Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Decking

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Squid
08-28-01, 08:21 AM
Would it help to extend the life of a deck by using a latex stain? The decking is starting to split a bit, it takes sun most of the day, is bleached from it and has been treated with water seal which has to be done on a regular basis. Thoughts please.


lefty
08-28-01, 07:59 PM
A latex stain isn't going to do anything to extend the life of the deck. Since the deck has been treated regularly with a water seal, I doubt that the stain would even penetrate the wood.

fewalt
08-29-01, 05:31 AM
Squid,
By latex stain, if you mean a solid color, that would be about the last thing you want to put on a deck. It will peel and be a nightmare to remove. If you are regularly applying a water seal and the wood is still checking and cracking, apparently the nationally advertised water seal isn't working up to par.
Here's what I recommend: Strip the water sealer off and apply a penetrating oil stain which has water repellency and UV protection. A colored stain(semi-transparent) such as cedar or redwood will have offer a bit more UV protection than a clear coat.
fred