50 million dollar question

I always used Cabot deck stain when I lived in KY. Now that I'm in Ohio I can not get the old version of Cabot which worked really well. The only option is the newer version which abides by the new chemical laws and none of the stores will sell it because of their customers' complaints regarding the quality.

Last year I used Behr because they were the highest rated in Consumers Report. OMG - so terribly bad. Not even half way through the winter and it looked like it had been on the deck five years - terrible.

So, I need to do my deck again. Consumer reports is still saying Behr is the best.

If you have had experience with a good deck stain that adheres to the new chemical ingredients laws, please let me know. We're leaning toward an oil-based semi-solid to transparent (would like to see at least some of the wood grain).

Really appreciate your input. Remember - I can only get the stains that adhere to the new laws and therefore sold in Ohio. thanks!

Also, the behr stain is still on the deck (somewhat) and so does that add extra steps that need to occur in terms of prep before we can apply the recommended stain.

we live in northeast ohio - lots of sun on the deck in the summer andlots of snow on the deck in the winter. extreme temps in both directions.