Carry On The Tradition With Western Red Cedar Furniture

For centuries now cedar has proven a valued building material. In house siding, shingles, and western red cedar furniture, the coniferous species is extremely utile for outdoor use. In modern times, many materials have been introduced for patio furniture construction, like wrought iron, aluminum, and poly resins. None has yet succeeded in replicating the amazing natural characteristics of cedar. Here now are some other reasons why it doesn't hurt to stick with the tried and true.

The first characteristic is the natural beauty of western red cedar furniture. Cedar is known for its rich hues, which vary from an ash white to a deep reddish brown depending upon the species. Western red cedar exhibits particularly pleasing warm tones. In addition to coloration, cedar is marked by tightly-grained patterns and a soft texture. Many materials, including durable plastics, have been molded to simulate the look of wood and its grain, but in the end there's no accounting for the real thing. When used as an accent or siding, cedar adds real value to a home, both monetarily and aesthetically.

Next, cedar is very easy to work with, and not prone to breaking, cracking or splitting. Other types of wood can be much more stiff or brittle and not as flexible. Also, many hardwoods are exceedingly heavy (like teak) and thus cumbersome and unwieldy. Western red cedar furniture is light enough to be moved without too much exertion but still strong enough to withstand the outside.

Another way in which cedar cannot be beat is the magical properties of its natural tannins. Very few woods, with the exception of teak for example, exhibit similar abilities. Western red cedar furniture produces resinous tannins that act to repel rot and decay, and are less likely to warp and twist over time, so you won't need to coat them with potentially toxic treatments. At the same time, Cedar acts to repel insects, including moths and fleas. That's why cedar is often found in closet linings and cedar shavings and chips are often found lining doghouses.

Cost is another very real consideration. On average, western red cedar furniture costs about 50% less than plastics or composite materials. Many people mistakenly assume that wood is more expensive because of its elegance and craftsmanship over supposedly cheap plastic. On the contrary, poly resin furniture can be prohibitively expensive because of the work and manmade materials that goes into its construction. Wood, on the other hand is a renewable, regenerative and recyclable resource. It's also easy to come by. Cedar in particular is native to the northern United States and southern parts of Canada, so there are no import or extensive transportation costs involved. Also, because cedar is so durable you won't have to invest in a new set of furniture every couple years.

Finally, western red cedar furniture is adaptable and can easily be refurbished, redecorated and reborn. That's because cedar takes well to solid and semi-transparent varnishes, along with paint. If your furniture is old and deteriorating, or is it simply does not match with the rest of your decor, you can refinish it with just a few coats. It's like getting all new furniture every few years for a fraction of the cost.