Porch Floor Finish

[fptahoe]

Dear All - have a house with a front porch with an overhang that is not screened in and even with the overhang, gets a lot of water when it rains.  I know the floor needs to be refinished, but not sure what to use for the outdoor application.  Not sure of the wood, but it may be mahogany, and not sure what finish is on there now - I assume some oil based product, but really have no idea.  I am wondering how to properly treat the floor.  I had planned on sanding it (it is not too large) and then sealing it with something durable.  Suggestions as to which product to use?  

Also, one of the boards is slightly rotted, but probably only a 3" X 1" piece and I would like to fill it somehow instead of replacing the board because the hole is so small.  Any suggestion on what to do here?  

As always, thanks for any comments or advice...FPT

[Cooler]

I painted my rear porch with oil based paint and it has held up well.  But it is slippery when wet and scary when covered with a light dusting of snow.  

I put down rubber runners for the distance between the garage and the house door.  That is the only area that is used when there is snow or rain.  Or add texture for those parts that might be used in the rain.

[Lynden]

I haven't used it but I've seen this product advertised. Reviews are mostly positive.

http://www.behr.com/consumer/products/wo...d-deckover

[Cooler]

I haven't used it but I've seen this product advertised. It gets mostly positive reviews.

http://www.behr.com/consumer/products/wo...d-deckover

The literature says  it is slip-resistant, so based upon my  experience with oil based paint being so slippery when wet, I'd say that the Behr product would be a better choice.

[Foggy]

When I re-stain the porch and steps I sprinkle fine beach sand on the still wet stain. Just enough grit for traction but not impede the snow shovel.

[Roly]

I would carefully look into reviews for the Behr's deckover.   There have been a lot of adhesion problems after a year or two.  Roly

[Lynden]

I would carefully look into reviews for the Behr's deckover.   There have been a lot of adhesion problems after a year or two.  Roly

Good advice. I see there are class-action lawsuits. Bob Flexner, the finishing guru at Popular Woodworking, identified what he thinks are the causes of the peeling problem. It's not just Deckover, but also Olympic Rescue-It and Rust-Oleum Deck Restore.

http://www.popularwoodworking.com/woodwo...-that-fail

[Ed in NC]

The house where I grew up had a large front porch, covered but otherwise open to the elements. I remember painting it with oil based Porch and Floor Enamel, Sherwin Williams I think. It wore quite well, but I do remember it being a little slick when wet. Might be a possible option if they still make it.
Ed