Squanklin wrote:
I have a new house with a deck that's been sitting in the sun for
about 7 months. It needs treatment desperately. Is it beter to
stain (our preference is a semi-transparent color) or seal the raw
wood with something like Thompson's water seal?

Go to your local library and read the recent Consumers Report issue on
deck treatments.

Hint:
DO NOT use Thompson's Water Seal!