solid color stains versus semi transparent on decking?
Answers:
First, never put a clear coat on a walking surface. There are many reasons, one big one being it becomes very slippery when wet. Also a solid stain IS a stain not a paint. It covers like a paint but it is still an absorbent, not a cover coat as paint is.
As for your deck, you were right on the money to be hesitant about putting a solid stain on the walking surface. It wears off quickly in the high traffic areas and then the deck looks shabby. Go with the semi-transparent oil deck stain. It will not show wear as much, and actually looks very good with the railing system being a solid color. If later you do not like it, you can always put a solid stain down, but you can not do it the other way around. Once you put a solid stain on, you cannot go back and put a semi-transparent one down.
Make sure it's a quality oil decking stain too! It will cost a little more for the stain,maybe $20 if you use 2 gallons, but for the amount of labor and value of your time, it is well worth it.
P.S. If it is a new deck made out of pressure treated wood, you need to wait at least 6 months for the wood to dry out before you seal it, or the product will likely fail, and then you have a real problem.
Other answers:
Solid color strain is not stain at all but actually a paint. If you must "stain" your deck use a transparent OIL base stain, with a clear coat over it as a wear protection.
Solid color strain is not stain at all but actually a paint. If you must "stain" your deck use a transparent OIL base stain, with a clear coat over it as a wear protection.
A solid stain covers the grain of wood - kind of bland - while a semi-transparent stain will allow the grains to show through giving the deck very good look !! Yes, solid stains are likely to show the traffic patterns. Remember, it may take more than one coat to properly coat the deck. Good luck !