Hi pixiefeather, With that color scheme I was automatically drawn to a grey, translucent stain. Something to keep it in the cool tones, something relaxing. I thought about a stone color, similar to the driftwood grey, granite, beechwood gray, or bluestone gray swatches from the list in the link. I dont know if it is possible to strip it enough to get it that color. And it really depends on what color your house is if it will go, and I think the deep red of the back wall might not go either. If I was re-staining the deck--to tone down the wall I would put some trellis with some lovely pink and purple clematis up if they work in your zone. Maybe something like 'Hagley Hybrid' and 'Warsaw Nike' to compliment the color scheme. Its the planting time for them too. Whatever you decide, good luck and I am sure you will come to a good solution! In any case, it sounds like you have a lovely garden coming along. Here is a link that might be useful: Semi transparent stain swatches

Cassma Thanks for the response. Evidently I didn't make it clear what I was looking for or maybe what I would like does not exist. Anyway...I have done further research and these are my conclusions: 1. Nothing is going to last more than a couple of years at the most. When I am unable to do it myself, I will have to hire someone. 2. I don't really like the look of solid stain so will go with Cabots semi transparent oil based stain. 3. I found a new to me tool that will enable me to apply the stain without having to be on my hands and knees brushing it on. It is by Wagner and looks kinda like a swiffer mop with a tank to hold solution. It has a felt like pad and a small brush to get between the boards. You stand up and apply like mopping. Wonder if anyone has used it before? As you say, I will powerwash and get it as clean as possible before applying the new stain. I also know that you need several days of clear weather before you start this project. The deck has to dry before the stain can be applied and then the stain has to dry thoroughly before it rains!!! Outside temperature should ideally be in the 70's with no freezing or heavy dew. Deck staining IS an art if you want it to last and look good. Again...hope this helps you with your project. Murphy

Jim, I just cant see you diging up really old posts, going on and on about it, with out some type of goal. Exactley what are you trying to prove??? Go to my site, All the ipe projects have 116 on them. As you can see they are not Red or Redwood or anything close to that. Saying it is makes me Mad clear and simple. Now if you put 116 on say preasure treated,garapa or any light color wood then Yes its going to come out a different color than 116 on ipe. This is basic 101 wood finish. Any of the resin base twp products can be mixed together to come up with a different color. I have used combos like that when puting finish on Garapa and other woods. I put cedar tone natural on ipe one time because the Wallet asked for it the result was bad but I did what they wanted however for ipe its most always the 116. Ipe itself is not one color it ranges from almost black to a light tan 116 levals out the differances but the result is not Red. Any color chip you get from Any finish store is going to be different on another kind of wood other than the wood used on the chip you cant expect them to have samples of finish on every kind of product. Just get off it Man. Its up to the Customer to know if one finish is the right one for them. There is no way twp is showing product online / samples / or color chips that dont match up with what they sell. You might not agree with what they call it if so just pick another name for your self and call it that but it Defentley is what they say it is and what they say they sell is what they sell. The JonMon has been a little tense latley after a long term project was real hard on me. This is a mixed site if I could I would edit my last response but O Well. J.

Whatever works for you. It seems like you enjoyed the project, and still enjoy the results. That's good, because you'll probably have to do it again before too long. Poplar was a bad choice for decking. Just my opinion, but I'm sticking with it. steve