Are 2 coats better than one?

In most cases, yes. We found through many years of experience that our winters are just too harsh for one coat of stain. Therefore, we always use two coats. In some instances, we may use a third on the floor of the deck depending on its condition and the amount of traffic it suffers. Inexperienced contractors will sometimes use just one coat of stain. This is done to cut cost and corners.