I've coated many decks and the best advise I've been given is "leave it natural". Most timbers go grey after a few months and don't look too bad. If you want a bi-annual maintenance job the other bit of good advise I've had directly from the manufacturer is put down four coats minimum. The third and fourth coats won't use so much oil because they don't soak in. A very light sand between coats keeping in the direction of the grain is a good idea to retain a finish without wood grain or dust spoiling the final appearance. Two coats, no matter which brand or type of oil will last about a year in our sun.

Thank you everyone! Between you all you have summed up my concerns (changing bulbs, enough detail already in the stairwell, honouring the old house) and my desires (a nice lantern pendant or period light, LEDs need less changing, overhead lighting. I like the idea of the wall lights but we have not wired for this. There is wiring for for stair lighting (phew, glad we got that right) and one down light in the middle of the void. We have reconsidered a pendant as the one down light will be harder to change but are worried about obscuring the windows. Perhaps one of the simple fine-framed lantern pendants or white vintage light, on chains will be easier to change as we can pull it across to the stair, or a pulley pendant like this I'll post some more photos of our reno once its further on.

Hi siriuskey So the large coir mat from Bunnings is much cheaper than the Chilewich. I'm confused now. Do you recommend the coir mat or the Chilewich? I'm not sure if I can even find a Chilewich in Adelaide to bring home for a look ....

Great job Della and oklouise. Blends perfectly with the original design and the view from the top is to die for. Hope you will get nice cooling breezes there in summer too. I confess, I've never head of a moon gate :):) but it is a great idea.