Does it matter which face is stained, rough or smooth?
Western Red Cedar is sold in a variety of patterns and grades, and the texture will be either rough (rustic) or smooth. Rough textured wood surfaces will absorb and hold more finish. The rough side is recommended in most cases. Smooth textured wood surfaces are less absorbent and more difficult to build a surface “film” upon. For this reason, a minimum of two coats of a film-building finish are recommended for smooth sidings to be exposed outdoors. It is also recommended that the smooth face should be field finished after installation.
