Is Cedar Wood Good for Outdoors? (2024)

FAQs

Is Cedar Wood Good for Outdoors? ›

Yes, Cedar is an excellent choice for outdoor applications. It naturally resists rot, decay, and pests while withstanding weather changes. Its durability and rustic charm make it a preferred option for decks, furniture, and fences. You can extend a Cedar wood's lifespan and preserve its color with routine maintenance.

Cedar is highly resistant to rot and termites due to its natural resins. This allows the wood to last for many years without any maintenance or treatment. It is does not warp or sag and is highly resistant to humidity. This makes it a great choice for outdoor settings.

It's a durable wood that is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insect attacks, and resists moisture absorption, so it tends to last longer, needs less maintenance, and doesn't warp or split as easily. A cedar deck can last for 15-20 years or more, depending on maintenance and environment.

While redwood or teak certainly qualify, five more common lumber species that also stand up well to sunlight, moisture and wood-boring insects are Western red cedar, Spanish cedar, cypress, white oak and mahogany. Red cedar tends to be knotty, but it's affordable and widely available.

The “phenols” also are responsible for Cedar's natural resistance to moisture, decay and insect infestation. The natural resistance provided by the oils and acids are what make these species more popular in outdoor applications. Properly finished, cedar will last for decades even in harsh environments.

Weakness. According to the University of Minnesota, while cedar is a common material in construction, workers do not generally use it as a structural component, such as for supporting heavy loads. This is because it is not as strong as other lumber options, like cypress, redwood and pressure treated lumbers.

On bare new or restored cedar, apply one coat only of water-repellent preservative (1% or less of wax by volume and content). Allow it to dry for the period of time recommended by the manufacturer. If the wood has been dip treated, a longer drying time may be needed.

Cedar, while naturally resistant to decay and insects, is not immune to the effects of sun, rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations. Without proper sealing, these elements can lead to the deterioration of the wood, causing it to warp, crack, discolor, or even rot.

Resists Rot and Decay

This versatility also lends to Cedar's ability to thrive in any climate – whether it dips below freezing, or is hot and humid.

What is the cheapest wood for outdoor use? ›

Cedar, on the other hand, offers a more affordable price point along with its minimal warping tendencies. Redwood is also a popular outdoor furniture material due to its ability to age well and resist rot, insects, and decay. Other choices include Ipe, Acacia, and Eucalyptus.

Teak. Teak is the king of durable, outdoor woods. It's extremely rot resistant, reasonably dense and straight-grained, will not warp or crack over time, and has an attractive appearance.

Because of all its natural oils, teak is generally considered the most naturally water resistant wood — but it's not really particularly affordable, sustainable or easy to get your hands on.

Untreated cedar can last 25 to 30 years without wood infusions or surface treatments, unlike many other types of decking material. However, this doesn't mean that a cedar deck requires zero maintenance.

Cedar posts that are installed in a dry, well-drained area and are thick enough to resist warping can last for up to 25 years without rotting, while those installed in a damp environment may only last for 5-10 years before showing signs of rot.

Due to the cedar's significant repelling properties, it naturally deters a number of insects. This list includes adult clothing moths, clothing moth larvae, silverfish, termites, carpet beetles, and co*ckroaches, to name a few. The level of repellency of the eastern red cedar increases as exposure is heightened.

Preservative treatment is especially necessary for cedar woods in outdoor projects since they're more susceptible to weather elements. So, when you want to treat cedar wood in outdoor projects, prioritize preservative-treated options.

Cedar deteriorates quicker than treated wood, even with the added maintenance. As such it's not always the best choice. Cedar typically does not last as long as treated wood, lasting around 18 - 21 years with regular maintenance while treated wood lasts 20 - 23 years.