(HIT) - If your outdoor deck is looking tired, it may be high time to give it a "pick me up" in the form of a new deck coating. And there's no better time to refinish a deck than before summer ends.

I just built a cedar deck railing. I was going to paint it and call it a day ... Painting your railing will give it the best possible, longest lasting protection against the elements.

You need to stain it every one to three years to keep it looking its best ... a cedar-toned stain that will highlight the wood. If you use paint, only use products designed for outdoor decks ...

The passage recommends "coating your new cedar decking as soon as ... It is probably best that you have decided to build a new deck. Kimberly Nies, home economist for LG Electronics, offers ...