Protecting Log Seating From the Elements

[aNYCdb]

I recently cut down a big tree and I've got some logs (Ash) that are too big for me to split. I was thinking about using them for seating around my fire pit, but I'm wondering what the easiest/most effective (which probably aren't the same) way of protecting them from the elements is. I was thinking that after removing the bark I would give them a couple coats of exterior grade poly, but wanted to see if there was any better way of doing it. FWIW logs will be sitting on top of a gravel base and are ~26" diameter and 26" long (I was thinking that positioning with the cut ends on the sides would help it shed water better)..

 

[joecaption]

Poly by far would be my last choice!
https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/...2847dc8daa9fde67e0b2a15f9773828b&action=click

 

[aNYCdb]

Poly by far would be my last choice!

So I guess that's my question, what would you recommend as a cost effective way of sealing the stumps. Some sort of penetrating wood sealer/preservative, like I would use on a deck?