Distinguishing Between White And Red Cedar Dog Houses

Distinguishing Between White And Red Cedar Dog Houses

By:


As you begin your search for a dog house, you sift through multiple images, shapes, descriptions, and specs for cedar dog houses. You've already heard the benefits of owning cedar dog houses, and you are convinced the cost of cedar is worth its many benefits. But then you discover that outdoor furnishings of all kinds come in white or red cedar. Besides the difference in shade, are there other distinguishing characteristics you should consider? How do you determine which cedar dog houses should lie at the top of your shopping list? Consider a few implications of the differences between each variety of wood.

Some manufacturers claim that white cedar isn't suitable for outdoor use in its natural state. But this advice usually comes from those who sell only red cedar products. If you take the time to consult more impartial sources, you will find that white and red both offer excellent track records as far as durability and required maintenance. Both varieties withstand weathering with grace; both varieties also resist warping and cracking.

However, some evidence does seem to suggest that red cedar may still offer some advantages over white. That is, white cedar is't a poor choice. It's just that red may offer the top-notch choice as you shop for cedar dog houses. A major reason for this difference is the level of tannins the wood contains. And, you guessed it. Red cedar generally contains higher levels of tannin than its white cousin. In short, tannin is a natural substance that occurs in a variety of plants, including grapes, pomegranates, red legumes, and a variety of woods. The tannins are thought to resist bacteria, thereby playing a role in the durability of the wood.

Another difference can be the amounts of knotting in the wood. White cedar sometimes contains more knots than red cedar. Some owners like knots; others don't. And some don't really care either way. If you're unsure of your preference, you might take some time to browse pictures and understand the difference in the look of the two varieties. Cedar dog houses are usually more expensive than their plastic counterparts; so you'll want to be confident in your choice before you make the purchase.

Finally, the base shade of the wood affects your options for staining. Of course, one of the appealing features of cedar dog houses is that you can leave them natural, and they endure extremely well. But if you desire a specific shade, you will need to stain the wood. Red cedar will limit your options to a degree, while white cedar will leave a few more shades open.

To review, white and red cedar come in different shades. If you plan to stain, you need to decide what color you want to end with and determine if it's compatible with only one or with both types of wood. Sometimes, you can also see a difference in the number of knots between the two varieties. Finally, while both varieties provide durable material for outdoor furnishings, red cedar generally can last a little longer than white cedar. Now that you know the difference, you can choose the perfect cedar dog house for your pet and your lifestyle.

About the Author:
Todd Arend is a freelance writer who has known several special dogs. He writes about choosing cedar dog houses and other outdoor furnishings.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


Tags: , ,

|

Loading...
Related....
Videos...

Recent UnCategorized Articles

Comments

Still can't find what you are looking for? Search for it!

Loading

Site Navigation:

Copyright 2005-2011 ArticleSnatch, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service.