Which is a better deck stain: Semi-transparent or solid?

Question

Aesthetics aside, which is the better choice?

The contractor we hired to stain our deck claims that people are generally disappointed with semi-transparent stains, and he rarely even uses them anymore.

I've heard solid stains last longer, but tend to peel and show traffic wear.

We have a pressure treated deck that was built 9 months ago. It gets a lot of sun in the summer.

Any advice?

(We'll be using Sherwin-Williams Deckscapes, if it matters.)

Answer 1

.depends on the deck  #1 pressure treated decks need to weather or the treated wood will bleed Thur i live in ny so i tell my customers 6 months.#2 what color do you want the deck? do you want it to look painted or would you like to see the grain of the wood. #3will it match the house i my self like the grain look but the solid color is cool to. #4 go back to sherwin williams get color swatches for all the colors you like go back home and visulise how it would look take your time because  after application ther is no return .good luck sherwin williams is the right choice

Answer 2

It just depends on the look you want.

Solid will cover the wood and the semi-transparent will let the wood grain show through.

You can always pressure wash the deck once every couple of summers and then restain it with some Thompsons Water Seal.

If you use the solid you will always have some of that color on there.

Answer 3

I like the natural wood look.

You may try Thompson or Behr outside deck sealers.