If it has no varnish, light sand then oil. If varnished very good sand using a electric sander, medium first sand then finer the second sand, wipe down to get all dust off then oil. If you use a combo of linseed and turpentine make sure you use gum turpentine. Use more turpentine to start off as will penetrate the wood better. Good luck

Hi Kristen! Yes to the downlighter but no to the brass sorry : ( The other metals I can see on your facade are aluminium (ie silver/grey) in the windows and white painted steel or iron on the railing. So I would pick from either of those. White lights would look pretty naff imho, so am suggesting silver/grey- anodised aluminium or stainless steel. A stainless or aluminium uplighter/downlighter [as per @Asquithoakley's third pic] would look good on the garage wall as the fixture is down low enough for uplighting to look great. Downlighter-only version of that would look good upstairs as the fixtures are up high. Both would wash the bricks with light and create lovely depth and pattern.

Very helpful Off to do more homework . Many thanks

If you are still looking at benchtop options you want to consider our QuantumSix+ 12mm porcelain sheets. Measuring 3200x1600mm so it is ideal for a seamless long bench or the 6mm porcelain for a splashback. The 12mm is available in 2 colours - white with grey vein or white with a gold/grey vein (marble look). 6mm is available in 8 colours from marble look to industrial grey. Check out our website for imagery: http://wk.com.au/Gallery/QuantumSix-Gallery/8