We just finished staining our deck. We used Sikkens SRD - "Natural". From what I could ascertain- I researched this topic for 6 months-Sikkens is one of the better choices BUT...you must be willing to properly prep and apply according to directions. Also, if the deck has the sun beating down on it - Be prepared to have to redo in a year to 2 years. It may last longer after the second application.

As regards color. I was advised by several contractors that going with the Natural would be the best choice - especially on the flat surfaces where the wear and weather is the greatest. That way -- if you stick to the same probduct - reapplication is easier and you don't get into "blotchy old stain" issues.

A word on tone of color. We chose the natural on KDPT wood. When we tested it --- it looked so Yellow. I wasn't thrilled. However, we followed the prep, etc. and the cured color is a very pretty natural amber. Not at all like our "samples".

Good luck. You will find tons of people with opinions on this topic. My suggestion is that you first resign yourself that your deck will need ongoing maintenence. Pick something that you want to stay with, is available, and you are willing to use again and again. If you stick with the same product - it makes reapplication easier at a later date.

Good luck

We're a Sikkens dealer waaaayy up in Fargo, ND!
We go thru A LOT of SRD.
I've got SRD Redwood, #089 on our 12 y/o Redwood deck.
It's west-facing, 6' off ground, ZERO shade...

Used ~ 12 gallons last yr. to re-stain our fence (pump-spray application)!
* 3 yrs. ago, I sanded our deck-floor, and reapplied the SRD.
* STILL looks really damn good!

Yes, even with Sikkens, maintenance is KEY.
I don't care HOW good your wood or stain is...a deck FLOOR needs attention every 3 yrs. to stay ahead of sun/traffic-caused wood degradation.
>>> Every 6th to 8th year, I'd rent a 12" x 18" vibrating-plate sander and sand through to new wood again.
>>> It doesn't take long, and your new surface will ABSORB & HOLD NEW STAIN EVENLY.
>>> Steps, handrails, and benches can easily be done with a palm-sander.
>>> If your deck is 10 y/o and hasn't been sanded yet...DO IT.

What wood is your deck?
What's the orientation/height/age?

Faron