You did not indicate what kind of material that the deck is made of.

I am guessing that it is pressure treated lumber.

Did he, or the people that telling you to wait to spring, give any reason for waiting and they that want you to wait that long.

The US Forest Product Labs testing has shown that PT lumber can AND SHOULD BE finished as soon as the surface is dry to the touch.

Except during heavy rainy period or cold weather that is usually within 2 weeks.

As long as it is dry, go ahead and stain it. Test the lumber for dryness by sprinkling water on the surface. If it soaks in readily, the surface is ready to receive a finish. Untreated lumber should be finished as soon as it is dry to the touch. If you wait too long, the surface of the wood will have begun to degrade already. In addition, if you wait until spring you will need to clean the deck with a deck brightener such as Oxygenated Bleach. If you want more info, I have articles and links on this subject and more.

Go to www.hemmingsjones.com/decks to view articles and links

Iceman,

www.dvdhomestudios.com

http://decks.hemmingsjones.com