John, thank you so much! This may be the red/brown look I see on pergolas around town. If so, that is the color I want! Very familiar with Forest Lumber, that is where we got our Jeld-Wen french doors we are building the deck for. Great, we will get the twp there. One last question......how often should this twp be put on? Every year, every other year? Now if you could just make our spring weather turn SPRING, then we'd be happy! Thanks for your pro help here!

For the 4th of July: Although I don't agree with all of the discussions and professional mudslinging I do agree with this type forum and this great nation's ability to voice their dissent. It's only a deck and a quick question requesting the opinion of a seasoned, experienced, professional deck builder. To know that I have the ability to choose the method and product of my choice and to have several individuals gladly disagree in a public forum without fear of reprisal.....makes me thank all of the folks that have sacrificed their time and in many cases their lives to give me this freedom. Happy Independence Day!!

The thing is the wood has to get used to the area of the instal this will involve a little drying out and a little movement. Its good to get the finish on as soon as the weather allows it but I have found two coats of twp,or wet on wet, has the same effect as one coat in a few months after the drying/movement has taken place. Building coats after that time only requires a good cleaning as prep. Its the ability to stack on or build coats that sets twp apart,the twp co and I disagree on this too. My masanranduba deck out back of Butler Manor has 4 coats on it with one oxalic wash inbetween after 6 years or so its just now showing signs of a needed recoat. I really pushed the cap rail its up to a simigloss right now. J.

HI Ya Jack!! I am still waiting for that gift cert at my local wine store. I havent used Ken's new outdoor finish,he keeps telling me the samples are in the mail, there are some posts over here with Folks puting it on new projects with good resluts. I am a twp kinda guy right now I have no reason to change. After using the stuff for 7 years or so I can offer what I have seen and done. The first coat wont last all that long( with any outdoor finish this is true) If the Wallet pays for a one year contract I wait for hmmmm three moons or so in good weather I clean/ put another coat on. Ater another 2 months I lightly acid wash/clean and put another coat on this coat will take a little while to set up. Usually this built up finish lasts for two years or so my best yet is three years. The thing is most Folks dont want me back all that often they want to live on the deck and have some relax time and mabey give me a call in 5 years or so when the thing has gone gray. With my jobs that do have that built up finish I never have to strip the old twp off just clean and put on another one. My own S American project out back is coming up on 7 years its just now showing sighs of need,the cap rail is a simmi gloss I can see the reflection of my hand on it. Keep in mind Jack and all you good Folks I do this for a living, I only do my own Wallets if I get a call for refinish that I dident build I recline. I dont really care if twp is used or not this is what I have done and seen Yo all have a good time come this weekend,ride safe,ride hard, stash the kids at Mom's, take your Girl out to the blues bar and go Dancing. John