdoor application. This is true even of rough-cut lumber. The client and I do not want to change the rough hewn look of the boards simply remove the failing an aged stain so it can be reapplied. com to learn how to stain rough-sawn cedar or pine. Today we tackled the two ground floor porches. Choosing the right paint or stain for rough sawn timber will ensure your outdoor projects can endure even the toughest weather conditions. The non-milled wood surface creates a rustic appearance, but it can present some challenges when it comes to finishing. Enhance the natural beauty of cedar while protecting it from the elements with our step-by-step staining instructions and advice on cedar wood finish and preservation. Lightly spraying the first coat with a pump sprayer allows for deep absorption, establishing a strong base. Preparing the wood with thorough sanding is crucial to ensure a smooth surface for stain application. Learn from my mistakes with these tips for staining rough cut wood. Nov 9, 2025 · Staining rough sawn lumber is an excellent way to enhance its natural beauty while protecting it from the elements. I'm making some faux wood beams out of rough sawn cedar for outdoor use. Does Cedar Stain Well? Yes, Cedar stains so well. This is rough sawn cedar already stained with a dark oil based stain on the rough side, which is what I'm trying to protect. Rough cut exterior wood can be a bit tricky to paint. Color stain is more like paint, and it works better if the siding has already been painted or has weathered to gray. To darken rough-cut cedar effectively, applying a semi-transparent oil-based exterior stain works best. Give rough-cut lumber a new and finished look by applying a stain before you begin your project. I have retreated the wall but that is long term. Our top pick boasts a beautiful, natural finish. Choose a high-quality stain to ensure longevity and vibrant color. Staining cedar wood enhances its natural beauty while protecting it from weather damage. 4hoyt, sjdm, ajg4j4, tkyboc, ueyk7, jatoiv, j0bo0, fzunz, hba0r, cvr8l,