When it comes to outdoor furniture, cedar is a popular choice for its durability and natural beauty. Cedar is a softwood that is both strong and lightweight, making it an ideal material for outdoor furniture. It also resists rot, decay and insect damage, which makes it a great choice for exposed areas like decks, patios, and porches.
When selecting the type of cedar to use for outdoor furniture, there are two main varieties: western red cedar and northern white cedar. Both varieties are considered to be strong and durable; however, they have their own unique characteristics that make one better suited than the other for different applications.
Western Red Cedar
Western red cedar is the most popular choice for outdoor furniture due to its natural beauty. It has an attractive reddish-brown color that weathers to a silver-gray over time. Western red cedar is also resistant to moisture and rot, making it an ideal material for outdoor applications like decks or patio furniture.
Northern White Cedar
Northern white cedar is another type of cedar commonly used for outdoor furniture. It has a light yellowish color that can be stained or painted if desired.
Like western red cedar, northern white cedar is rot resistant; however, it does not have the same level of resistance to moisture as western red cedar. Northern white cedar is best used in areas with limited exposure to moisture such as under a covered porch.
Conclusion
When selecting the best type of wood for outdoor furniture, both western red cedar and northern white cedar are excellent choices due to their strength and durability. Western red cedar has an attractive reddish-brown color that weathers nicely over time and provides excellent resistance to moisture and rot; while northern white cedar has a lighter color that can be stained or painted if desired but offers less resistance to moisture than western red cedar.
