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Cedar Wood Characteristics and Care

Cedar is a popular wood that has several qualities that make it very suitable for outdoor furniture. Besides the striking beauty of the wood, cedar resembles teak in that cedar naturally produces an oil that makes it resistant to rot. While the characteristic aroma of Red Cedar and White Cedar oil is very pleasant to humans, it repels insects.

White Cedar

The Northern White Cedar, sometimes called the Eastern White Cedar or Arborvitae, is a medium sized tree typically found in areas where the underlying rock is limestone, especially in central and eastern US and Canada.

White cedar is an attractive and hearty wood. Like teak wood, white cedar does not require finishing for the purpose of preservation. However, unlike teak, white cedar is usually finished. A stain is all that should be applied as a sealant will interfere with the wood's natural ability to control rot. White cedar weathers well but should not be left unprotected during the off-season.

Red Cedar

The Western Red Cedar is a tall and majestic tree that is a cone-producing evergreen of the cypress family. It is from the US Pacific Northwest and western Canada. It resembles pine in its construction but it is not a true cedar.

Red Cedar has a fine-grain with a satin luster; it is known for its natural beauty and distinct aroma. It is a unique softwood. Red Cedar naturally tends to be resistant to insects, mildew, mold, and rot. But Red Cedar should not be left unprotected during the off-season.

The wood is warmly colored in ambers, red cinnamons, and rich browns. However, when used outdoors, its uniform color will fade in time to a silver gray. While many prefer the appearance of natural weathering, you can retain the original rich wood coloring by applying a semi-transparent stain or double-dipped oil stain once yearly.

Periodic Care

Cedar outdoor furniture should be periodically cleaned with mild soap and warm water. This might be required once every week to once monthly depending on your climate and environment. Rinse with clear water and completely dry with clean cloths. It is a good idea to clean up spills immediately as they occur.

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