Mike,
If it is covered, I would think that cleaning it would be a little more
important as a lot of dirt likes to stay "trapped" in there.. One of the
reasons I suggested just staining first, is it will give you the option to
seal it later if not happy. Harder to reverse any weather protection if you
decide you are not happy with it.

See how you like it, and keep an eye out for other mahog decks that are
protected. This should give you a good idea as to what you ultimately end
up doing.

Good luck,
Chris

wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi Chris,

I am in the NE as well. The porch is mostly covered, which keeps a good
portion of the rain and snow off of it. The front steps are not
covered, and seem to get the most beating.

I think I am going to take your advice and only sand and stain it.

Thanks for the tips.

Mike


Chris wrote:
wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi,

I have a mohaganney front porch and am not sure how to weatherproof it,
or if it requires weatherproofing at all. The previous owner only
stained it every couple of years. When I asked him about
weather-proofing it (water sealer, etc.) he said that he didn't want to
do that because then he would have to do it every year.

Does anyone know what the real story is? Does mohaganney require
weather-proofing, and if so does anyone have any recommendations?

Mike


Everyone has a different opinion on this one, I think. Weather-proofing
mahog is a flip of the coin IMHO. I have a seen a few mahog decks almost
ruined by poor application or preparation of weather proofing.

You might want to specify geographic location and size as most people
would
consider it vital.

For me (in the NE), I would just go with the stain. Make sure the deck
drains well and is properly gapped. Once a year (fall for me here) give
it
a little pressure wash with some mild soap.

Just my two cents.

Chris

Chris