I’m building a covered porch (30′ x 6’5″) and we want to use vertical grain t&g douglas fir on the deck. The porch is about 25″ off grade, and will be well ventilated, as three sides will be lattice.

The porches exposure is to the north-northeast. We live in SW Oregon, so humidity isn’t a issue. Winters get some snow (not much sticks, only 2,000′ elevation), and warm summers.

What’s the best finish to protect the fir floors ? I’d prefer something clear, or with a slight color/tint to it, we don’t want to paint the boards, even though you see that alot around here on older homes such as this one. Any advise as to brands, etc. would be a big help. This is a big project for me, and I’d sure hate to muck it up by failing to protect this $$$ wood !

Chris

PS-Would you put a vapor barrier under this deck ?