I used a semi-transparent stain when I first stained the deck, maybe I should have put 2 coats on it but it didn’t seem to wear as good as I’d hope.

I had used a solid stain on the kid’s picnic table I built and it seemed to hold up reallllyyy well (https://gettinmycountryon.com/2017/09/14/kids-picnic-table-painted/) – so I decided to use a solid stain on the deck – the color is Behr’s Valise.  Thinking it will hold up better to the winter snow.