You are being misinformed if a contractor informs you to wait one year to stain or seal your deck. During this time, your deck will be exposed to all of the elements and will promote premature warping and cracking. Think of your deck as your skin. How long would your skin last unprotected if you were to lie in the sun all day, every day? Your deck of fence should be stained or sealed within a few months. Just long enough for the wood to dry out.