When it comes to building furniture, the type of wood you choose affects everything—durability, look, maintenance, and even smell. While hardwoods like oak or teak often dominate the conversation, Western Red Cedar is an underrated gem, especially for outdoor and rustic furniture.
In this post, we’ll explore the top 5 reasons why cedar is a smart and stylish choice for furniture making.
1. Naturally Beautiful Appearance
Cedar has a warm, reddish-brown color and a straight, fine grain that gives it a natural charm. Whether you build a bench, table, or lounge chair, cedar’s appearance adds rustic elegance that doesn’t need much finishing to look great.
Highlights:
- Minimal knots (in higher grades)
- Ages gracefully to a silver-grey (if left unstained)
- Matches both traditional and modern styles
2. Resistance to Insects and Rot
One of cedar’s biggest advantages is its natural resistance to:
- Termites and other wood-eating insects
- Fungal growth and wood rot
- Moisture-related decay
That makes it ideal for outdoor furniture, garden benches, patio sets, and even sauna interiors.
3. Pleasant Natural Aroma
Cedar wood gives off a light, sweet, woody fragrance, thanks to its natural oils. This scent:
- Keeps bugs like moths away
- Creates a soothing, spa-like vibe
- Makes cedar closets and storage chests very popular
Bonus: the scent also acts as a mild natural air freshener.
4. Easy to Work With
Cedar is lightweight and soft compared to hardwoods, which means:
- Easy to cut, drill, and sand
- Great for DIY projects
- Accepts stains, oils, and sealers very well
- No need for harsh chemicals or pressure treatment
Even beginner woodworkers can handle cedar with basic tools!
5. Environmentally Friendly
Cedar is a renewable, biodegradable, and sustainably harvested wood. It requires minimal processing, and its natural resistance reduces the need for chemical treatments.
By choosing cedar, you support:
- Eco-conscious manufacturing
- Long-lasting furniture
- Sustainable forestry
Conclusion
If you’re looking to build furniture that’s:
✔ Stylish
✔ Durable
✔ Easy to maintain
✔ Safe for the environment
✔ Naturally beautiful
…then Western Red Cedar is the perfect choice.