Originally Posted by madwi

Depends on how wet the lumber is and what grade, species ect. Usually it is wet as **** at the home centers. Menards can have some decent dry stuff but its all usually still construction grade and not really meant for furniture making. If ever build another one you can try to use some pre-treatment to help the stain soak up a bit more evenly but ive never had good luck on 2x4s and the likes.
The good thing is after a few years and projects, it'll take a beating and you wont mind the patina.