Cedar Outrdoor Furniture

Northern White and Western Red Cedar are ideal for many indoor and outdoor furniture uses. A fine grained wood, cedar is durable and naturally resistant to rot and insects. Cedar can be left unfinished, or it can be stained or painted to match your decor.

Untreated Western Red and Northern White Cedar will weather to a soft silver gray over time. Untreated cedar is natural and pleasant in appearance, but over time may discolor if left in damp or shaded areas.

Applying a mild solution of household bleach and water preceded by washing with a mild detergent and water will usually remove the stain, sometimes completely. Allow the bleach solution to remain on the surface for a brief period, but do not allow to dry. Rinse well and place in a well ventilated area to dry. Even after years of exposure, cedar can be restored to its natural bright clean appearance.



Cedar is a soft wood and as such should not be pressure washed as the wood fibers can be irreversibly damaged.

If you opt to stain your cedar furniture, there are a wide variety of penetrating stains available at hardware and home centers. We recommend using a product formulated to enhance the natural beauty of the wood and keep it looking that way.

Some stains contain water repellant additives and mildew inhibitors. Penetrating stains go into the wood without forming a surface film. This eliminates the problems of blistering and peeling of painted surfaces as the wood can absorb and release moisture. They work well on wood with knots and deep surface texture. Whichever stain you choose, always follow the manufacturer's directions for best results.

If you decide to paint cedar, the natural color and grain of the wood will be concealed. So many great colors are now available to accent your decor. Follow the directions on the manufacturer's product for the best application methods.