Question:
What is the best waterproofing to apply to a new deck constructed of
pressure treated wood? The climate is hot and wet (NE Georgia (US)
mountains). Also, what would be a good exterior stain to use on a newly
screened-in porch?
What is the best method to apply the waterproofing?
Answer:
You don't want to "waterproof" the deck. What you want to do (for
improved deck life) is protect the wood from sun and make it shed
water. By "shed water" I mean the same way a good raincoat does, not
one of those plastic "sauna suit" rain parkas does. To protect from sun
the deck coating must contain some pigments. To shed water the coating
can simply be thick (like paint) or can employ a "water hating"
chemical, generally an oil.
