~~stain or paint???~~

[Dallasdave]

Which ever you choose none of it is good for more than a few years ,especially the traffic areas and the parts most exposed to the elements

 

[sambo77]

I helped my uncle and cousin replace their deck at their house this summer. It was the third time in 15 years it had been replaced. Everytime it was built with pressure treated wood and stained. This time we painted it with 3 coats of paint and put outdoor carpet on it. So far it's held up good but it's only been a few months.

 

[Ridgehopper]

Let the pressure treated cure for no less than a year then apply solid color stain. Paint will chip or dipple no matter how you apply it.

 

[Spikey]

The best I've ever used is a brand called Sikkens It's pricey but good. I did some east facing garage doors with it and after 8 years they still look good !