How to decide what type of wood is best to stain:
All Wood Defender™ exterior wood stains are formulated to stain, seal, and protect any wood species being used for exterior purposes. Some examples commonly used in exterior construction may include cedar, pine, cypress, spruce, and fir. On smooth milled boards or aged lumber, we recommend our Wood Defender semi-transparent products. They will result in a more uniform finish and have a longer lifespan. On rough-sawn materials, our Wood Defender transparent products will highlight the wood grain and enhance the positive characteristics of the wood.
How to determine if the wood is too old to be stained or if it needs to be replaced:
It is not uncommon for homeowners and contractors to use Wood Defender exterior wood stains on aged lumber. With the proper preparation and quality stain, you can restore the structure and make it look like new again. If the wood has extreme decay and rot, replacement may be necessary. Please refer to the preparation tutorials for instructions on preparing an aged structure.