Is Cedar Wood Suitable for Furniture and Outdoor Use?

Cedar wood has been a popular choice for furniture makers for centuries, especially for outdoor pieces. It is known for its unique properties, including being lightweight to work with, as well as its natural oils that provide resistance to decay and pests. In fact, cedar's pleasant aroma is often an added benefit, particularly seen in storage furniture like chests and closets.

Benefits of Using Cedar for Furniture

One of the most significant advantages of using cedar wood for furniture is its natural resistance to decay and insects. This makes it particularly suitable for outdoor furniture, where exposure to elements can be harsh. Additionally, cedar wood is lightweight and easy to work with, making it an ideal choice for both traditional and contemporary designs.

Softness and Durability of Cedar

Cedar wood is considered softer than hardwoods, which might make you wonder if it can withstand the elements and be durable enough for furniture. However, the key factor is not the inherent softness of the wood itself, but the quality and type of cedar being used.

For instance, Western red cedar is known for its density and tight grain, making it more durable and suitable for both outdoor and indoor furniture. This variety can hold up to the outside weather well, resisting rot and insect damage. On the other hand, softer varieties of cedar, which grow faster, might not be as durable and might not last as long in outdoor settings.

Personal Experience with Cedar Furniture

To better understand the practical aspects of using cedar wood for furniture, I decided to undertake a personal project: building some Adirondack chairs from cedar fenceboards. These chairs were relatively easy to construct and cost only about $5 to make. However, despite their cost, they only lasted about three years.

This durability issue is not uncommon with softer varieties of cedar. While cedar's natural resistance to decay and pests is a significant advantage, softer types might not withstand the elements as well as denser varieties. This limitation underscores the importance of choosing the right type of cedar for your specific needs.

In Summary

In conclusion, cedar wood is a good choice for furniture, particularly for outdoor pieces due to its natural resistance to decay and insects. However, the softness of cedar can be a limiting factor in terms of durability, especially in outdoor settings. Always consider the quality and type of cedar you are using, whether it's Western red cedar or another variety, to ensure your furniture lasts as long as you need it.

Conclusion

For more detailed information on using cedar in furniture, including tips on selecting the right variety and caring for your cedar pieces, you can explore my Quora Profile.