Have used Sikkens - now ProLuxe Cetol SRD Semi-Transparent Natural Cedar (as noted by swnoel in this string) for six years. I precede application with a deck wash and medium grit sanding with a rotary sander that doesn't take too much time/effort. This give me a nice finish with a solid two years between coats (filtered sun/shade). I have a love-hate relationship with the pines towering over our house since they drop sap all summer long. The finish seems to provide a good barrier to that and the sap comes off easily with a bit of denatured alcohol. You just need to keep up with it.
I do look forward however to replacing the deck, and dock, with Trex some years down the road. We replaced our CT redwood deck with Trex in November and already love it. The thought of never having to prep/stain it in the future is awesome. Of course, it's a little sad knowing that as much as we love it, we'll be looking at it more than using it since we're mostly at the lake in the warmer months.
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