The use of wood stains in deck design isn't just for purposes of preservation. This site gives examples of how to get creative with wood stains. E.g., solid wood stains can be used to create floorboard patterns, such as checkerboard patterns. Or carry your stenciling skills outdoors and apply them to deck design, using painter's tape. Lay out a pattern that will be shielded by the tape, then apply a dark wood stain to the areas not protected by the tape. Once the wood stain is dry, peel off the tape and apply a lighter wood stain (or vice versa) to the boards that had been shielded by the tape....