John It is a Brazilian teak. I got it from a friend of mine who used to be a partner in lumber liquidators. It is super hard and dense, we went through a ton of saw blades and drill bits putting the decking on. I don't mind doing routine maintenance every couple years or 18 months, but the deck gets a lot of sun and I would love to be able to maintain the beautiful dark look that it has. I am not too knowledgeable on the subject and only know what I have been reading in all these forums. Does anyone have any suggestions for a restoration process or good sealant. here are some pictures http://picasaweb.google.com/davethedude/0209_yardwork_LKDANCE_DECK# Dave Here is a link that might be useful: deck pics

Woodrich brightner ,oxalic base with a buffer, with what we call a scrub n rub I use a hand brush like you can buy at the supermarket put on some gloves splash the stuff on and scrub. This would be for the rail system and the skirting. Add the brightner to the water not the water to the brightner. Water wash it all off with a garden sprayer, All of it. Remember your not trying to remove the finish just the crud the wash effect will happen on contact even tho you wont see it. For the deck itself I use a 14'' floor machine with a scrub pad stuck on this goes very quickley. If you cant find one of those use a handled deck brush finish off the corners with the hand brush. Be tidie around the alum balusters thay are power coated but just be carefull. Sand with an orbital sander 60 grit pads where needed if the little sharp whiskers come up. The covered area will always be in different shape then the rest nothing to do about that. Woodrich was crafted from twp nither need stripping just another coat after cleaning I advise two coats using the sprit of a sound mind , that is waiting for the first one to set up, and another come late spring. after trying a test area first. And Dont Wait so long for a recoat!!!!!!!!!!! Ghesssssssss. J.

Got my wood at East Teak and the clip fasteners. We used liquid nails and the clip. I have boards that are just a foot or so above ground but well ventelated in some spots and no cupping at all. The screwless look is really special. And if I had a problem, I can always screw them down. This fall will be three years and no cupping issues.

I'm completely on fence. My deck is a main feature of house. After 10 years of mostly deferred maintenance, it's been pressure washed and sanded lightly and wow it is gorgeous. Muted grey, tan, blonde boards. I think is has an elegance. I have flipped a few board and tried sampling some stains - from Red Mahogany, to clear and even the clear really darkens it and it seem to lose the elegance. I would hate to get a mosaic of colors that aren't blending in the zone. Too bold would not fit with my 96 year old bungalow. Patina rules. Sure wish I could find a finish that would add mildew and uv protection without changing the patina color. Clear twp is just as dark as Penofin, ipe Brazilian oil stain or the rMesmers red mahogany. I don't get it. I think the scratch marks will be more visible if you have a stain because it will drag below the very surficial stain. Not much really penetrates deeply so you'd have lighter wood revealed in the scratch..