Whether you stain or seal your deck depends on what you are trying to achieve. Staining is ideal for those who want to protect their decks from water and UV rays but also desire a certain color. The downside of staining is that the color can quickly wear away on areas of high traffic. Sealers also protect against water, but they don’t penetrate the wood. If you’re stuck on whether you should apply stain or a sealer (or both), talk to a deck sealing professional in your area.