I have a small bridge over a drainage ditch that needs protection and recently had a discussion with. a painter who proposed a very expensive solution ro what seems to me a relatively minor issue so I'm looking doe someone experienced in this area. The bridge is constructed of treated wood and as best I can determine was never finished previously. It's is subjected to constant sun and rain. It is used only for access to a back yard area by a zero turn mower and some minor foot traffic. The painter who provided the estimate says the best solution would be to do a deck stain and then an epoxy over coat. While I understand the issue, it just seems to me that this isn't a cost effective solution to a minor problem.
How long do epoxy coatings last on exposed wood surfaces? Certainly the stain won't retain its color for any extensive period of time and then to redo that would necessitate removing the epoxy to again stain the deck.
I'm thinking that the most cost efficient process would be to use a high quality deck stain and just redo it as necessary.
All suggestions are welcomed.