Why do people love Cedar Wood?

The Cedar tree is a majestic pyramid-shaped evergreen tree that commonly reaches 130’ in height and 30 to 40’ across. The wood itself is hard and strongly aromatic because of the high percentage of essential oil it contains. Northern White and Western Red Cedar are some of the most sought-after woods that are ideal for many outdoor and indoor uses. It is a fine grained wood that is durable and resistant to rotting and insects. This makes cedar a top choice for carefree living, as it can be left natural or it can be painted or stained to match any decor.

Softwood producing trees such as the Cedar contain just two types of cell and have few water conducting vessels meaning it stays dryer in wet conditions than other conifers such as the Yew or the Cypress tree. In their natural habitat, Cedar trees are found in many different environments and climates. They can be exposed to mountain and monsoon climates, and are adept at surviving snow, drought, heavy rainfall and temperatures as low as -25 degrees C.

Not only are Cedar trees aesthetically beautiful, but they produce wood which is aromatic and looks lovely when crafted into furniture. This type of wood is ideal for outdoor furniture as it is resistant to decay because it is protected by its own natural oils and resins to stand up to harsh weather conditions. If left untreated, Cedar wood gradually ages and develops a grayish-silver colour. Untreated cedar is natural and pleasing; however the wood is porous and over the long term may become discolored if left in damp or shaded areas. It also means that the wood will not last as long as it would if it was treated. Therefore, many people prefer to stain or treat their cedar patio furniture every two to three years in order to give it that little extra protection against the elements in order to gain a few extra years of life.

Additional advantages of Cedar are that its low density helps it equalize the moisture within itself and the air around it helping it not to warp or crack as many other woods do. Cedar wood also contains small pockets of air, which means that it doesn’t conduct heat as well as some other woods. This is ideal in summer when the air is warm, and the cedar lawn furniture remains cool despite the weather.

Cedar wood along with its weatherproof qualities and aesthetic appeal is often chosen by carpenters and furniture manufacturers because of its low density and weight. This makes it is very versatile and easy to transport, which also makes it an ideal wood for outdoor furniture.

Western red Cedar wood is often chosen for furniture because of its attractive look. It has a straight grain and an almost terracotta shade. Unlike ‘white’ Cedar, its natural oils also repel moths and other insect pests such as ticks, fleas and termites which make it well suited for other things as well such as outdoor dog and cat houses and small sheds such as beach or pool houses.

Northern White Cedar and Western Red Cedar are some of the most sought-after woods for many outdoor uses. It’s a fine grained durable wood, naturally pitch-free and resistant to rot and insects. These qualities combine to make cedar a top choice for carefree outdoor living.

Cedar Wood “by the yard”