"Ever tried any of those marine varnishes they use on boats? Been curious if they're worth the extra cost for decks or outdoor furniture..."
I've experimented with marine varnishes before, and honestly, while they do offer impressive protection initially, they're not exactly a "set it and forget it" solution. They still need regular maintenance—especially in harsh coastal conditions. Personally, I've found sustainably sourced hardwoods like teak or cedar, left untreated to weather naturally, can be both beautiful and surprisingly durable. Plus, it's a more eco-friendly approach than repeated sanding and refinishing every couple years...
I've never tried marine varnish myself, but a buddy of mine swears by it for his dock furniture. Honestly though, I'm way too lazy for regular refinishing... sanding once was enough for me, lol. Went with cedar instead and just let it do its thing—turned a nice silvery gray after a year or two. Looks great, zero maintenance so far, and my weekends stay free for grilling rather than painting. Win-win in my book.
"Went with cedar instead and just let it do its thing—turned a nice silvery gray after a year or two."
Same here, cedar's been my go-to for years. Did a deck with it about five summers back, and it's still holding strong. Plus, no nasty chemicals needed—just nature doing its thing. Can't beat that.
Did your cedar deck need much maintenance over the years? I went cedar siding on a little beach cottage a few years ago, and it's held up beautifully...but I'm curious how decks handle the salt air long-term.
Cedar siding definitely holds up better than decks, in my experience. I've flipped a couple beach houses, and honestly, cedar decks near saltwater can be a bit of a headache long-term. Even with regular sealing, the salt air and moisture tend to wear them down faster than you'd expect. Personally, I'd consider composite decking—it's pricier upfront but saves you from constant maintenance and repairs down the road. Just something to think about...
