Staining/Sealing Cedar Deck before winter

[oasis1]

Hi, We had a deck built around half of our pool in the beginning of July. We are in the process of getting estimates for sealing it. Does anybody have recommendations on really good Sealers? Or any that AREN'T good? Should we use clear sealant, semi-transparent, or toner? Not quite sure what the difference is. Our main concern is protecting the wood...its already lightened up to an almost off white (could that be from the bleach in water or just from the sun?)

Thanks a bunch!!

 

[cramar]

Get the best product you can, if your getting a contractor find out what product he's going to use and research it online.

Cheap sealers (like those at all big box retailers) can start flaking in a couple of years and when they flake its a patchwork and getting it all off can be a nightmare. Also, don't rush into it, personally I'd say your better off to go thru 1 winter as is and then get the right product on there in the spring.

I'd recommend googling deck stains, there's a lot of info available on inferior stains and people showing pics to back it up. Nothing worse than a beautiful expensive deck with cheap stain thrown on it.