Deck Rebuild

Hi,

I'm in the process of rebuilding my deck from the ground up. I have a few quick questions that will most likley be obvious to the experianced, but my web searching skills have let me down.

1. I have some 100x100x5m hardwoodposts running from high wind post supports up to the what will be the roof. Is it possible to paint the lower half of these posts and varnish/stain the upper half with the crossover out of eye just under the decking. I have painted the lower half with acrylic paint, and have to Cabots Extirior varnish stain whcih is also water based. I'm thinking that the acrylic paint should overlap the varnish and make sure nothing is exposed. Am i mental for even considering this, or is it okay. I'd love to enjoy seeing the grain in the wood on everything visible and have everything painted underneith.

2. I have unprotected hardwood Stair treads whcih are amazing condition given their exposure. I'd like to protect them, whats best to use? Same oil that i choose for my Kwila decking?

3. Part of the old deck was tiled and there is a 60mm drop over 5 meters. Large bearers sit ontop of steel posts. I'd like to reduce this drop as the deck is a L shape. I think packing it up 30mm would be achievable. Any ideas what I'd be best to pack with? Scraps of hardwood? Pine? PLywood?

Thanks for reading all thoughts much appriciaited.

Good question :2tsup: - I am also interested in the responses to the above posts as I am currently cleaning the visible uppers portions of my spotted gum deck posts and planning on clear coating them, as I also prefer the natural grain of timber.

Fat Chilli, It would seem that as long as the two are acrylic/water based you'll be okay. I'll post if I have problems...