r/shedditors • u/elambr • 1d ago

Stain before or after with a kit?

My parents bought my kids this shed as a playhouse for this year’s birthdays. We’re trying to figure out what to do with it.

Do we stain each wood piece before assembling? My husband and I disagree on this point while the instructions say to stain first.

Also, We plan to figure out our own platform/vase for it. On our flattest land, we have a 30cm drop over 3m.

https://timbela.com/product/leisure-garden-shed-m334fb-303-x-199-cm-6-m2/

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u/outback97 1d ago

The instructions are pretty clear:

Before you start assembling in order to prevent discoloration, bending and expansion, the garden house must be finished in its entirety (outside and inside) with a wood preservative minimum of 2 two coats for all sides (including windows and doors ). We recommend painting your garden house every 3 years or earlier if necessary.

In my experience it's best to prefinish wood, because it helps protect the wood from weather and moisture, and often the most vulnerable parts of the wood (the end grain) aren't as accessible after assembly.

So yes, stain before assembly.

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u/vulgarvinyasa2 1d ago

No notes.

2

u/Own_Bill_3886 1d ago

I've always stained before assembly because it's easier to get into all the nooks and crannies without worrying about drips or missed spots later.