Swabbing the deck

[Munkay]

I would rather avoid the sealer method, because I do like the smell of cedar.  And I would rather not do the paint method, because I really do like the look of wood. 

I thought so :)

Additionally, that labour of the belt sanding of the entire deck (and bench seats and railing) would add up to a major project.    Can it really be easier to paint it annually than scrub it annually?

I'm guessing the deck is rather large! Belt sanding can definitely become a big project. I was a big misleading by my first post, so please accept my humble rephrasing. A deck generally doesnt need to be belt sanded every year. After about 3 years of painting (or ~5 years of sealing) it can start to build up. Of course everytime loose paint is taken off, but in order to keep it looking tip top shape, the belt sander is needed every 3 years or so. The advantage to this method is you only end up sanding off excess layers of paint, and given a more even appearance by slightly buffing down high spots that happen when the boards naturally warp slightly.

Plus it buffs away those annoying dents and divits created by a water blaster!

There is also an off chance that you could find a oil that has a slight preserver included in it (I'm assuming you oil the wood occaisionally to keep it nice and healthy). But if you don't oil, and its looking great, then please disregard the last comment!

Also there are plenty of other projects higher on the list, at the moment.    (New siding would be nice.  The current siding is  original and hence is older than I am.  :o )

I admit, the scrub brush does sound ideal. :)

Cheers,

Munk