I live in downtown Chicago and am installing a new 1000 sq. ft. pressure treated pine deck. It faces south and gets full sun. I have been researching and researching to find the best stain to use. Here is my dilemma: based on the responses to other posts, I'm guessing you would recommend either timber oil or armstrong clark (given penetration issues with new wood). My problem is that they both offer very limited colors and I don't like any of them. Is there an alternative for me that won't be a mistake??
Hard to say. What colors do you like from which brands?
I like cape cod grey 105 and prairie grey 106 both from TWP 100 Series. I also like many colors offered by Cabot (not Cabot Australian Oil) but there seems to be concern about their recent formula change . . .
TWP 100 Series is a restricted stain and cannot be shipped to IL. Armstrong Clark does make a driftwood gray color. I would stay away from the Cabot's.