recommend I do?

I thought of installing curtains, but this would have some side-effects I might not be happy with (cost, forgetting to draw them and loosing a lot of sun light through out the day)

sealed, but it's still in good shape. When it was built, I was told to wait 6 mos to seal it and that 6 mos has turned into years. I'm planning to for SURE do it this year, but here are my questions. I have 2 largish dogs (inside dogs, but of course they go outside

several times a day), so I'm going to have to keep them inside and take them out front for pottying during this process. During the years since the deck was built, dirt and fur has accumulated between the boards. I know I have to get it out before doing anything. After that's done and I clean the deck well and while it's drying out, can I let the dogs out there or must they be kept off it since they WILL track in soil from the yard? OR, can I cover the deck floor with a large vinyl tarp during the drying out process so the dogs can go out there? I've also read not to use chlorine bleach on it but to use oxygen bleach because it's less destructive to the wood. What about that?

And last question, once the sealant is put down, would putting a tarp on IT and letting the dogs out be a no-no? If it IS a no-no, is there a sealant that will dry out in 24 hours for sure? Keeping the dogs off the deck is going to be a chore and I'm trying to make my life easier. OH, and one more question. Since the deck isn't brand new, will that effect the kind of sealant I use -- transparent, semi, or whatever?

a nightmare to clean and sand. I tried using Tung Oil to finish them, because my husband and I love the grain of the wood. But, it made them a not so pleasing, gold color (which was the color they were when I started) . Has anyone stained these types of cabinet doors with a darker stain, without them looking yellowy/gold? Thanks for any help!

about 5 or 10 seconds.

This is a recent development that happens randomly -- when the machine is not in use.

I don't mind it -- unless it's an indication that there's some sort of plumbing problem!!

Any words of wisdom out there!!?

Appreciation in advance for any and all thoughts on this occurrence!!