Is the GC taking responsibility for this? Have you confirmed this in writing? If they are, and have confirmed this in writing etc. then let the GC call the shots - they're on the hook for repairs and if that means replacing your counters, then that's what that means. As long as whoever is doing the repair work stands behind it and ultimately will reimburse you or replace the counters, then a) make sure it's all agreed in writing and b) let them do what they say they need to do. Ensure that the measure of success is indicated - how much of the stain do they have to remove to be 'good'? What if the spot is still visible be it as a darkened area or difference in the final finish (etched etc). BTW - your marble counter top is polished? It's not going to stay that way for long. We have 50 sq ft of marble counters in the kitchen (white) and it's honed. More typical for counters as etching isn't as visible. One drop of toothpaste or anything acidic will be a very very visible spot.

Our contractor seems to think the pressurized wood is just fine as it is and will need nothing for 25 years. We won't live that long, soooooooooo

To the OP: * In the last pic, that board is too cracked-open to use safely. Wood splits occasionally...not much you can do about it. Decks see a LOT of thermal contraction/expansion. Some boards just can't take it for long, no matter how good the stain is. * For safety's sake, replace any other cracking boards. * For a band-aid approach ONLY...fill holes with some 2-part wood-filler...IF you can't replace any boards. * NOW...rent a Flat-plate/Vibrating sander with a 12" x 18" bottom-plate. Buy some backer-pads and 60-grit sanding sheets. * Sink all those screws below surface, and sand the deck floor. * You'll be sanding a while, but you're getting-rid of all that degraded wood that won't take stain anymore. You'll be exposing NEW wood fiber-structure that will TAKE AND HOLD stain evenly now. * My Redwood deck was built in '96...FULL sun...6' high. Have used Penofin's Transparent-Redwood originally, & Sikkens SRD Redwood #089 stain the last couple stainings. * Last year, I sanded my 2x10 Redwood skirtboards, Redwood steps, and all spindles. * Deck floor has been sanded twice in 14 yrs. BOTTOM LINE: Thanks to sanding and good deck stains, my 14y/o deck looks better than some NEW ones. >>> I work at a busy store that sells Sikkens and Penofin stains, and higher-end paints. I post a lot on the Paint forum. * The FIRST question I ask people..."Has your deck ever been sanded"? If it's been 8-10 yrs, I tell-'em it's time. * Cleaning doesn't do much if the wood is too degraded, like yours is. * I have other posts/pics on this forum too, related to my deck. Faron

I'm wondering what you ended up going with, as we are looking at railing for a deck also.