when i built our deck, i let it 'age' for almost a year. after that time i noticed the wood had lost it's 'green' color, and had 'dried' out quite a bit. before i stained it, i pressure washed the whole thing and let it dry fo a few days. when we stained it, the wood really absorbed the stain well. that was 2 years ago i think, and so far, so good.

as far as the actual stain, not sure, sooo many options out there...

I have collected some information on deck staining. I like Cabot Stain and sealers myself. You can find the info here at http://decks.hemmingsjones.com This should get you started in the right direction.

Iceman

www.dvdhomestudios.com

If you are building a deck with the new treated lumber (AZQ) you will have to wait a year before you apply a stain on the deck as the amount of copper in the wood will discolor the stain. There is a product you can use to help the wood cure a good rate and to cut down on warping and it is Seasonite by The Flood company. This product is made to be coated after it has been on for a year.

..well, I'm not a painter but I have been talked into staining some of our decks, and I'll have to note we do not use treated lumber as an actual finish decking material, only for the rough framing.

That said, I do know the above info is off a little, but I do see Iceman has changed his stain page it's got the Better- H&G info on there now which is great... anyway when in doubt I head to the source.. which in your case is the ACQ treatment, that site is TREATEDWOOD.com by Chemical Specialties, Inc here: look at the preserve page: http://www.treatedwood.com/products/preserve/

http://www.altereagle.com/

http://decks-ca.com

http://kingofcrown.com

Alter Eagle Construction & Design