We'll also walk you through the prep work you shouldn't skip—and help you choose the right stain color and opacity level for your wood. in4mal / GETTY IMAGES If you're busy getting your backyard ready ...

What’s the best way to apply a long-lasting finish to a new wooden deck I’ll be building this summer? It’s a good thing you asked because there’s something a whole bunch of experienced deck owners ...

After several deeply disappointing attempts to finish outdoor wood back in the early 1980s, I decided to spend as much time as necessary discovering the truth behind successful deck finishing. So, ...

Q. I have a treated-wood deck about 10 years old, and I am tired of messing with it every year or so to keep it looking good. Can I paint it to get a lasting finish? What other choices do I have? A.

Chauncey grew up on a farm in rural northern California. At 18 he ran away and saw the world with a backpack and a credit card, discovering that the true value of any point or mile is the experience ...