Oil based wood conditioner to even the stain absorption. Stain next with minwax at 2/3 ipswich pine and 1/3 cherry. Three coats of water based poly in satin after that. With the weather getting colder, plan A is to continue to use the garage and plan B is to stain in the garage and poly in the basement since there is almost no odor or VOCs from the water based poly.
It's been a while and the house is done inside, except for a one or two trim pieces. We are starting to tackle the outside and the first thing is a deck. The deck overall footprint is 24' wide, the width of the great room. it is divided into two portions: 17x14 wide and 11x10 wide. I still have the railings to do but it is done enough to sit and enjoy a glass of wine.
Over the next year, the list is:
1) More plantings and landscaping.
2) Hardscape edging along the driveway
3) Hardscape wall/flower beds in front
4) Hardscape patio off of the deck.
Thanks! My wife has spent quite a bit of time laying out the boards to have a mix of shades to make that contrast pop. Blue Star pre-finished mahogany. We will still put more coats on in a few weeks.