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.

The deck is 7 months old and it "needs treatment desperately" ???

What is it made of, cardboard?

Seriously, if your deck is desperate after only 7 months I'd be
concerned about the quality of the wood.

Is it beter to stain (our
preference is a semi-transparent color) or seal the raw wood with
something like Thompson's water seal?

I know once we stain, we're committed to the color. However, if we
seal, will the ability to stain in the future be hindered?

http://www.wrcea.org/cedar-products/...s/overview.htm

"If there is uncertainty over whether to use a water-repellent
preservative or a stain, first apply a water-repellent preservative. It
is possible to switch to a semi-transparent stain when the deck needs
to be refinished. Even if the deck has been maintained with a
water-repellent preservative for many years, an oil-based
semi-transparent stain will perform satisfactorily."