Ok, lots of progress complete just in time for the rain. Still a little caulk and paint needed on the windows but the rot is all gone.
I received the new front beam, it is way nicer than I expected.
Replaced everything rotted, its all cedar coated with the cabots timber oil. I'll let it all weather over the winter, then we'll see about applying the dark solid stain...
Replacing all the wood would have been $2000-$2500, so by repurposing solid sections I saved $1000-1500. If that joint bothers me I can replace the center beam in the future.
I'm still ok not tearing it all down and rebuilding from scratch, still just seems too wasteful to toss all that wood.
I used strongtie screws for the first time, quick and removable, and the thing is a lot stronger than it was before. I never looked close but those 'girders' that support the beams were held to the side of the post with pairs of 1/4" lag screws. I replaced with 1/2".
Now I'm on the hook to measure and order flashing caps but gosh do I really want a vacation.
Called cabots this morning, they say their solid water based stain will stick to the timber oil if I let it weather all winter and then give it a light sanding.
Whew.