This is new, not sandblasted? It looks sandblasted.

Use clear polyurethane. Experiment with the level of gloss you like. It will be beautiful.

@Denise I'm with you. I would hesitate too. I think wood architectural features in a home are a half-notch above paint.

I'm curious... Is that concrete block I see for the walls? What is this space going to be? Is it a new build? Do I see holes for windows?

Thank you KL. I can't seem to find the reply button here, but yes it's concrete blocks. We're adding and addition to our existing home. This space is an "entertainment" space, which we plan for a pool table, big tv...etc.. We have windows throughout. I greatly appreciate all of your feedback!

Paul F: I'm not sure what sandblasted means, but I do not believe this wood has been treated. The photos do appear that way, yet it's a raw canvas at this point. I'm going with a stain after all your feedback!

The one thing I'm not a huge fan of is the knotty parts of the wood. I like some, but it seems like a lot. Not sure how to get around that. Maybe with a little added color to the stain.

Here is the other side...

We kept the natural cedar when we replaced our roof after hurricane Irma. The beams were already painted.

Seeing you're near water, I would definitely paint or stain the wood white. You can't imagine how dark a room can be with a wood ceiling in a natural finish.

Yes, there is a semi-transparent wood stain from just about any company that produces stains. Make the decision ASAP so the painters can get in a SPRAY the ceiling which is much easier than trying to brush or roll a stain. Make sure you stain sample boards BEFORE you agree to a specific brand and color. Cedar can change the color of a stain.

Additionally, that chandelier is way to delicate to complement the style and scale of your ceiling. Pick a new one.

Absolutely go with stain. You paid a lot for the wood up there, please dont hide it behind paint. Not everything needs to be white. Yes you can use semi transparent stain, or you could even just use poly and coat it. I would want a low sheen like satin, but, thats up to you. You can try a couple coats of poly on an extra piece, and see just which you happen to like.

Is this scored plywood or individual planks?

My vote is with Cher - just keep it as natural as possible but with a protective coating like polyurethane.

You may want to try out some ideas (get some of the wood planks) before going up there with a wood stain or a transparent color like white.

For an entertaining space, the natural wood seems perfect.

@Denise it seems there are always going to be different opinions on whether to paint wood ceilings white or not. Each goes better with their own groups of decor. Maybe tell us more. You said it will be an entertainment room for pool and TV. That says dark space to me. But maybe you have more uses to consider?

I do not have a crystal ball so I need pics of the space and some clue as to your style. I do not love wood ceiling sometimes but other they are great. What is your style , why did you choose wood ceilings? More info more real help. It seems you are a designer so even more you should understand context is everything.

Patricia, I have purchased these pieces, and I've contracted with a carpenter to do custom bar/entertainment wall. I have not made final wood selection yet. I'm a bit lost at this point, and I'm working with a designer in Aruba. She's wonderful, but ultimately I need to decide what I want to do...and thanks for the compliment, but I'm a person with passion for design, I pulled the concepts/furniture together, yet I'm not experienced enough to pull it all together with the newly constructed ceiling. And, I don't want to mess this up. Thanks for any advice you can give. Denise