Lucid Architecture It is most likely a combination of mildew and staining of the wood from water exposure. There are some wood cleaners that can probably get it off, usually with the assistance of some scrubbing and a pressure washer. If the wood is not finished, it needs to be, otherwise it will continue to weather, and ultimately turn to a driftwood gray color. Larger overhangs would also have gone a long way to helping the issue by keeping water shedding off the roof from landing on the porch.

Ironwood Builders Sally, all the suggestions and comments about the wood and stain or paint are good. I have a different view. To me your timber framed porch looks unstable. The granite blocks look to be tipping and there is no apparent attachment from the granite to the post. I'm certain you live in an area that doesn't concern itself with earthquake as we do here...but connecting a building to its foundation is not really just about earthquakes...foundation bolting is code required throughout the US. Having a foundation that extends below frost line and is designed to support the load above is too.

handymam Dave, I didn't know what it was, but something looked off to me too. You are the master though. Now that you pointed it out, that is it. It is as if the porch where built and just plopped on top of a temporary step to the house.

Lucid Architecture We used a product from Sansin called SDF. It's been fairly successful, but the maintenance cycle is still probably at around 4 years. My advice is the more pigment in the stain the better the performance will be. So go darker/heavier for more lifespan. And keep up with the maintenance, if you let it go to far, it's twice as much work to get it back.

Lucid Architecture Sikkens SRD is going to be the closest to what we put on out house. The Cetol products are a bit more of a film building, i think, and was not the look we were going for. Alot of the sikkens products darken with UV exposure also, which isn't good over time.

ksbaum Great input since we have used a lightly tinted stain called "Spice". I don't want it dark even if it hasta be done more often. I'm into a kinda caramel color. The house is a late 70's CA contemporary...gobs of windows, 5 patio doors, 3 decks, tiny bedroom balcony, cedar ceiling in step-down living room, etc. Kids are raised and gone and, as homebodies, we finished the outside two years or so ago, and are working on the inside, still trying to stay faithful to the design while moderizing. We have a new Euro kitchen and have started work on the public bath. Houzz and people like you are so helpful. KSB

Lucid Architecture People look great, the colored light is pretty low intensity.

Lucid Architecture They are glu-lam beams, and attached to steel angles in the wall.