Hi Fiona. Those boards were replaced after initial build (after installing new wider slider), so that’s why they were lighter. It was weathered and needing a clean and recoil there. I took cutek’s (expensive)advice and started with quik clean (loosens dirt which was evidently incorporated into my layers of oil), then followed with pro clean (timber brightener). I scrubbed my butt off and was still not happy with the result. It just didn’t evenly clean it up, and I used fairly concentrated doses, and got down on my knees to scrub, not just a brush on a long stick. I oiled with cutek extreme (instead of cd50). Some more pics, after scrubbing then after oiling (still dark). I did redo my handrail in johnstones deck oil, and it appears to be lasting well, no peeling... but I’m still a bit cautious about risking my deck with this finish (water based over oil). I think I’d prefer dirty weather deck than a peeling finish. Next house I’m only having timber deck if it’s entirely undercover!! Do you have a similar dilemma?

not sure..I wouldn't go dark..that garage colour is too oppressive or go rust..you've got a beautiful brick feature there ..I'd carry that colour upwards.. leave your front door clear to counteract the darkness of the garage.. too many colours tend to make it busy the eyes don't know where to look..

Ahh, JEC, I did not realize I was Australia! Very sorry! Yes, I'm in US.(wish I was there sometimes, especially since 11/2016). Anyway, so oklouise tried to help me but I assumed she was here and then I was wondering where she shopped for materials that actual, knowledgeable and experienced advisors! Sorry about that Mrs. Oklouise! I appreciate the help too. It was only a small part of it I didnt quite understand and that's simply because oklouise is not here. I am positive if she was, she'd adapt to the ways and how they do things here. So, come on over mrs oklouise! You're welcome anytime! Siriuskey, yes they "paint" the cedar here, but they use solid color stain so it looks like paint. I am positive though that there are cedar built things with actual paint. But that's really a no-no with cedar. After it gets older, some transition to semi transparent stain, then, when even older they go to solid colored stain. Wish I was a pilot! mpilot1 was made for me by my company years and years ago as their name had the word pilot in it; since they already had a "marc" there when I started, they gave me marcpilot1. They've since closed(after 40 years), since I had had it for so long at that point, I took the name/address with me. Think I should put some of the after pics up, like when I finally finish this project for mother? Thx again for all help, especially oklouise! God Bless.

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