Ken, Don't you have a thread about hiring 2 maids, and another buying multiple sex dolls? Seems like you should be able to have someone come out and do the deck. A pro who does it right will last longer than a half ass at home job, unless you really put effort into the job.
Make sure you have cleaned it off well first before applying the coats of stain. We have a relatively small deck, roughly 400sqft, and it is low enough that we don't need railings which takes away one pain in the ass. I recruit 1 or 2 of my sons, plus the wife and we take 2 days to get it done right.
Oh, yes, I piss away money on stuff too that I could use to hire a contractor, but I actually prefer doing this one myself and pretending I am a handyman.