Here's an update: I bought a new rug. The picture quality is not the greatest as I took it with my phone, but here it is: It is returnable, so I would like some thoughts on it! I love the colour (a mixture of blues and browns), and I think the pattern will help hide our day to day messes (compliments of Bandit, on the loveseat, and her two teenagers!) I also like that it is a less traditional feel than the old rug. I went on my first fabric hunting trip yesterday, but came up empty. I'm still not sure what direction to go for the chairs. Thanks, Carrie

Hi, Take a drive around town and if you see something you like, take a picture and copy it. Colors fit more in the area you live in. Desert colors don't go well in Pacific Northwest. Just a little experience. Good Luck Woodbutcher

I would keep it silver. It blends better with your kitchen finishes, and lets your dining table light be the main focus. You don't ned the contrast of a dark finish there, especially if you are keeping three lights. I would look for lights with clear glass, or silver in a square shape like your other light. Or you may be able to change out the glass bell without changing your whole fixture.

We use Diamond Vogel opaque deck stains with good results. Needs to be renewed about every4-5 years. As bad as that wood is, however, I would not expect too much. Were it my deck I would set all the nails, rent a floor sander and try to get down to good wood before staining. To answer your questions: 1. Can anyone tell what type of wood my decking is made of? Treated pine 3. Can I wood-fill smaller cracks and splits instead of replacing? No. Wood filler is not for unstable environments like a wood deck. 4. Do I need to prep my railing differently than other surfaces? Only the top of the rail should be weather-worn. Sand it down before staining. 5. If I replace some boards, any tips for trying to blend the old and new boards? Blending is not really possible. The new wood is full of treatment solution and will take stain differently than old wood. The usual recommendation is to let new wood sit for a minimum of six weeks before staining.