Tom,
Sorry I don't have any real experience with sealers. I would go to Borg and ask. I just know that in the past I've heard some neg. comments about Thompsons. Behr sealer is not too bad. At least 15 years ago it was one of the better ones.
Tom

I think Consumers Reports just did a test of outdoor sealers and paints.

I'll have to look that up before I buy anything.

Tom.

Too bad you could not use Ipe lumber. It would last a lifetime with little to no maint.

You have to like gray.

Well, no maint. beside the color. I wouldn't let the stuff turn grey, but it isn't my project either.

I ended up going to Menards and they not only sold the pine and treated pine for about half the cost of the local lumber yard, but they sold fir porch flooring. I bought that, put a coat of oil based primer on it and installed it a week ago. I'm waiting now for it to be warm and dry so I can get a coat of paint on it. I have a feeling I might be waiting for a while.
We had to jack up the porch roof about an inch or two. We did it in just a few minutes with no damage. I still have to put on a couple trim boards, but it looks nice.

Tom.

We just got a new Menards. I really like that store. Have you ever ordered any of there veneered plywoods? I was wondering if they are any good. I bought my oak veneered plywood from Woodcraft, and thought it was great, but a little pricey.

I like Menards too. The closest store to me is about a 40 minute drive though.
I haven't bought any hardwood plywood from there. I'll need some walnut plywood soon, I'll look there as well as a local hardwood store and WoodWerks over in Columbus.

Tom.

I just checked their store locator and the closest one to me is in Casper, Wyoming. It's only 1100 miles away, so with good traffic I should be able to get there in about 16 hours.

I guess that trip will have to wait until the weekend.

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John

1 Toolie, 2 XL Festool Polos

I use Menards plywood all the time! Love it. It has the thickest top veneer I have found, and the price can't be beat. One recommendation though, the pickings are better from a fresh bunk. If its been picked through, people just throw the sheets around, breaking the corners, stepping on them with wet feet, and generally not caring about the next guy. So look over the sheets well.
I use their maple ply for cabinets. B-2 grade. I think it looks a lot nicer than the birch when clear coated.
Plywood is pretty much the only thing I ever will buy at Menards though. Also, their OSB is horrid stuff. I would stay away from it.
Oh, and I've never had any luck at finding anyone competent working there, not that any of the other big box stores can claim to have that locked up

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TS 55, RO 125, CT 22 w/ Boomarm, Domino, OF 1400, RS2E, C12, MFT3, 4 guide rails (1080, 1400, 1900, and 2700), Sortainer, Router bit Systainer, Sandpaper Systainer, Domino Systainer, Tradesman cleaning set.