this post was submitted on 20 Mar 2025
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Woodworking

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I'm a renovation contractor that builds a lot of decks and I've been having the worst results trying to find a product to seal/stain cedar. It turns grey quite fast so most clients want it sealed and or stained. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

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[–] TheFermentalist@lemm.ee 8 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Cedar is difficult, especially on a deck. The stain needs to be UV resistant and trafficable. It needs to put up with things like driving rain and snow accumulation, as well as long hot days. Anything you use will need re-applying regularly. At worst, every year. At best, every three to four years.

I like Sansin Dec

It’s a two coat, high quality finish

[–] HiroProtagonist@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 year ago

Thanks, I have never heard of this one. I will check it out. At least it's available in my area.

[–] karpintero@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago (2 children)

If they require low/no VOCs, I used Vermont Natural Coatings / Bohme. It's held up pretty well for the last 18 months of medium use/rain/sun. Though I only used cedar for the fascia, the doug fir I used for the decking still has a warm, golden color.

Yikes it would be like 700$ to do my deck with that.

[–] HiroProtagonist@lemmy.ca 1 points 1 year ago

I have given up on any water based products. Maybe it's the climate here, I am not too far North of you (you mentioned Vermont) We use the best red cedar we can find and I guess that's part of the issue because nothing sticks to it.