Deck finishes-What do I Do?

[DianaLynn]

Just had a new deck built with pine. We would like to stain it or use some type of preservative so it doesn't turn gray. Would like something in brown tones to match the colors of our house-bone stucco and painted dark brown wood trim.

What is a good product to use and how. We have heard that we should let the wood dry out for a month before doing anything.
Also, had it done by builders and some pieces of wood railing seem so rough. Should we try sanding them or does it matter?

Please help!

DianaLynn:confused:

[KathrynY]

I also received the advice to let our new deck "dry out" a bit before sealing (it was built mid-Mayof pressure treated pine), so that's a project for this fall. As far as products to use, I was planning on using Thompson's water seal since we like the gray look (goes with the house) so I'm not sure what to recommend for your situation. I was planning on sanding the rough pieces a bit first, but I'm no expert so maybe someone else has advice in this area.

Good luck! :)

[DianaLynn]

Kathyrn:

Thanks for advice. Talked to good neighbor who moved and is contractor. He says not necessary to sand unless we want to do handrails or we could keep it rustic. I want to spend the weekend sanding-at least the handrails!

He also recommended Sherwin-Williams product called "Woodscape." We will look into several choices.

Thanks again for reply.

DianaLynn;)

[MrsReber]

We just put up a cedar picket fence and we don't want it to gray, either. My husband bought sealer for it, I just can't remember the name of it now! He got it at Sears. The woman there highly recommended it. Our neighbor said don't use Thompson's!!! She used it on her deck and it turned gray right away! I'll have to remember to go look at the name of the stuff we used. I put it on the fence along the front of our property and there is a noticable difference. I haven't been able to finish the job all at once so the fence that hasn't been sealed yet is actually starting to gray a bit.

[Grace]

I was also told emphatically not to use Thompson's. We used (several times now) a product called Behr. It's the house brand at Home Depot (I think). Anyway, we've been very happy with it, and will buy it again next year when we do our deck again. (We do it every two years). Enjoy your deck!

[DianaLynn]

Thanks MrsReber and Grace,

Decided NOT TO USE THOMPSON'S. We bought a product from Sherwin-Williams in the Cuprinol brand line specifically with a UV Blocker as our deck is 90% of the time in the sun.

Will apply in several weeks after wood drys out. Then I'll give you my review!

DianaLynn;)

[MrsReber]

I looked this weekend - Cuprinol is, in fact, what we're using on our fence. Good luck! We've had good results so far.

[Angela]

Ah deck staining....something I'm VERY familiar with this summer. I've been staining our deck a bit at a time all summer long. I've been having a great time with it though!!
We are using Behr Cedar Tone. It looks great and has been going on nicely.