Treated
pine has been treated against termites and fungus, however where the
elements are concerned it deserves the same protection afforded to
hardwood decking.
You can choose from 3 broad groups - oil, paint or stain.
Oiled finishes - can require recoating as often as every 6
months depending upon how much protection the deck receives from the
elements.
Painted finishes - if they are clear (lacquer types) have no or
little UVC protection and will require regular applications. However
painted solid colours have a longer life but, being a solid colour, tend
to show up footprints, shoe prints and dust.
Stain finishes - allow the grain to show through, need not
change the natural colour of the timber too much and when recoating is
necessary, simply wash down and reapply the stain. Brush marks do not show
so all the family can help with this maintenance.
