I have been looking online at similar tables - most of them are honey coloured; one or two that I have seen have darker legs, but the paler coloured top and skirt. A few are described as different tops (eg cedar) and legs (eg blackwood). I am thinking I will get the other leaves and the skirt stripped back to match, at least; if the legs are the same wood I will get them done also, otherwise they can stay as they are. Thank you everyone for your help and advice, much appreciated!

Hi Anna, with your lovely bushland setting my preference is stained finishes that allow the character of the substrate to show through, not paint which will obscure the substrate material. Stained finishes on outdoor timber will be easier to maintain over time too, as you can wash down and re-coat rather than having to sand back. In terms of prep, use an oxalic acid based wood cleaner (following the safety guidelines of course) and give it a good scrub. Don't use sand paper or a pressure cleaner. After the cleaner has restored the wood surface you can apply a penetrating oil finish - at least 2 coats - to enhance the natural colours. If adding a tint, I would look for something that will reflect the bushland tones, probably greys. A strong orange look will not complement the bush tones. For your slab area, I would just give it a good pressure clean then apply a clear sealer, maybe add some grey oxide if the concrete is too light. The aim is to retain some patina and avoid solid blocks of colour like pavement paint would achieve. Sealer will age more gracefully than paint too. All this is subjective of course, but to me working with the colours and textures of the bush is the way to go. Looking forward to seeing your "after" photos when it is done!

I was in favour of a colour similar to Jarrah but my daughter disagreed. My concern with black is that the decking is a shade of blue/grey and the house has much grey as well. I really like the black(ish) look but the pics shared show it on quite light surfaces i.e. cement or a very light wood colour. I actually have a full tin of blackbean wood stain. Do you know this colour?

What is best way to remove stubborn stains from carpets and upholstery? Carpet and upholstery stains are inevitable. No matter how hard you try to keep your carpets and upholstery clean, spills and accidents happen. They leave behind stubborn stains that can be difficult to remove. Removing stubborn stains from carpets and upholstery can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, you can get rid of even the toughest stains. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to remove stubborn stains from carpets and upholstery. Identify the Stain Before you start treating the stain, it is important to identify the type of stain you are dealing with. Different types of stains require different treatments. Some stains can be removed with simple household remedies, while others require professional cleaning. Common types of stains include: Coffee and tea stains Wine stains Pet stains Grease and oil stains Ink stains Blood stains Tools You Will Need To remove stubborn stains from carpets and upholstery, you will need some essential tools. Here are some of the tools that you will need: White vinegar Baking soda Dish soap Hydrogen peroxide Clean, white cloth Spray bottle Vacuum cleaner Cleaning Carpet Stains Carpet stains can be frustrating to deal with, especially if they are stubborn. Here are some ways to remove stubborn carpet stains: Coffee and Tea Stains Coffee and tea stains are common and can be challenging to remove. To remove coffee and tea stains from your carpet: Blot the stain with a clean, white cloth to remove any excess liquid. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Blot the stain with a clean, white cloth until the stain is removed. Wine Stains Wine stains are another common type of carpet stain that can be difficult to remove. To remove wine stains from your carpet: Blot the stain with a clean, white cloth to remove any excess liquid. Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 2 cups of warm water. Dip a clean, white cloth into the solution and blot the stain. Rinse the cloth with clean water and continue blotting the stain until it is removed. Pet Stains Pet stains can be particularly challenging to remove as they often leave behind an odor. To remove pet stains from your carpet: Blot the stain with a clean, white cloth to remove any excess liquid. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Blot the stain with a clean, white cloth until the stain is removed. If the odor persists, sprinkle baking soda onto the stain and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up. Grease and Oil Stains Grease and oil stains are common in high traffic areas and can be difficult to remove. To remove grease and oil stains from your carpet: Blot the stain with a clean, white cloth to remove any excess liquid. Sprinkle baking soda onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Vacuum up the baking soda. Mix equal parts of dish soap and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Blot the stain with a clean, white cloth until the stain is removed. Cleaning Upholstery Stains We will be discussing the best ways to remove stubborn stains from carpets and upholstery. Whether it's a red wine spill or a coffee stain, there are various methods you can use to clean up the mess. We'll be covering everything from DIY solutions to professional cleaning services. By the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding of how to tackle upholstery stains effectively. Before we get started, it's worth noting that different fabrics require different cleaning methods. So, before attempting to remove any stains, always check the care label on your upholstery to ensure you're using the correct cleaning method. Failure to do so could result in damage to your furniture. DIY Solutions Baking soda and vinegar - This is a popular DIY solution for removing stains from upholstery. First, sprinkle baking soda on the affected area and leave it to sit for a few minutes. Then, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the area. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes before blotting the stain with a clean cloth. Club soda - For fresh stains, club soda can be an effective solution. Simply pour some club soda on the stain and blot with a clean cloth until the stain disappears. Hydrogen peroxide - For tough stains, hydrogen peroxide can be a useful solution. Mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide and apply to the stain with a clean cloth. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes before blotting the stain with a clean cloth. Professional Cleaning Services Steam cleaning - This is a popular method used byprofessional cleaning services. Steam cleaning involves using a machine that sprays hot water and cleaning solution on the upholstery, which is then vacuumed up by the machine. Steam cleaning is effective at removing deep stains and dirt. Dry cleaning - Another option is to have your upholstery dry cleaned. Dry cleaning involves using a cleaning solution and a machine to remove stains and dirt. Unlike steam cleaning, dry cleaning doesn't use water, which means your furniture will be dry and ready to use immediately after cleaning. Prevention Prevention is always better than cure, and there are a few things you can do to prevent stains from occurring in the first place. First, avoid eating or drinking on your furniture, especially if you're consuming foods or drinks that are prone to causing stains. Second, if you have pets, make sure they are trained not to jump on your furniture. Pet hair and dirt can be difficult to remove from upholstery, so prevention is key. In conclusion, removing stubborn stains from upholstery can be a daunting task, but it's not impossible. With the right cleaning methods and a bit of prevention, you can keep your furniture looking clean and fresh for years to come. Remember to always check the care label on your upholstery before attempting to remove any stains, and if you're unsure,seek professional help.