Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - oil protection with UV for deck

Just had my deck redone & want to protect this one properly. The contractor suggested I use an oil coating with UV protection in it (I believe Cabot's?). I suspect that this decking will last even without any protection for the length of time I will be here, but want to give it the best possible start. I did nothing with the last one & it lasted over 20 years. I definately don't want to paint or stain--I had a deck with stain before & it wears off & then you have a "pathway". Anyone have experience with the UV protection type oils?

Assuming this is PT wood, you need to let it weather or dry out a little before you apply any coating.

Of all the deck coatings available, the clear coatings have the shortest life span, then toners, semi-transparent with a solid stain giving the most and longest lasting protection.

All your better deck clear/toner coatings should be UV resistant. Cabot has a good reputation although it's been a number of years since I've used any. You can expext to recoat with clear every 1-2 yrs.

Not pressure treated wood .. cedar decking wood with the grooves cut in the underside. Used a lot in our area (along with Trex--which was way out of my budget). I have gone ahead & purchased the clear Cabot. No rain in the forecast for 3 days & was told to just put it on thin & it will have time to soak in before the winter rains hit. Hope that's so. People are always warning me about it getting "gummy"...what's that mean & what do I do if it does?

If you apply it too heavy where the wood can't obsorb a good portion of the stain, the excess that lays on top will have a hard time drying and may be sticky long after it should be dry.

Cooler temps will slow down the drying/cure time but as long as the wood is dry and warm enough you shouldn't have any problems. Substrates often take longer to warm up in the AM than the air does - you just want to make sure that the wood is up to the recomended low temp before applying the coating.

I just stained my deck with premium penofin (red can). It has additional mildew resistance since it is on the northside of my house...also in the NW. It takes two coats the first time, but after 6 months it still looks great. You apply a heavy first coat, allow it to soak and then wipe it off. Wait for it to dry and then repeat.

We'll see how it fairs through the winter, but I have high hopes. Also I think it's too late in the year to be applying deck stains in the NW. Just too wet. I know my deck is pretty wet even after a few days after rain.