Like teak, cedar is a wonderful material for outdoor furniture use. It is beautiful, aromatic, durable and naturally resistant to insects, mildew and rot. Oiling cedar is not recommended as it attracts dirt and debris, but unlike teak it can be painted, stained or sealed without compromising the integrity of the wood. What is ideally recommended is a semi-transparent stain with UV blockers or a water seal like Thompson’s and this should be reapplied every 3-4 years. For general maintenance, cedar, like teak can be cleaned with a mild soap or bleach solution for stains (or if the cedar begins to darken too much) and rinsed with a low-pressure hose.
Other woods used in outdoor furniture like pine or redwood should be very well treated with waterproofing stains or paints (a deeply pigmented stain is great for redwood to maintain its beauty) and retreated every 3-4 years.
All wooden outdoor furniture can live outdoors throughout even the harshest winter months but should be covered very carefully with breathable covers. Never use plastic tarps or covers as these trap moisture and will reek havoc on your wooden furniture.
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