It is just a great patio beer drinking table with a great view:) I couldn't get a picture of the table and the view because I didn't have the room with just a camera phone but this is the view from the top of the patio with it:)

I have miles of decking at two houses. All timber when put in the Australian sun will suffer. When building our beach house we decided to go for Spotted Gum and let it grey. Why fight it? We applied Cutek, and will on a regular basis. At our main house we have lots of Merabu or Quilla. Will not grey the same, and leaches lots of red stain. Cheap, but would not use again. What ever you use, use a good quality oil that seeps deep into the wood not a traditional stain/or top finishing product.

I really like the pic that LesleyH posted. The wooden rail will be 'warmer' to the touch too, show less dirt and tie is with the stairs beautifully.....I thin it will 'ground' the whole look because, if I remember rightly, the stairs and front door are the only wooden features and the rest is a lot of very modern light grey/white/shiny features. I think another touch of warmth in the wood will be beautiful.

For such a quirky and interesting table in a bohemian and eclectic interior I would consider a set of eight Philippe Starck Ghost Chairs. The classic lines would complement the design of your table, but the clear polycarbonate would not conceal that wonderful pedestal. In addition they are stackable, so you could stack four in a corner, and have four chairs out for everyday use.There are reproductions available, however the polycarbonate is not the same quality as the original Kartell brand, and seems to be more brittle and prone to snapping. The clear ones are classic and are readily available, but I think one of the transparent, smoked versions (perhaps with the gold tint) would work even better. http://www.spacefurniture.com.au/louis-ghost.html Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls