This is one of the best ways I found to deal with stain - because it is SOOO different from paint. A&C's sample program is amazing. I have to do my own gate before it gets too hot and I was literally just here shopping color: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples

It's also one of the best exterior stain products on the market IMO.

I found the first one, but not the second (Google image search):

https://www.houzz.com/photos/stealth-contemporary-exterior-calgary-phvw-vp~4973421

If it's any help, we did our own Redwood fence/gate. Only pic I could find of it

I also did this Redwood bridge for the koi pond.

as you can see, it's raw redwood w/just the varnish over it. (and you must use a good varnish for any exterior wood. I like these two. Sikkens is also good. some of them come w/a tint to them, but I didn't need it for this

The varnish should have UV properties to it.

Penofin is another one w/stain/sealer together.

You might try that one if you want to change the color. And try using redwood rather than cedar. it should hold up a bit better

The porch deck/posts have already been built in cedar, so can't change that. But it's good to see these different options. Of course we will test them, but hard to know where to start sometimes. I've had such varied experiences with different stains in the past. Also some of the products mentioned here are new to me. I don't see them much in Texas. Will look for them.

We order the A&C online. Free shipping. Except samples - sample is free but shipping is $10.

Where in Texas? I’m in D/FW. :)

Austin. And it's cool that you were able to find that picture through Google search. They used a Benjamin Moore natural transparent stain which makes me think the wood is probably not cedar. But also hard to tell from pictures at times.

Sherwin Williams will match your stain color if you take good close pictures of what you're trying to match and they can do a custom match. Our painting contractor did that with our new unstained window interior trim to match the existing trim elsewhere and the wood floors and you can't tell any difference. Stop trying to do it yourself and hire a painting contractor!

That's a good tip on the custom match. I am definitely working with a painter but I still like to be very involved. I've had such mixed results with wood stain colors in the past. Trying to get it right this time!

We are in the process of staining our cedar posts in the Chestnut stain. Sorry I don't have any photos yet but the color is very close to your photo. Try getting a sample of Chestnut.