When I set out to stain my cedar fence, I found myself torn between Ready Seal’s Light Oak and Natural Cedar. Both promised to protect and enhance my wood, but which would deliver the look and durability I wanted?
In this article, I’ll share my journey comparing these two popular stains, breaking down their features, pros, and cons to help you decide which is best for your project.
From application to aesthetics, I’ll cover it all with a practical, hands-on perspective.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Light Oak | Natural Cedar |
| Color Tone | Warm, golden beige | Rich, reddish-brown |
| Transparency | Semi-transparent | Semi-transparent |
| Best For | Subtle, natural enhancement | Bold, cedar-like vibrancy |
| UV Protection | High | High |
| Ease of Application | Goof-proof, no back-brushing | Goof-proof, no back-brushing |
| Drying Time | 48-72 hours, true color in 14 days | 48-72 hours, true color in 14 days |
| Coverage (per gal) | ~125 sq. ft. | ~125 sq. ft. |
| Reapplication | Every 2-4 years | Every 2-4 years |
| Price (1 gal) | ~$35-$55 | ~$35-$55 |
My Journey With Ready Seal
Staining my fence wasn’t just about slapping on some color—it was about preserving the cedar’s beauty while making my backyard feel like an extension of my home.
Ready Seal, a professional-grade, oil-based stain and sealer, caught my attention for its reputation as a “goof-proof” product.
No primer, no thinning, no streaks—just apply and let it work its magic.
But choosing between Light Oak and Natural Cedar? That was the real challenge.
I wanted a stain that would highlight the cedar’s grain, protect against Texas’ brutal sun, and be forgiving for a DIYer like me. After researching, testing samples, and talking to local contractors, I learned that both colors have unique strengths.
Let’s break down what makes each one tick.
Understanding Ready Seal’s Core Features
Before we compare the colors, it’s worth understanding why Ready Seal stands out. This isn’t your average stain. It’s an oil-based, semi-transparent formula that penetrates deep into the wood, offering protection from UV rays, moisture, and mildew.
Unlike film-forming stains that peel, Ready Seal soaks in, ensuring a finish that won’t crack or flake. You can apply it with a brush, roller, or sprayer, and it levels out naturally, so no need to obsess over perfect brushstrokes.
The drying process is unique: it’s rain-ready in minutes, but the full cure takes 48-72 hours, with the true color emerging after about 14 days. Coverage is roughly 125 square feet per gallon, though this varies based on wood type and condition.
For my cedar fence, I needed about two gallons for a single coat on both sides of an 8×30-foot section.
Light Oak: The Subtle Showstopper
When I first applied Light Oak to a test board, I was struck by its understated elegance. It’s a warm, golden-beige tone that enhances the wood’s natural grain without overpowering it. On my cedar, it gave a soft, sunlit glow, almost like the wood was basking in a perpetual golden hour.
Pros of Light Oak
- Natural Aesthetic: If you want your cedar to look enhanced but not “stained,” Light Oak is your pick. It’s subtle, letting the wood’s texture shine.
- Versatility: This color works on various wood types—cedar, pine, oak—and blends well with modern or rustic outdoor settings.
- UV Resistance: Like all Ready Seal products, it offers robust protection against fading, keeping my fence looking fresh despite intense sunlight.
- Forgiving Application: I used a sprayer, and even my less-than-perfect technique didn’t result in streaks. The stain leveled out beautifully.
- Low Maintenance: Reapplication every 2-4 years is standard, but vertical surfaces like fences often last closer to 4 years.
Cons of Light Oak
- Color Fading: After two years, I noticed about 50% color retention on my test board. It still looked good, but the vibrancy had softened.
- Initial Darkness: Freshly applied, it looks darker than expected. It took the full 14 days to settle into its true, lighter tone, which tested my patience.
- Limited Boldness: If you’re after a dramatic color shift, Light Oak might feel too tame. It’s subtle, which isn’t everyone’s vibe.
Light Oak is ideal if you’re like me and want a low-key, natural look that doesn’t scream “I just stained this!” It’s perfect for decks, fences, or furniture where you want the wood to be the star.
Natural Cedar: The Bold Contender
Natural Cedar, on the other hand, is a show-off in the best way. When I brushed it onto my test board, the rich, reddish-brown hue made the cedar pop with warmth and depth. It’s like the wood was saying, “Look at me, I’m gorgeous!”
This color mimics the natural tone of fresh cedar, making it a go-to for those who love a vibrant, classic look.
Pros of Natural Cedar
- Striking Color: The reddish-brown tone adds warmth and character, perfect for making a statement with your fence or deck.
- Cedar Enhancement: On my cedar fence, it amplified the wood’s natural beauty, highlighting the grain with a bold yet authentic vibe.
- Ease of Use: Like Light Oak, it’s goof-proof. I rolled it on one section, and the finish was even, with no lap marks.
- Moisture Protection: The oil-based formula repels water effectively, which is crucial for cedar’s longevity in humid climates.
- Professional Appeal: Contractors I spoke to love Natural Cedar for its rich finish, often using it on gazebos and pergolas for clients wanting a premium look.
Cons of Natural Cedar
- Color Shift Over Time: After 14 months, my test board showed noticeable fading, especially in full sun. It retained about 50% of its original color after two years.
- Oily Feel: Post-application, the surface felt slightly oily for a few days, which was less than ideal for furniture or high-traffic decks.
- Bold Commitment: The reddish hue is stunning but less versatile. It might clash with certain outdoor aesthetics, like minimalist or coastal designs.
Natural Cedar is for those who want their wood to stand out. It’s bold, warm, and perfect for creating a cozy, inviting outdoor space, but it demands confidence in its vibrant tone.
Detailed Comparison of Ready Seal Light Oak And Natural Cedar
Now that I’ve laid out the pros and cons, let’s compare these two stains across key factors to help you decide.
- Color and Aesthetic
Light Oak is the minimalist’s choice. Its golden-beige tone is subtle, blending seamlessly with natural surroundings. I found it ideal for my fence because it didn’t overpower the cedar’s grain but gave it a polished, sun-kissed look. It’s versatile, suiting modern, rustic, or neutral outdoor spaces.
Natural Cedar, by contrast, is a statement-maker. Its reddish-brown hue screams warmth and tradition, perfect for classic or rustic settings. On my cedar, it created a rich, almost luxurious finish, but it’s less forgiving if your design leans toward sleek or understated vibes.
If your goal is to mimic fresh cedar’s natural color, this is your pick.
- Application and Ease of Use
Both stains are a DIYer’s dream.
Ready Seal’s goof-proof formula means you can’t mess it up, even if you’re new to staining.
I tried a sprayer for Light Oak and a roller for Natural Cedar, and both went on smoothly with no streaks or lap marks.
The key is ensuring your wood is clean and dry—below 12% moisture, as Ready Seal recommends.
I used a moisture meter to confirm, which saved me from potential fading issues.
The only difference?
Natural Cedar felt slightly stickier during application, likely due to its richer pigment. It didn’t affect the final result, but I had to be mindful of drips on vertical surfaces.
- Durability and Protection
Both colors offer identical protection: deep penetration, UV resistance, and moisture repellency. My cedar fence, treated with Light Oak on one section and Natural Cedar on another, held up well against rain and sun.
After two years, both showed about 50% color retention in full sun, which aligns with Ready Seal’s 2-4 year reapplication timeline. Vertical surfaces like fences last longer than horizontal ones like decks, where wear is more pronounced.
The oil-based formula prevents cracking or peeling, unlike film-forming stains. However, I noticed Natural Cedar’s oily residue lingered longer, which could be a drawback for decks or furniture.
- Maintenance and Longevity
Reapplication is straightforward with both. You don’t need to strip the old stain—just clean the surface and apply a new coat. I found Light Oak easier to maintain because its lighter tone hides fading better.
Natural Cedar’s bold color means fading is more noticeable, so you might reapply sooner if aesthetics are a priority.
For my fence, I plan to reapply every 3-4 years, depending on sun exposure. Decks might need touch-ups every 2-3 years, especially in harsh climates.
- Price and Value
Both Light Oak and Natural Cedar cost about $35-$55 per gallon, depending on the retailer. Coverage is the same, so your choice won’t impact your wallet. I found Light Oak slightly cheaper at a local Ace Hardware, but online prices for both are comparable.
Given their identical performance, value comes down to your aesthetic preference.
My Real-World Experience
To get a true sense of these stains, I stained two sections of my cedar fence: one with Light Oak, one with Natural Cedar. The process was a breeze. I cleaned the wood with a bleach-water mix, let it dry for five days, and checked the moisture content.
Application took a Saturday morning, with a sprayer for speed and a brush for tight spots.
Light Oak gave my fence a soft, natural glow that blended with my backyard’s greenery. Neighbors complimented its understated elegance, and it felt like the wood was enhanced, not altered. Natural Cedar, on the other hand, turned heads.
Its rich, warm tone made the fence a focal point, almost like a piece of art. But in full sun, I noticed fading sooner than with Light Oak, which was a bummer.
Both sections held up against rain and humidity, with no mildew or cracking after two years. The goof-proof application lived up to the hype—I didn’t stress about mistakes, and the finish was flawless.
My only gripe? The 14-day wait for the true color was agonizing, especially with Natural Cedar’s initial orange tint.
Tips For Choosing Between Light Oak and Natural Cedar
After my experience, here’s what I’d suggest:
- Go for Light Oak if: You want a subtle, versatile look that enhances the wood’s natural beauty. It’s perfect for modern or neutral aesthetics and hides fading better.
- Choose Natural Cedar if: You love a bold, warm vibe and want your cedar to pop. It’s ideal for rustic or traditional settings but requires confidence in its reddish hue.
- Consider Your Wood: Cedar loves both, but Light Oak works better on lighter woods like pine, while Natural Cedar shines on redder woods.
- Test First: Buy sample kits from Ready Seal’s website. I tested both colors on scrap cedar, which saved me from a costly mistake.
- Think Long-Term: If fading bothers you, Light Oak’s lighter tone is more forgiving. If you’re okay with reapplying sooner for bold color, Natural Cedar’s your pick.
Addressing Common Concerns
One worry I had was whether either color would bleed through my fence, especially since I used a sprayer. Good news: both soaked in evenly, protecting both sides without issues.
Another concern was prep work. I learned the hard way that skipping the moisture meter can lead to poor absorption, so don’t cut corners there.
Some online reviews mentioned an oily feel post-application, especially with Natural Cedar. I noticed this too, but it dissipated after a week. For decks or furniture, consider Light Oak to minimize this issue.
Why Ready Seal Stands Out?
Compared to other brands like Behr or Cabot, Ready Seal’s ease of use is unmatched.
I tried Behr on a previous project and struggled with streaks and back-brushing.
Ready Seal’s self-leveling formula made me feel like a pro, even as a DIYer.
Its deep penetration also means less maintenance than film-forming stains, which peel and crack over time.
The semi-transparent nature of both Light Oak and Natural Cedar lets the cedar’s grain shine, unlike opaque stains that hide it.
Plus, the UV and moisture protection is top-notch, keeping my fence safe from Texas’ harsh weather.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Natural Cedar is often cited as the most popular due to its rich, warm tone that mimics fresh cedar’s natural hue.
Yes, Ready Seal is excellent for cedar. Its oil-based formula penetrates deeply, enhancing the grain while protecting against UV rays and moisture.
Ready Seal typically lasts 2-4 years, with vertical surfaces like fences lasting closer to 4 years and horizontal surfaces like decks needing reapplication every 2-3 years.
Ready Seal is generally easier to apply and maintains better due to its penetrating formula, while Behr’s film-forming stains may peel and require more prep work.
Conclusion: Your Choice, Your Style
Choosing between Ready Seal Light Oak and Natural Cedar comes down to the vibe you’re chasing. Light Oak’s subtle, golden glow is perfect if you want your cedar to look naturally enhanced, blending effortlessly with any outdoor space.
Natural Cedar’s bold, reddish-brown hue is a showstopper, ideal for making a statement with warmth and character. Both offer goof-proof application, solid protection, and a finish that lets your wood’s beauty shine.
I leaned toward Light Oak for my fence because its understated elegance suited my modern backyard, but Natural Cedar’s vibrancy tempted me for a future gazebo project.
Whichever you pick, test it first, prep your wood properly, and enjoy the process. Your outdoor space deserves a stain that makes it pop—now it’s your turn to decide what that looks like.