What timber is this and what would be the best option to coat it?

[dan76n]

Hi all, I recently posted about finding some timber for some bench seats that would be thick enough to replace the old ones. I ended up taking one of the lengths to a local timber supplier who said it looks like really good hardwood so I should try sanding it back and see how it comes up.
So after a few hours or so of sanding I have managed to strip all the lengths back (see pics).
I'm now wanting to know what would be the best coating to use to get it looking the best and that is suitable to sit on? Happy with oil or water based.
Also does anyone have an idea of what timber it is? I know its about 30 years old so its lasted pretty well considering the benches are permanently outside although mostly shaded by trees.

[Toymaker Len]

I think we need a much closer picture to be able to have a guess at the species.

[havabeer69]

depends how much work you want?

oil will bring up the grain nicely but will need to be re-applied most frequently (6months - year)
water based film (cabbots aqua deck etc) will probably get a year or two before a re-coat but is more work to strip back and probably not as "natural" looking

or just learn to love the weathered grey look with zero maintenance

[dan76n]

Here's some closer pics.

[auscab]

Here's some closer pics.

Its some sort of Aussie Gum Tree. There's so many types that blend in with the same mid average colour and grain its hard to tell them apart.

[Toymaker Len]

think it would have to be tallow wood to last that long. Also the right colour and grain.

[CaRaZaY]

I like to wet the wood with a sponge to get an idea of what the timber will look like once a coating is applied to it. It'll bring out the colours much better than what you're viewing in its dry state.