The link below is very comprehensive and will provide you the best methods for your new deck.

Michael

It's a very slow-drying oil, and doesn't do well outside for any length of time.
I'd use it ONLY for low-priority items that can easily be moved inside often....small tables, carvings, etc.

My Redwood deck is 12+ yrs.-old.
* This is in Fargo, ND...where temps go from -35 to a couple of 95-100 deg. readings every year.
* Humidity is all over the map too.
* Physical orientation: West side, Zero shade, 6' off ground. Full sun from 11am.
* I had first applied Penofin back in '96 when it was new.
* Since about 2000, I've been using SIKKENS SRD Semi-transparent. It's all I've used since.

NOTE: Redwood is soft, but VERY dimensionally stable outside.
* You WILL have to sand horizontal surfaces every 3-4 years to keep that "new" look.
* I've got lots of pics of my deck, if I can just find them on my computer! (You can maybe search on the 'Decks' forum too. I've posted some pics there too...)
* I sanded all my spindles last summer, along with sanding between them where they attach to the 2x8 Redwood skirtboards. THAT was fun...but had to be done.
* No matter HOW GOOD a stain is...it can't do everything.
* Periodic sanding gives you NEW wood again, that will ABSORB & HOLD new stains evenly.
* Sanding removes degraded/crumpled wood fibers, exposing more rigid/open structures.
* Cleaning is important too...BUT...doesn't do ANYTHING to remove many old fibers.

Sooooo...my deck stain of choice...Sikkens SRD.
I LOVE the Redwood #089 color.
If our store dropped Sikkens...people up here would HANG us!!
(I went through almost THREE 5G pails when I did our fence last summer...@ $170 per 5-er. Gallons are ~ $35/gal.)
On below link, check the "Application Guide" info. too.

Faron

Redwood takes and holds finishes better than most other woods. For long lasting good looks and performance, a quality water repellent finish containing a mildewcide and an ultraviolet inhibitor is recommended For best results, the finish should be applied directly to the lumber before construction covering all sides, edges and ends. A second application is recommended when the deck is completed.

Seems pretty easy to decide after reading that.

Michael

Good luck