red oak pergola?

[terrifictimbersllc]

Got a potential customer intent on making a pergola out of red oak.  Wants to air dry a year and make it, then apply some kind of sealer.   It's the wood he's got.  Beam sizes are 3x6, 4x4, 2x4 and  8x8 uprights.    Been through discussion with him how this isn't the best wood for an uncovered/exposed outdoor project, the beams won't be dry in that time, applying sealer before dry might cause finish problems etc.

Inviting comment.  Any ideas how he can optimize this if he goes forward?  

Posted in Timber Framing but no takers.

[paul case]

i cut a few 8x8 and 6x6 timbers for a fellas house when i first got the bandmil 2years ago. they are still shrinking a little. he let them set a full year and planed and polyeurathaned them. they are red oak . i asked him about the cracks and if he is pleased? YES is his answer. just what he wanted . he actually said that a few of them that didnt have many knots or cracks were kinda''plain''.  it looks good to me too. i think as long as the customer knows what to expect  those work just fine.   
i think some folks are tickled with big rough timbers for their projects since they arent commonly found at the box store.   pc