I hear you on the plant-based oils—I've tried a few brands over the years, and while they do make the wood look rich at first, the weather really does a number on them if there's no cover. I had a client last year who was set on using a linseed-based finish for their back deck. Looked fantastic for about six months, but after a winter with a lot of rain, it faded out and started to look patchy. We ended up reapplying in the spring, which was easy enough, but it does add up in terms of labor if you’re managing multiple properties.
I get the appeal of being able to touch up spots without sanding everything down, though. Polyurethanes and some of those heavy-duty sealants are a pain to repair once they start peeling. On the flip side, I’ve noticed that some of the newer water-based polys are getting better at balancing durability and environmental impact, but they still don’t have quite the same “natural” look as the oils.
Mixing finishes on different parts of the deck is a smart move. I’ve done similar—using a more robust product on the steps and railings, then something greener on the main deck boards. It’s not always the most seamless look, but most folks don’t notice unless you point it out.
Curious if you’ve tried any of the newer hybrid finishes? Some of my suppliers have been pushing these “bio-based” sealants that claim to last longer outdoors, but I haven’t had enough time to see how they hold up in real-world conditions. Always a bit skeptical of marketing claims until I see it myself. How do you usually decide when to recoat—do you go by a set schedule, or just keep an eye out for fading and wear?
I’ve actually tested a couple of those “bio-based” hybrids on a rental property last year—one deck, two different finishes side by side. The hybrid held up better than straight oil, but still not as bulletproof as the marketing suggested. I’m with you on being skeptical. For me, I just keep an eye out for fading or water not beading up anymore. Set schedules sound good in theory, but weather and use always throw a wrench in the plan.
Funny you mention the “bio-based” stuff—I tried one of those on a back porch at a duplex I picked up a couple years ago. Looked great for about six months, then the sun just started chewing it up. I swear, the marketing always makes it sound like you’ll never have to touch your deck again, but in reality, I’m out there with a hose and a broom every spring, just hoping for the best.
I’ve pretty much given up on set maintenance schedules too. Tenants drag their grills across the boards, or we get one of those surprise hailstorms, and suddenly my “annual plan” is out the window. I just walk around after a rain and see if the water’s still beading—if not, time to break out the stain again. Not exactly scientific, but it works.
Honestly, I think half the battle is just accepting that outdoor spaces are never really “done.” You get them looking cozy, then a squirrel chews through your string lights or someone spills red wine all over the new cushions. It’s like a never-ending project, but I guess that’s part of the charm... or at least that’s what I tell myself when I’m scrubbing mildew off the railings.
If you ever find a finish that actually lives up to the hype, let me know. Until then, I’ll keep rotating through whatever’s on sale at the hardware store and crossing my fingers for a mild summer.
I totally get where you’re coming from—outdoor spaces just seem to have a mind of their own. I tried following all the “expert” advice about sealing and staining on a schedule, but like you said, one storm or a clumsy guest and it’s back to square one. I’ve started using those heavy-duty outdoor rugs to cover up the worst spots between touch-ups. Not a perfect fix, but it buys me some time before I have to break out the sander again. And yeah, squirrels... they’re relentless.
I tried following all the “expert” advice about sealing and staining on a schedule, but like you said, one storm or a clumsy guest and it’s back to square one.
That’s the story of every deck I’ve ever worked on. You can do everything by the book—pressure wash, let it dry for days, use the “best” oil-based stain, and then bam, a week later there’s a muddy paw print or a gouge from someone dragging a chair. I’ve actually started keeping a little touch-up kit in the garage: a quart of stain, a couple of brushes, and some sandpaper. It’s not glamorous, but it saves me from having to redo the whole thing every season.
The outdoor rug trick is underrated, honestly. I used to think they’d just trap moisture and make things worse, but the newer ones seem to breathe better. I’ve got one under the table now that hides a patch where my nephew dropped a whole plate of barbecue sauce last summer. Still can’t get that stain out, but at least I don’t have to look at it every day.
Squirrels, though… I swear they have a personal vendetta against my planters. Last fall, I tried putting down some chicken wire under the mulch to keep them from digging, but they just found the edges and peeled it back like they were opening a can of tuna. I’m half-convinced they’re smarter than me at this point.
One thing I’ve found helps a bit is using a semi-transparent stain instead of a solid one. It seems to wear a little more gracefully—less peeling, more fading—so the touch-ups blend in better. Not a cure-all, but it’s made maintenance a little less soul-crushing.
Anyway, I hear you on the “cozy and inviting” part being a moving target. Sometimes it feels like I’m just chasing my tail, but when you get a nice evening out there, it’s worth all the hassle.
