Hello,

I'm replacing the deck of my covered, open porch. The new deck is 5/4
x 4 redwood v-notch T&G. [Obviously solid boards with a gap would
provide better drainage, but IMHO that is too informal for a covered
porch.] A couple questions on finishing:

1) I do want to finish the redwood, as otherwise it will tend to get a
bit grungy from foot traffic. My instinct is to use a penetrating
oil finish, rather than a film finish, because when a film finish
fails it will flake off and require sanding to remove it. I'm
leaning towards Penofin red label. Anything I'm missing here?

2) Is it useful to prefinish the underside before installation? What
about the tongue and groove? The porch deck is 3.5' - 4' above
open soil, with the region underneath enclosed but vented.

Thanks, Wayne