We have a 12' x 24' cedar deck that was built onto our house a month ago. We want the contractor to apply a water seal to the wood. He said he likes to use one with a "toner" for the UV protection to inhibit greying of the cedar. We looked at one he did, and the wood is noticeably darker in color. We like the natural color of the cedar and the beauty of the wood grain, so we're hesitant to cover it up with a "toner stain". He said applying a clear water seal as often as once a year won't inhibit the greying-- like a toner would. We live in Central Minnesota, and the deck is on the east side of the house and surrounded by trees on the east, north, and south side of the deck...so there's not much direct sunlight on the deck. The contractor says power washing would remove most of the greying every year and make it look like new. This is our first experience with cedar. Is there an alternative treatment that would protect the deck from greying without staining the wood and covering the beautiful wood look? The setting sun highlights the cedar in such a beautiful golden color.
Thanks! Scott