Here is the old house..lower cedar undergoing clean and is now all oiled. Window trims on right painted in dune. Ok. So had heart attack yesterday. Roof painter came out. I am at work. He and my son decided to ‘colormatch’ my already woodland grey painted posts and decide ....yes it’s armour grey....I had told both days earlier woodland grey...now have an armour grey roof which is same as windspray...don’t know whether to laugh or cry..more cry actually. Heart was set on woodland grey and dune trims. But I did really like your windspray..so confused now what to do....any help would be appreciated.

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?

We have miles of decking at our house here in Brisbane and at our new holiday house. We just love natural hardwood. I have learned the hard way not to use a stain or finish that puts a surface on top of the timber. Such products are very common and are most of the common brands. They deteriorate fast and are a real bugger to refinish. I have now discovered Cutek oils which so far are going great, and are so early to just apply another coat.

I'm also late back to this plan party.. :-) looks so much better Beck B, I'm so glad you went with the idea of having a direct entrance into the working parts of the home.. laundry butlers pantry etc.. it makes for a much easier life! And I see you have utilized that whole living spaces area much better now, better thoroughfare, flow and more pantry space! Its a much better design I would still consider a concealed sliding doors at the end of your kitchen. Also having another look at your kitchen, and your sink seems in an awkward spot, not sure it that is just temporary, but have you considered moving the cleaning section of your kitchen (sink/dishwasher) along the wall? to the right if you clean left to right or vice versa. If it eating outdoors is something you do often, this will be much more convenient and also keep the dishes away from the 'lounge/dining' part of the room. All the best with the build, make sure you post some pics when its done!!