Letting cedar cladding weather naturally

Well I have put up the cedar cladding that I mentioned in a previous post and it’s looking FANTASTIC.

This is the cedar vjoint lining boards which we are using to line the ceiling above a 55 sq mtr balcony.

I put them up raw for a variety of reasons and had the intention of oiling them afterwards.

Now I see them raw I don’t know that I really want to apply any finish at all.

I know that it’s not strictly necessary to finish cedar as it will last many years without a finish - especially in this situation where it is protected from direct sunlight and rain.

I have seen many examples online of buildings where the cedar has gone a uniform grey and I love that effect.

However I have doubts that that can truly be achieved in our climate - most of the examples come from much drier climates then ours such as the western US states. I have heard that in our climate the results may not be nearly so pretty - possibly with tendencies to be blotchy or dark stains.

So my question is does anyone have any real experience with weathered cedar? Maybe you have put some up, or maybe know of a house where it has been done?

There is still another balcony to be done (27 sq mtrs) and the cost and time invested in this product way exceeds my inclination to take chances. Of course I can always just be safe and oil it, but that is a distant second choice.

Cheers
Arron