FINISHING YOUR CEDAR FURNITURE

WESTERN RED CEDAR - A Wood of Exceptional Beauty
NATURAL AGING and WEATHERING
WOOD SEALER
STAINING
WOOD OIL
PAINT
GROUND APPLICATIONS

WESTERN RED CEDAR - A Wood of Exceptional Beauty

Western Red Cedar is a softwood tree species. In its natural unfinished state it has a richly textured grain combined with a glowing palette of warm, mellow tones ranging from light amber to deep honey brown.  The grain is generally straight making it an ideal timber for classy-looking patio furniture. No man-made material can duplicate the depth of cedar's natural luster. 

Western Red Cedar remains subtly aromatic, and the characteristic fragrance of Red Cedar just adds another dimension to its universal appeal.  Return To Top

NATURAL AGING and WEATHERING

Cedar inherently resists the elements and, if left unfinished, will weather to a handsome silver grey colour. In fact, because of the inherent nature of Western Red Cedar to withstand insect attack and the outdoor elements, it does not require a finish to keep its structure over the years.  However, if desired, the rich beauty of the wood can be maintained by finishing with an oil-based stain, such as CETOL1.

Many people prefer to allow their cedar furniture to "naturally age" outdoors without a stain or finish.  Over time, the colourful tones of the wood slowly weather to a handsome silver-grey and the grain of the wood will become slightly raised.  Left completely natural this silver-grey colour will eventually be highlighted by darker streaks formed from the reaction between the cedar resin and the Zinc hardware.  If the dark streaks do not appeal to you we suggest using a simple wood sealer as described below.   Return To Top

WOOD SEALER

A good wood sealer such as Thompsons Wood Sealer is designed to block the pores of the wood.  This inhibits the grain from becoming raised yet allows the natural fading of the wood to a gentle silvery-grey colour.  Return To Top

STAINING

If you would prefer to preserve the colourful tones of the freshly sanded cedar any number of finishes can be used on Western Red Cedar furniture.  The types we have tried and recommend are good quality penetrating sealers as well as transparent or solid exterior stains.  There is a wide variety of colours to choose from which makes it easy to match your existing decor.  We recommend 2 coats of a semi-transparent stain with a UV inhibitor such as 'Sikkens Cetol 1' (natural) to preserve the handsome look of your furniture.  Every 2nd year you might re-apply a coat of this stain to freshen the finish.  Little or no sanding, preparation or primer is needed when you use a stain.  New on the market are wood sealers that contain Ultra Violet inhibitors that can be used to preserve the fresh tones of the wood.  Return To Top

WOOD OIL

We do not recommend using oil finishes on your outdoor furniture as dust particles in the air will stick to the finish.  Return To Top

PAINT

Paint will work fine but, as on any exterior surface, over time will begin to flake and will eventually need scraping and refinishing.  Stain, however, is 'breathable' and will not trap moisture and therefore no blistering or peeling.  Return To Top

GROUND APPLICATIONS

Western Red Cedar should be treated with preservative if intended for use in applications where it is lodged in the ground, e.g., fence posts or landscape ties. Return To Top