Deck Stain/water protectant ?

[traceyb]

Anyone have any opinions on deck stain/wood protectant? I realize that a slight tinting protects the wood better than a transparent, but it tends to show wear faster. I used cedar by Behr on the covered part 2 years ago and it already looks like you know what and shows the slightest spec of dirt ridiculously. I am really wanting to go clear or maybe the ever slightest of tinting. If its wood around here, I want to be able to see it. That's the beauty of it. So, with that said...any takers on suggestions. I've heard good and bad about Flood CWF, Olympic, and Behr. I haven't heard much on Sherwin Williams or Cabot.......I am willing to pay more for something that's good and I don't know how much I trust Cons. Reports?????

Help!

[hoffmans]

I am going to buy this stuff:
http://www.superdeck.com/
Be sure to look at all the pages on their website. There is tons of info.
From what I heard it is the best.
I called the company and found out i have 3 lumber yards near by and they said most ACE hardware stores can get it.
They had good & friendly customer service and i bomb-barded him w/ lots of questions.
~Hoffmans

[traceyb]

I am close to going w/ cabot the SPF which you can chooose your protection level. 24,36,48. I've been reading up on it. BUT, funny you said that, our local lumber yard showed a commercial just last night for this stuff.....

Is your decking covered that you are going to apply? I can't remember? How much do you reckon it is per gallon?

Thanks for your feedback...i'll keep you posted on what I do.I was always a flood fan, but have seen some not so good feedback on it, however you know how it is. Everyone has good and bad experiences w/ both good and bad things.

[hoffmans]

Hi!
Dear Hubby is building the deck right now.
It is eventually going to go all the way around.
So far we have some of the party deck done- 32'x16'- Looks very similar to yours.
Part of the party deck will be shaded - 20'x8'. Will put the solar panels on the roof.
I will get some progress pics up.
The rest of the deck will have a walk around. If my husband and I are on the same page, the deck will be a gigantic square w/ a pool in the middle.

I don't know the price of the Super Deck- but I am guessing it is more expensive than the stuff at Lowes.
I did look at pamphlets on the Cabot- they are very good at selling themselves, pretty convincing that it is good stuff. You probably will be happy with it.

The only reason I chose the Super Deck is because i had a handful of professionals told me it is the best they know of.
BUT application is everything.
The customer service at SuperDeck said
" the only product failure you are going to get w/ our product is with over application"
Meaning- you can not put it on thick, only apply as much as the wood can absorb, if it bubbles up that means it is too much.
THe customer service guy said it has high UV protection but I can't remember what number he said.
The other reason I chose SuperDeck is because you don't have to wait a year to stain it. I just have to wait about 3 weeks before I get started. And they have that special stain for Pressure Treated wood.
Did you goto the Cabot website? Pretty good info! I think it is good stuff.

Good luck
Keep the updates coming along with your great pics!
~Hoffmans

[cruzmisl]

I use this. Good stuff!

http://saversystems.com/uvclear.php

[traceyb]

I use this. Good stuff!

http://saversystems.com/uvclear.php

2 coats on this stuff though, am I reading it right?

[matt4x4]

One thing I've found about BEHR paints/products, they are the absolute worst crap on the market and Home Depot should pull them from their shelves and give everyone who ever bought them a full refund - I don't care if it's indoor or outdoor paint, that stuff is pure crap, you're better off using your kid's water paints and would get a longer lasting finish from those anyday.

[traceyb]

Thank you Matt, I truly agree w/ you. Easily worn, sticky even when it dries, you have to stain quickly, or you can tell where you stopped and started even within minutes.
I sure hope that Cabot impresses me, cause so far after some research and reading, this is what I'm leaning towards. Course, all companies are going to praise their product, right? So, that is why I am asking for feedback on all stains and protectants. BUT, I would prefer it from those who have had their choice product on the deck for more than just one year.

Come on guys, chime in!

[traceyb]

Ok guys, started the staining process this wknd. Ended up buying the cabot suv w/ 24 protection. So far I love the natural color, just a slight tint and very easy application. Cons. Reports rated the cabot deck stain #1, but it wasn't the particular line I bought. It was the standard "deck stain". Oooppss. Well, we'll see but so far I am very satisfied. Rained on it last night and it beaded up well. Anyone else have any thing to say about using this brand? Wish it luck.

[traceyb]

Here are some photos on the "uncompleted" deck staining progress. I'm working on it. But this compare the unstained wood AND the stained wood with Cabot SPF 24. Supposedly has superiour ultraviolet protection. It's very easy to apply. Goes on milky and dries extremely even. So far I'm pleased. Get back w/ me in a year or two. This is the "natural" color.