Is that wood deck looking old and rough going into winter? It might be time now to refresh the look of your tired deck by staining or painting.
Staining is by far the easiest method to use. Stains come in clear colors or different types of browns. Clear deck stains leave the wood looking its natural color. In our climate, apply stain every year for the health of the wood.
Semi-solid deck stains show a little of the wood grain, however, has a pigment to it like redwood color. They come in oil-based or water-based. The oil-based treatment penetrates the wood deeper. Once you use an oil-based stain, you need to keep using the same type of stain.
Solid deck stains cover the wood completely so you will not see the wood grain any longer. It will be like paint. Why would you use a solid stain or paint? If your deck is worn and looking rough, it might be a good solution.
You will pick paint over the stain for the endless colors and it will last a little longer. The con is to use paint, you need to use a primer, then paint (2 coats), and lastly apply a sealant on top of the paint when it dries.
Do not use house paint because it will peel and flake quickly. It is not made for high-traffic use.