I am in the NW too. I restored a 53 years ago when I lived in Calif. I could find no clear outdoor finish that will last. The wood moves too much. I think a closed grain wood would hold up better than oak. I am making my 46 as a daily driver. I am going to paint the wood with a high quality primer and finish - water based paint. I will only use Kelly-Moore or Sherwin Williams Paint.It has out lasted my neighbors homes 3 to one over the other local brands. I am putting in Stainless strips to spruce the bed up since it will be painted. I am a wood worker and have never seen a clear finish last outdoors. The NW is brutal.
