How to Care for Outdoor Cedar Furniture
Cedar --- eastern white cedar, western red cedar and yellow cedar --- is a popular choice for outdoor furniture because cedar is naturally rot- and insect-resistant. Cedar comes in different shades of reddish hues, but over time all cedars fade to silver-gray, and the grain of the wood, if left unprotected, will rise. While this color and texture are appealing to some, others would prefer to maintain the cedar's original color. If you're of the latter persuasion, consider staining the cedar to preserve it. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Waterproof covers
- Sealer
- UV-inhibitor stain
- Mild detergent
- Water
- Bleach
- Nylon-bristle scrub brush
Instructions
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Cover the furniture with waterproof furniture covers when it's not in use, or put the furniture in storage.
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Apply a brush-on sealer to the furniture. The furniture will age to silver-gray, but its pores will be blocked so the grains won't rise with age.
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Stain the furniture with a penetrating UV-inhibitor stain to keep it looking new. This will preserve the furniture's color and texture.
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Clean discolored cedar furniture with a mild detergent solution and a nylon-bristle scrub brush. Next, apply a mild bleach solution and let it sit for a few minutes, but not long enough to dry. Rinse and allow the furniture to air-dry completely.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid oil-based products, which attract airborne particles that stick to the finish.
Don't pressure-wash cedar --- the strong jet of water will permanently damage the soft wood.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
