Pressure-treated lumber needs 6 months before staining — not the 30 days on the label

The 30-day recommendation on PT lumber assumes ideal drying conditions. In practice, kiln-dried-after-treatment (KDAT) lumber is ready in 30 days, but standard ground-contact treated lumber retains moisture for 3-6 months. Test with a moisture meter — below 15% is ideal for staining. Staining too early traps moisture and causes peeling within one season. The sprinkle test (water beads = too wet) is unreliable.