Built a cedar pergola last summer, now I'm debating staining it or letting it gray

Last July I put up a 12x16 foot pergola in my backyard in Portland. Cost me about $900 in cedar lumber and hardware. My neighbor says clear sealer is the only way to go to keep the red tone. But I kind of like the weathered gray look that cedar gets over time. It feels more natural and low maintenance. Anyone here have experience with both approaches? Which held up better after a few rainy seasons?

2 comments

2 Comments

lucasking5d ago

Letting stuff gray out is just nature's way of telling you to stop worrying.

cole_hall5d ago

But isn't letting stuff gray out just kind of giving up on yourself? Dye your hair, hit the gym, stay sharp - that's nature telling you to fight back, not roll over. I feel like accepting decline just speeds it up, you know?