Building Lattice

I am using cedar to build lattice panels for our patio. I bought cedar boards from local stores, combing their inventory to pick the best. I sawed all the pieces for the lattice from the larger boards. 

The 3/4" wide pieces are from 3/4" stock, e.g.1x8x8', sawn into 3/8" thick strips. So most are sawn on both 3/4" sides. The 2 1/2" wide pieces are vertically sawn from 7/8" thick stock, e.g. 7/8"x3x8'. This stock was rough sawn on one side, smooth on the other. I ran the rough sawn side through the saw to cut off much of the rough texture. It's not been planed, only sawn. So half of these are sawn on two sides and half have one milled side and one recently sawn side.

I planned on staining the individual strips before assembling into the lattice panels. This seals the areas of overlap which seems to better protect the wood long term. However, I read here that it is best to let wood age a few months, then use a cleaner and brightener. I don't have a way to age all the individual strips as advised.

Given this, do you recommend I 1)build the lattice, install, age, clean, brighten, and stain or 2)go ahead and stain all individual pieces, then build and install? Perhaps there is another option such as use a specific solution to ensure the wood pores are open to receive the stain, then stain and build.

It seems TWP is the best choice. I'm vacillating between TWP 100 semi transparent and TWP Semi-Solid Pro Series. I'm in WI so I can use either here. I'd like your input, including a different brand if you feel it's better.

Thanks