Sealing vs Staining a Deck in the north east?

[hostage]

I have a deck on the north side of my house (less sun). We used a semi-transparent stain on the deck 2 summers ago. I am not thrilled with how little time it lasts and how much prep work it takes to get this thing ready. I am thinking the dog, regular foot traffic, and the weather has taken it's toll on the stain. My neighbors did the same to theirs last summer and it is already just as bad.

My question is would it be less maintenance to strip the stain off and just seal it every year? Would it look nicer?

Thanks in advance,

Hostage

 

[aspeck]

Re: Sealing vs Staining a Deck in the north east?

Depends on the look you want ... wood decks take work to keep nice, no matter what method you use. Seal every year of stain every 2 years, or stain and then seal every year to keep the wood preserved and the stain looking good.

Then there are the people that like the weathered look and never to anything to their decks. It is all up to you and your decision as to the look you want.

 

[rbh]

Re: Sealing vs Staining a Deck in the north east?

How about, power wash it down to take the crud off of it, quick scuff and hit it up with a copper based stain to keep the mold and lichen from groing on it since it is north facing.

 

[salty87]

Re: Sealing vs Staining a Deck in the north east?

might be more aggressive than you're looking for but search rustoleum restore for deck or concrete.

i've been lazy about protecting mine often enough. wood is starting to crack a bit. this product goes on thicker but lasts much longer. it's a bit more expensive but so is the wood that needs to be re-coated more often otherwise.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Sealing vs Staining a Deck in the north east?

I've never "stained" a deck. Always used a oil based transparent "stain" (CWF-UV) on our decks. Seals and protects. Leaves the wood a shade or two darker than it's natural color. Lasts 2-3 years before it needs another coat.