Noob Deck Overhaul

• 1. State you live in - NEBRASKA

• 2. Full Shade, Partial Shade, or Full Sun - MORNING SHADE, AFTERNOON SUN FULL

• 3. Type of Wood - YELLOW PINE (PRETTY SURE)

• 4. Mold or Mildew Issues - NO; SOME SMALL STUFF BUT NOTHING BAD

• 5. Main Issues with Previous Stains - USER ERROR AND CHEAPNESS

So after completely botching an attempt to stain 10+ year old deck five years ago, I'm working at it properly this time, with help from this site.  Currently cleaning and sanding (it's a sizable raised deck with stairwell).  SO FAR:

- Power washed everything.  Took railings off for ease of access and the 8,000,000 spindles.

- Sanding (after drying).  

UP NEXT:::

- Planning on doing some spot stripping, then a clean treatment (Olympic), rinse, dry, then brighten, then dry.

- STILL STUCK ON STAIN.  I would like something a bit darker, but not paint-like.  I am not smart enough to discern between the oil/water debate.  I really don't care and want quality.  I'm not botching it this time.  My goal is to just have to clean and have a light prep/reapply every couple years.

I wanted to make sure my process is correct and then input on STAIN.  Also, I wanted a thread to pilfer knowledge as I go through this process.