These natural elements slowly erode the finishes and as a result, all finishes applied to cedar require regular cleaning and maintenance to perform. The degree of maintenance depends on local climatic conditions, the type of finish and end use (deck or siding).
Untreated cedar fences, made of natural and rot-resistant wood, can typically last for approximately 15 to 20 years under ideal conditions. However, a cedar fence treated with a protective stain can prolong its life even further, potentially lasting over 30 years with proper maintenance.
Cedarwood is an excellent material for various sections of your home because it is strong and long-lasting. To prevent decay and damage to the floor, it is crucial to ensure the cedarwood you use has been treated with a preservative.
Cedar is high in tannins, a natural preservative. That means you do not need to treat cedar with stain, sealant or waterproofing products. Untreated cedar will "silver" over time, which is a gradual graying of the wood face that is exposed to weather and sunlight. Some people like the look of naturally-weathe.
Cedar naturally contains oils that help to repel moisture and insects, which makes it a great choice for siding. However, over time these oils can break down, leaving the wood vulnerable to damage. Sealing your cedar siding helps to protect it from moisture, UV rays, and pests, which can help extend its lifespan.
To maintain and enhance the beauty of cedar, selecting the right products for staining and sealing is crucial. In this regard, Woodrich Brand Timber Oil is highly recommended for its deep penetration and exceptional protection of cedar wood.
Caveats For Using Stain on Cedar
If the Cedar has considerable shade with little to no UV exposure, using a stain instead of an oil might be appropriate. This is usually when a house is shaded by dense tree cover or has wide soffits, such as villas where the roof extends over the porch.
Cedar siding high maintenance generally requires more maintenance than fiber cement, vinyl, and metal siding but offers a unique aesthetic appeal.
Certain oils work best with specific wood types, and the preferred oil for cedar is linseed oil. This slow-drying oil gives cedar a luxurious shine that subtly avoids that overly glossy look. It sinks deep into the wood creating a rich, supple finish. Teak oil is a popular runner-up for cedar.
For optimal protection and aesthetics, it's recommended to re-stain and re-seal your cedar fence every 3 to 5 years.
High Maintenance Requirements
Additionally, cedar shakes need protective treatments every few years to shield them from the elements, moisture, insects, and fire. Failing to perform this maintenance can lead to significant issues like rot and decay, ultimately shortening the lifespan of the siding.
Newly installed Cedar has a reservoir of natural oils and tannins, and it will take longer for the cellular structure to start to move. You may not have to do anything for 5 years, but eventually the Cedar will start to dry out and you will need to slow that process down with regular oiling.
Uncoated, weathered cedar can often be restored to its original color by applying commercial products called cleaners, brighteners or restorers. Although intended primarily for restoring horizontal wood surfaces, they generally work almost as well on vertical surfaces.
Cedarwood looks absolutely stunning without a stain. However, it will turn gray as it ages, which can be visually displeasing to some people. If you don't like the color of an aged cedar deck (or simply do not like its natural color from the get-go), you can always stain it in the color you want.
The oil that is typically used is a clear OSMO UV-Protection Oil. The recommendation is that two coats are applied to new Cedar, and the oil slows the change of colour by a factor of 12. Depending on the rate of weathering your Cedar cladding is exposed to, the UV oil needs to be re-applied every 3 to 4 years.
Cedar Wood
It resists water reasonably well and doesn't tend to crack. Cedar lasts about 20 years if not treated, but some damage may be noticeable from heavy traffic. Cedar can last for decades when used in your outdoor projects if cared for properly.
Cedar can and will rot and decay, it just takes alot longer than other wood. It can become weak and brittle so it depends on the design of your chairs and the thickness of the planks as to whether or not they'll hold up and support the weight you're going for.
Cost. Pine's availability places it as the clear winner when comparing initial expenses. Pine costs between $9 and $24 per linear foot, depending on your supplier. Cedar has a higher starting price of $20 per linear foot, which can rise to $35 based on the type of cedar you use.
Transparent, non-flexible, film-forming finishes such as lacquer, shellac, urethane, and varnish are not recommended for exterior use on cedar. Ultraviolet radiation can penetrate the transparent film and degrade the wood.
Not only has it historically been used to repel moths, keep bees and wasps away, deter termites from playgrounds (and other structures made of wood, including homes), and ward off insects from one's garden (when used as chips), but it has also been used as medicine to cure ailments such as colds, measles, worms and ...
The mix of tung oil and linseed oil in the ALIS 579 product performs very well on cedar, as it has a high impregnation power and penetrates more deeply than a conventional stain.