Elli,
I use Thompsons Water Seal in the tinted formula on my outside decks near the pool and also on a side porch, and I really like it. You can still see the wood grain and it's not too dark like some of the stains. I use Honey Gold, but my dad uses Rustic Red on all his decks and both colors are pretty.
It's really easy to put on. My dad helped me get started but he left after about 20 mins and I finished the rest. Get one of the spray pump things and it will go fast. I got my stain at Lowe's and they sold the pumps right beside it. Just try and do it as evenly as you can. Maybe start in an area that is the least seen until you get the feel of it.
At first, we were going to cut in next to the house with a brush, but then we figured out it was easier to just cut a long piece of cardboard, and with one hand, stick it in the crack between the deck and the house to shield the house, then spray the stain with the other hand . That way, we could just walk along the wall spraying right up to the edge, and then just move the cardboard up as we walked. I'm not sure if that makes sense or not.
http://www.thompsonsonline.com/produ...s.wtrPrf.total
This is the stuff I used.