Understanding Western Red Cedar

Before diving into maintenance tips, let’s take a moment to understand why Western Red Cedar is a preferred choice for outdoor furniture. This type of cedar is known for its:

1. Natural Beauty: Western Red Cedar boasts a rich, warm color with distinctive grain patterns, making it visually appealing for outdoor settings.
2. Durability: It contains natural oils that act as preservatives, protecting the wood from rot, decay, and insect damage.
3. Stability: Cedar has a low shrinkage factor and is less likely to warp, twist, or split compared to other wood types.
4. Sustainability: It’s a renewable resource that’s often sourced from responsibly managed forests, making it an eco-friendly choice.

Tips for Maintaining Your Western Red Cedar Furniture

1. Regular Cleaning

Dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris can accumulate on your outdoor furniture, dulling its appearance over time. To keep your Western Red Cedar furniture looking its best, follow these cleaning steps:

• Use a mild soap or specialized wood cleaner mixed with water.
• Gently scrub the surface with a soft brush or cloth.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow it to air dry completely.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or pressure washers, as they can damage the wood fibers and finish.

2. Protective Finishes

Applying a protective finish is crucial for extending the life of your Western Red Cedar furniture. Choose a high-quality outdoor wood sealant or stain that offers UV protection and water resistance. Follow these guidelines when applying the finish:

• Sand the furniture lightly to remove any rough spots or imperfections.
• Apply the finish evenly using a brush, roller, or sprayer, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Allow sufficient drying time before exposing the furniture to moisture or heavy use.

Reapply the finish as needed, typically every 1-3 years depending on weather conditions and exposure.

3. Proper Storage

During harsh weather conditions or extended periods of non-use, consider storing your Western Red Cedar furniture indoors or in a covered area. Use furniture covers to protect it from dust, moisture, and direct sunlight. Proper storage can significantly prolong the lifespan of your outdoor furniture.

4. Regular Inspections

Inspect your Western Red Cedar furniture regularly for signs of wear, damage, or mold/mildew growth. Address any issues promptly to prevent further deterioration. Sand down rough areas, replace damaged components if necessary, and treat mold or mildew with a mild cleaning solution.

5. Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading and drying of the wood. Position your furniture in shaded areas or use umbrellas to provide shade.
• Moisture: Excess moisture can lead to rot and mold growth. Ensure proper drainage around your furniture and avoid placing it directly on wet surfaces.
• Heavy Use: While Western Red Cedar is durable, excessive weight or impact can cause damage. Use furniture pads or coasters under heavy objects, and avoid dragging furniture across rough surfaces.

Caring for your Western Red Cedar outdoor furniture is essential to preserve its natural beauty and structural integrity. By following these maintenance tips and incorporating regular care into your routine, you can enjoy years of outdoor relaxation and gatherings with family and friends. Remember, a little effort in maintenance goes a long way in protecting your investment and enhancing your outdoor living experience.

At Summer Cedar, we have a range of options for high-quality western 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 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 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 really 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 or 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!

If you would like to peruse our entire catalog, you can check it out by clicking on Summer Cedar Product Catalog.