Hi simie, check out this site for help regarding staining/sealing your deck American Decks. Hope this helps, and god luck!

As long as the wood is dry. It depends upon if it is in the sun or not (north or south side of house) and the humidity. It should dry in a month or so if you have the sun on it. It helps when treated lumber is nailed down while still wet cause it does warp and twist as it dries so you know it is drying like it should. Leave treated laying out and it will really warp on you. The warpage and twisting is normal for treated pine. If it bothers you, replace any that you don't like the looks of.

Once you start putting something on a deck, it means regular maintenance to keep it up depending upon how long the stuff you put on lasts.

I've always heard to wait 30 days before treating a new pressure-treated wood deck or fence to ensure that the waterproofer will adequately penetrate the surface. I agree with you, waiting at least a year doesn't make sense. Moisture soaking into unprotected wood causes it to swell. When the wood dries, it shrinks, causing warping, cracking and splitting. Mildew, mold and algae soon will follow. Look for a waterproofer that protects against ultraviolet rays and mildew. I suggest using Armor All Waterproofing Sealer Plus. Check out www.armorallhomecare.com for more information. Good luck simie!