Hi Jason,

Difficult to give you a comprehensive answer to this question as it will be specific to the species, exposure, finish you want, etc. If I were you I would ask the cladding supplier for some recommendations as a first port of call. Usually they’ll have a particular product they’re keen on (and which may well fit with any guarantees they offer).

Some of our readers leave cedar cladding untreated so that it weathers to a silvery grey, but if you’re going to do this you need to make sure it’s a high-grade product and a durable species (such as a Western Red). You’ll also need to accept that some patches will weather quicker than others, giving you a variegated look over the first few years that seem people aren’t keen on.

If memory serves, a number of readers have used products from Osmo and Sikkens to treat their cedar cladding. Might be worth contacting both companies for their advice/recommendations.

Hope that helps!

Chris Bates, Deputy Editor & Online Editor, Build It magazine