2. Full Shade, Partial Shade, or Full Sun - Partial shade. Steps to the left of the deck rarely get sun.
3. Type of Wood - Massaranduba Brazilian Redwood
4. Mold or Mildew Issues - No, although there has been quite a bit of cupping of the wood members due to lack of sunlight to help dry it out.
5. Main Issues with Previous Stains - Original deck contractor used unnamed stain that wore off quickly; we did 3 rounds of Messmer, with an oil based, since 2021, but there was too much oil leaching afterward. Last stained about a year ago.
We want to try the TWP Natural Effect Impregnating Stain and the TWP Natural Effect Top Coat. Deck right now is pretty much gray colored.
Question is: Do I have to stipulate the exact shade of the TWP; if so, what in your opinion would be the best shade to bring out the natural Massaranduba redwood colors? Possibly Mahogany, but not sure. Don't want it too dark.
You can see the railing to the side is more like what the natural color should be, although that's faded, too. Thank you in advance for your input.