Help! I have a "senior citizen" (my girlfriend father, it's her house) who doesn't want to stain the new acq pt *stainless sreel fastners is also an issure with him)before we install it. I think it should be done. We are in the northeast (cape Cod) and he feels we need the boards to help install the roof of the farmers porch. Any suggestions will be appreciated. (so I can show a pro response to Him. (I have been selling building materials for 27 years)

Your question is quite confusing but I will try to help...if the wood is going to be stained regardless, then doing it before installation would be easier and less messy and a nicer finish. Stainless steel fasteners I would highly recommend especially in salt air climates, nothing worse than your project falling apart years later because you chose to use improper fastener material. What all this has to do with "the farmers roof" I haven't a clue! So can't help you there!

To pick up where PCBuilder left off, I agree, as much of the decking as possible should be pre-stained prior to installation. Staining and sealing on all sides (6) helps to prolong the life of the deck, and stainless steel fastners is the only way to go in your neck of the woods. As far as the farmer's porch, I assume he's worrying about damaging the finish when the roof construction takes place. However, this doesn't have to be the case, you can always go the inexpensive route of laying drop clothes to protect the finish or more expensive and durable, laying 1/4" plywood or OSB down over the deck, this will protect it not only from foot traffic but from impacts as well.