Cedar
Patio Furniture
Cedar Patio Furniture: Frequently Asked Questions
What corrosion-resistant fasteners are
required for western red cedar?
The following corrosion-resistant fasteners are readily available:
stainless steel, silicon bronze, plastic (more common for staples),
hot-dipped galvanized steel(electro-galvanized steel has too thin
a zinc coating), and aluminum commercial brass(a very common corrosion-resistant
fastener).
Why should you use cedar wood for your products?
Use cedar wood for its long-lasting beauty.
No other softwood has the rich beauty or long-lasting performance
of cedar wood.
Use cedar wood for its dimensional stability.
Cedar wood acts like a sponge; when it absorbs moisture it swells
and when it loses moisture it shrinks. Cedar wood (shown below on
the left) has thinner cell walls which shrink and swell less than
other woods, so redwood is less likely to warp, split, cup or check.
Use cedar wood for its natural durability.
Cedar wood heartwood is naturally resistant to decay and insects.
Use cedar wood simply because it is a pleasure to use.
Cedar wood is a favorite with builders because it is lightweight
but strong. It is easy to saw, nail and drill. Cedar wood has little
or no messy pitch or resins.
Use cedar wood because it is easy to paint, stain and glue.
No other softwood holds paints, stains and other coatings better
than cedar wood. Cedar wood also bonds exceptionally well.
What type of finish is more durable than linseed oil finish
but still retains a natural appearance?
Linseed oil is the most natural form of finishes you can apply
to cedar wood, but it will only retain the look for about a year
or two.
The Transparent and semitransparent stains may last from three to
four years. These finishes contain pigments which protect the wood
from the degrading effects of solar radiation.
The best products contain water repellents, mildewcides and ultraviolet
light blockers or absorbers. When selecting a pigmented stain, CRA
recommends testing finishes on a small area to be sure the desired
color effect is achieved. Transparent stains contain less pigment
than semitransparent stains and provide a more natural look. These
finishes can be used on decks, fences, siding or other exterior
projects.
What is cedar wood?
Cedar is actually a member of the pine family. These trees are
naturally found in North America, and they are native to the mountainous
regions of Asia and North Africa. Cedar is highly resistant to weathering,
and will last many decades outdoors without being susceptible to
rotting and decay. Cedar can be left unfinished and untreated. The
natural weathering process will transform this beautiful wood into
a pleasant gray color. To maintain the original rich color of the
wood, it is necessary to us a protective coating.
How do I care for my cedar furniture?
Many people prefer to allow their cedar furniture to "naturally
age" outdoors without a stain or finish. Over time the colorful
tones of the wood slowly weather to a handsome silver-gray and the
grain of the wood will become slightly raised. Left completely natural
this silver-gray color will eventually be highlighted by darker
streaks formed from the reaction between the cedar resin and the
zinc hardware. If the dark streaks are not for you, we suggest using
a simple wood sealer as described below.
There are various types of finishes you can use including: wood
sealer, stain, and paint. Oil finishes are not recommended for cedar
patio furniture.
|
