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Porches & Decks

Stain or Seal new deck?

4 years ago

Hi. We have a new wooden deck made of Kayu mahogany. We are getting ready to stain or seal it, and I'm realizing I'm not sure which is better to do ( or really even what the difference is.) One suggestion has been just a polyurethane seal. Someone else told me that's not recommended because once you use polyurethane you basically have to scrape it all the way down to the raw wood the next time you want to apply. Others have suggested a semitransparent stain.

We are most interested in protecting the wood from the elements and having as easy and affordable maintenance as possible with wood going forward. We live in the Boston area (aka, terrible weather) and the deck is south facing.

Would appreciate your words of wisdom on best way to care for this deck. Thanks.

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Comments (5)

PRO
GN Builders L.L.C
4 years ago
Two different products.... deck sealer will not protect the wood from the sun, it will still make the wood turn gray and it will fade from exposure.

When it comes to stain, it got the same water resistance the sealer would have. Pigment is also being added to stain to give some color and you can get it in semi-transparent or solid finish. Pigment is what brocks the sun rays and helps to reduce sun damage.
J H thanked GN Builders L.L.C
rosie0326
3 years ago
Does Kayu mahogany decking hold up in winter weather like ipe?
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PRO
GN Builders L.L.C
3 years ago
Most Mahogony decking is not the actual Mahogony wood decking, this is just a name in the US market. If I'm not mistaken there is an actual name for it called, Sharia or Shoria or something close to that. In any case, both IPE and Mahogony decking are very similar and both have beautiful grain, etc IPE decking IMO is the best out there and the longest-lasting decking available on the market today it will outperform anything out there.

As properties between both go, take a look at this comparison chart, Mahohogony on this chart is called Philippine Mahagony which is another name for it.

Good luck
0
rosie0326
3 years ago
Thank you!! Very helpful! It is much less but now I see why. Will continue my research. In Minnesota but not a fan of pvc or composite. Will stick with ipe, garapa, or Cumaru likely.
J H
Original Author
3 years ago
Hi. I"m the OP. We used Kayu mahogany, which was about half the price of Ipe. It hasn't been in a full year yet, but so far very pleased. It was actually left untreated from Jan-May because of the timing of the house being finished and then, you know, 2020. We stained it in May and, after much research, used TWP stain. It is south facing and has held up well through the summer. Winter hasn't hit hard here yet, but we've had one snowstorm, many rainstorms, and the pollen and leaves from the Oak next too it, and so far we are very pleased. We have had many compliments on it. Good luck in Minnesota!
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