Western Red Cedar is the most desirable wood of all the woods used in outdoor furniture. It is a lightweight stable wood which lays flat and remains straight. It will not sag or bow over time and resists the natural tendency to crack. This wood remains cool to sit on even on the hottest summer days. Its fibers comprise oils that act as a natural preservative to help to resist rot and decay. Cedar is also bacterial and fungal resistant.
Cedar does not require a discontinue to keep its structure over the years. Many citizen prefer to allow their cedar furniture to “age naturally” outdoors without stain or finish. Over time the color of the wood will gently weather to a silver-grey and the grain will come to be slightly raised. Left this way, the wood will eventually be highlighted by dark streaks formed from the reaction in the middle of the Cedar Resin and the Zinc hardware.
Cedar Furniture
Regular cleaning to eliminate dirt and pollen some times a year is recommended. Using a exiguous dish soap with warm water and a light scrubbing and rinsing with the orchad hose is all that is needed. However, a good sealer purchased from your local hardware store will add a layer of protection without adding a finish. It will seal the woods pores against the penetration of water, and inhibits the grain from becoming raised. This will still allow the natural aging or weathering process. A sealer should be applied once a year. Be sure that the wood is completely day before applying the sealer.
Cedar furniture will come to be discolored when left surface especially in damp areas. Fortunately, this discoloration can be removed. A household bleach explication of 20% and one ounce of detergent for every gallon of water can be used. Leave this explication on for a short time then rinse with a orchad hose. This process will return the Cedar to its original appearance. Once again, let the wood dry completely before applying a sealer or stain.
Staining can sustain the colorful tones of freshly sanded Cedar. There are a wide variety of colors to select from. A particular coat of a semi transparent stain with a Uv inhibitor is recommended to sustain the handsome look of your outdoor furniture. It is best that you do not allow your cedar to weather too much before applying stain. Every third year you should reapply a coat of stain. This will refresh the finish.
Paint is positively not recommended since over time the paint will begin to flake and will eventually need scraping and refinishing. This will require much more maintenance.
Stain is positively your best option.
Cedar furniture that is left outdoors will last a minimum of 8 to 10 years. The same furniture covered in the winter or taken indoors to a stable or shed will last twice as long.
By following these easy maintenance tips, your Western Red Cedar furniture will last a long time. It will not only look beautiful, but it will bring you many years of enjoyment.
Easy Maintenance Tips for Your Cedar Furniture