Best finish for outdoor furniture?

[Mickey_Fx]

Like others, I'd recommend going with a oil stain. Move here last yr and have a large gazebo that is cedar. 15 yrs old and never had anything applied. Had taken on that gray tent that cedars can do. Purchased Cabots oil and penetrating oil stain in a a semi-transparent version in a cedar tent. Got rid of the gray and darkened the exposed wood a little but hardly darker than the natural color of the wood that doesn't get direct sun exposure. In Gal cans, cost ~$25. Purchased form Lowes.

For your project maybe clear/translucent may fit the bill a litle better.

Cabot Stains | Cabot