question about using cedar on deck,

[123maxbars]

I just built a new deck on the back of my house. I have some nice dried cedar that I would like to use on the hand rails around the deck. I would like to put something on them so the color doesn't fade and to protect them from the elements, any suggestions? I havent worked with cedar much, any help is appreciated. 

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

I built some cedar furniture 2 years ago. I rubbed it down with a Tongue Oil I got at Lowe's. It really and I mean really brought out the RED. The rain water just rolled off of it like it was on a duck's back. You'll need to apply this oil on a yearly bases.

[Jasperfield]

I used Red Cedar for the floor of the covered porch between my house and shop. The red has faded, but returns when the floor is wet. I didn't use any preservative because it is cedar, and the surface has worn very well. I would expect problems from a surface-treatment preservative rather than benefits. Red Cedar will stand well to weather and use.

Unless the wood is wet, I would not expect the color to be vivid for much longer than a year or so.

You'll be pleased with its durability and weather resistance.

[stumpy]

I use Sikkens log siding finish on my outdoor adirondak chairs.  Holds up great for many years.

[ARKANSAWYER]

  Eastern red cedar is hard to keep red outside.  UV blocker is the key and it should be an oil based product.  Helmsman Spar urathaine does a pretty fair job.  Behr used to make a great product but it is off the market now.