Why Choose Western Red Cedar Outdoor Furniture?

Western Red Cedar is one of the most popular choices for outdoor furniture because of its natural resistance to decay, rot, and insect damage. It has a beautiful reddish hue that gradually weathers into a silvery gray patina if left untreated. Its lightweight yet durable structure makes it ideal for crafting chairs, benches, tables, and swings that can withstand years of use.

Regular Cleaning Keeps Furniture Looking New

Like all outdoor furniture, Western Red Cedar benefits from routine cleaning. Dirt, pollen, and mildew can dull the finish over time.

Steps for Cleaning:

• Mix warm water with a mild detergent.
• Use a soft-bristle brush or cloth to scrub the surface gently.
• Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose.
• Allow the furniture to dry completely before using or applying treatments.

Tip: Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, as they can strip the wood of its natural oils.

Protecting the Finish with Sealing or Oil

If you want to preserve the natural red tones, consider applying a protective oil or sealant. Western Red Cedar outdoor furniture can also be left untreated to develop its signature gray patina, but sealing helps extend its life.

Best practices include:

• Apply a penetrating oil finish once or twice a year.
• Choose a UV-protective sealant if your furniture receives direct sunlight.
• Always clean and dry the wood thoroughly before applying treatments.

For step-by-step guidance, the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association provides excellent care recommendations.

Protecting Furniture Through the Seasons

When it comes to maintaining Western Red Cedar outdoor furniture, seasonal care makes all the difference. In the spring, a gentle wash helps remove winter debris and readies your pieces for outdoor use. During the hot summer months, consider applying a UV-protective sealant to help preserve the cedar’s natural color and prevent fading. Autumn is the perfect time for another cleaning, making sure leaves and organic material don’t collect and stain the surface. In areas with heavy snow, storing your furniture indoors or covering it with breathable protective covers ensures longevity. By tailoring your care routine to the changing seasons, you’ll extend the lifespan of your cedar furniture and keep it looking beautiful year after year.

Handling Stains and Weathering

Spills and weather exposure can sometimes leave marks on cedar furniture. Fortunately, these can usually be addressed with light sanding and cleaning.

To restore surfaces:

• Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out stains or rough patches.
• Reapply oil or sealant as needed.
• For weathered gray furniture, a cedar cleaner/brightener can bring back much of the natural color before sealing.

Storing Cedar Furniture During Harsh Weather

While cedar is naturally weather-resistant, storing or covering your outdoor furniture during extreme conditions will prolong its life.

• Use breathable covers that prevent moisture buildup.
• Store pieces in a shed, garage, or under a covered porch during heavy snow or ice.
• For large items like cedar picnic tables, ensure covers are properly fitted and elevated off the ground.

Accessorizing and Comfort

Protective care isn’t only about the wood itself. Pairing your furniture with weather-resistant cushions and umbrellas adds comfort while also helping shield surfaces from UV rays and debris.

Long-Term Value of Cedar

When you invest in Western Red Cedar outdoor furniture, you’re choosing timeless style and long-term durability. With proper care, cedar can last for decades, making it a sustainable and cost-effective option compared to lower-quality alternatives that need frequent replacement.

The team at Wagner’s Meters has a great article about western red cedar and how its longevity makes it one of the ideal woods for outdoor furniture.

Care Today, Beauty Tomorrow

Caring for Western Red Cedar outdoor furniture doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple cleaning, seasonal oiling or sealing, and thoughtful storage, your furniture can remain beautiful and functional for decades.

Whether you love the rich reddish tones or the elegant gray patina, regular maintenance ensures your cedar furniture enhances your backyard for years to come.

FAQ

At Summer Cedar, we have a range of options for high-quality red cedar outdoor furniture, suitable for any outdoor space. Whether you need a compact table for your balcony or a ten-seater picnic table to host guests on the patio, we have something beautiful and of supreme quality to offer you. Cedar does need to be treated, but it will look beautiful for years to come and will offer you outdoor furniture you’ll use and love. Here are some of our most popular western red cedar products.

Red Cedar Tables

Enjoy our range of beautiful red cedar tables and dining sets, whether you want a picnic bench large enough to accommodate the whole family or a folding side table that can be pulled out when you have extra guests. Our range of tables includes tables in a range of sizes, including stand-alone options and those with attached benches.

Red Cedar Chairs And Ottomans

If you need chairs, we have a multitude of beautiful options. Choose a cozy tete-a-tete style, a relaxing rocking chair, chairs to use with your cedar table, folding chairs for when you need extra seats, and stools and ottomans so you can prop your feet up. With so many options, your biggest issue will be selecting your favorites.

Red Cedar Benches And Swings

Add a beautiful bench to your garden, or perhaps a dual-person swing seat. If you want a swing, we have options that can attach directly to your porch, free-standing options, or just the frame if you want to choose the swing separately. If you need a bench, you can choose between our backed and backless options. Imagine, sitting with your loved one, on the deck of your home, watching a beautiful sunset, or sunrise (we aren’t picky!)

Red Cedar Planters, Pergolas, and Arbors

Make sure everything on your patio matches by coordinating with red cedar planter pots and arbors for your plants. Create privacy with our trellis screens, add seating with a planter bench, or decorate your paths with a pagoda arbor. We have gone above and beyond to give you more Western red cedar coordinating products than anywhere else on the market. You will easily find everything you need for your outdoor entertaining needs right here!

Red Cedar Garden Structures

The details are what make a garden beautiful. Add red cedar details to your garden with our range of beautiful structures, including birdhouses, bridges, and pergolas. Add some practical touches too, such as a cedar potting bench or set of hot tub steps. Practical is always best, but add beauty to practical and you have a winning combination

Red Cedar Furniture Sets

Cover all your needs with a furniture set. Choose a chair with a matching side table and ottoman for relaxing in the garden. Impress your guests with a fireside bench set for your fire pit. Your guests will be asking where you acquired all your beautiful outdoor furniture!

Styling Your Outdoor Space with High-Quality Red Cedar Outdoor Furniture

High-quality red cedar outdoor furniture is versatile enough to suit almost any backyard design. Pair a cedar dining table with cushioned chairs for family meals, or place a cedar swing under a pergola for a relaxing retreat. Cedar Adirondack chairs by a fire pit create the perfect gathering spot for cool evenings, while cedar benches can be tucked along garden paths for peaceful seating. Because red cedar has a warm, natural hue, it blends beautifully with stone, greenery, and other outdoor materials. With the right layout, cedar furniture turns your backyard into a true extension of your home.

For fresh ideas on designing inviting outdoor spaces, check out Better Homes & Gardens’ Patio Design Ideas and Makeovers.

An Eco-Friendly Furniture Choice

Beyond its strength and beauty, red cedar is a sustainable option. Much of today’s cedar comes from responsibly managed forests in North America. Choosing cedar supports renewable forestry practices while giving you furniture that is naturally biodegradable and chemical-free. This makes high-quality red cedar outdoor furniture not only a long-term investment in your home but also a responsible choice for the environment.

If you would like to peruse our entire catalog of high-quality red cedar outdoor furniture, you can check it out by clicking on the Summer Cedar Product Catalog.