We say leave it, too! There's something beautiful and unique about natural wood. If the wood still looks good and have an interesting grain pattern, why mess with it?!

I don't think I could ever give up mahogany for black.

If you want the black, put these in the garage and use something less expensive to paint. When you want a change, you have the beautiful originals.

How about a black stain?

Leave good wood stained. You could use a stain with more "ebony" (black) in it if you wished. However, I would put two rocking chairs on the front porch in red or aqua and brighten things up that way. It is quite stark as is, which your builder is probably responding to as he sees it. Also, you could enhance your "curb appeal" by putting some colorful ceramic pots on the porch and in the landscaping to add texture, color and appeal. Expanding your front beds and making them more curved and adding some large moss boulders along with some seasonal flowers would be a great help.

I say paint it!