I’m replacing the deck boards and railings on our deck due to rot. I’ve got the replacement cedar sitting in my garage, drying out. I’d like to seal/protect the wood before building the deck so that I can get to all 6 sides of each board. I’d like to use a penetrating product with as long a useful life as possible - and I’d prefer a clear or ‘tinted’ product rather than an opaque stain. So far I’ve read the following on various websites:
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Wash the raw wood with a chemical product to remove mill glaze, neutralize with an acid brightener, and go ahead and seal.
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Let the wood sit out for a few rainstorms, let it dry, and seal
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Build the deck, wait (x) months, and then seal
So, since I’m not confused enough yet, I’m asking for opinions and experiences about the penetrating sealer/stain of your choice. Right now I’m looking at CWF from Flood, Cabot deck stains, TWP, and a few others.