Note: The photos are not options to vote on; they show the current atrocity that needs to be remedied.

You should edit this post to remove the poll aspect of it - this should simply be a design dilemma post.

It would be helpful to see photos of the house/trim/deck color with the sun on it. As it is currently in the shade, while it may not be the best selection for the house, the color of the deck floor doesn't look like a "jarringly bad" selection.

A darler decl stain and don't forget you can break the surface up with outdoor rugs.

After viewing your deck a second time, what I think could be improved is the railing. It is so dark and busy that it interferes with your stunning mountain view. I'd replace it with a cable wire rail.

It looks fine to me. A darker deck will be hotter to the feet if you use it barefoot. But if you want to change it, Sherwin Williams has a color consulting service that I've used and been very happy with. It's either free or for a higher level of service, $65. I used the free to find a color for a room I wanted to coordinate with a rug and to get ideas for the exterior to match the roof and brick. You probably just need the free service. https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/color/color-tools/color-services?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18180776521&gclid=CjwKCAjwidXQBhAZEiwA4egw6BzFJzfJ9jGUAlr0djlPYFC-_POwNcII9Ogru0hCIJMqKP4-B63q8RoCzLwQAvD_BwE

This is not an atrocity.

Before you consider repainting or restaining the deck, you should get rugs and furniture. It’s amazing how much you don’t see the color of the deck once it’s finished.

This is similar to thinking your newly painted walls are too dark-light-bright whatever. Then the furniture comes in and it works.

I get this is not what you wanted but it doesn't seem horrible to me. I'd place your furniture and whatever else you keep out there. Live with it for a few weeks, then see what you think.

‘One thing to try is to walk in the dirt near the deck steps…track some of that dirt onto the deck…try to match that color…🤷🏻‍♀️

‘And definitely…. adding rugs …makes any deck more inviting…accentuates sitting areas that feature the views…or other points of interest….and at all doorways…to “wipe” your feet before entering

These comments have been so helpful - thank you!

I really liked the darker color in the first pics.
I’ve signed up for SW free color consulting: might be useful and will be educational.

I hadn’t even thought about a rug or furniture because that’s on the patio area below - the deck is basically for my husband to barbecue. But now I realize how nice it could look!

We’re just DIYing this for now, but will replace it with a composite deck and cable wire rail in a couple of years.

If you might replace the deck in the future, definitely leave it alone for now. And it will be worthwhile to get estimates for the deck you are planning. I wanted the cable wire railing on ours but was gobsmacked by the price. Our composite deck is great, so enjoy planning that.

You’re fine with what you have for now.