https://forum.deckstainhelp.com/deck-stain-questions-and-answers/need-advice-old-deck-solid-and-semi-stain/ Deck Stain Help Forum Discussion Board en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:22:53 +0000 wpForo 60 https://forum.deckstainhelp.com/deck-stain-questions-and-answers/need-advice-old-deck-solid-and-semi-stain/#post-9541 Tue, 26 Aug 2014 13:28:20 +0000
Use a semi-transparent for the rails. Not sure on the color match. Best to get the solid stain then some samples of the semi-trans to test. Use the Armstrong Clark or the TWP.]]> Deck Stain Questions and Answers Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 https://forum.deckstainhelp.com/deck-stain-questions-and-answers/need-advice-old-deck-solid-and-semi-stain/#post-9541 https://forum.deckstainhelp.com/deck-stain-questions-and-answers/need-advice-old-deck-solid-and-semi-stain/#post-9536 Mon, 25 Aug 2014 18:29:56 +0000
We recently bought a new house with a 550 sq ft deck in Seattle, WA. In terms of poor maintenance -- this deck has it all: Rot, mildew, uneven boards, and a mix of cedar and pressure treated wood. Structurally, it is sound. The deck sits on metal posts, and the joists are solid.

The old cedar 2x6 boards on the deck floor have an old solid stain that has flaked off; and rotten cedar has been replaced w/ pressure treated (about 25% of the deck).

The railings are all old, but in good shape and 100% cedar.

After replacing all rot, I have

- pressure washed entire deck
- sanded entire deck (ROS). We've not removed 100% of the old solid, but have it feathered down so it's not flaking.

I am now ready to stain and need advice.

My goal is to get 2-3 years out of the deck before completely replacing.

I'd like to go with a product line that offers BOTH a strong solid stain (the priority) for the main deck boards, together with a matching color semi-transparent or semi-solid for the railings.

Question: WHAT IS THE BEST SOLID STAIN (ESPRESSO BROWN) FOR AN OLD DECK W/ MIXED WOOD?

Question: BECAUSE I WANT THE GRAIN ON THE CEDAR RAILINGS TO SHOW, SHOULD I GO SEMI-TRANSPARENT OR SEMI-SOLID TO MATCH THE SOLID DECK BOARDS, AND WHAT IS THE BEST SEMI STAIN PRODUCT THAT WILL MATCH THE SOLID DECK?

Advice?

THANKS!









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