Should I line a cedar chest?

Author: Dovie Altenwerth  |  Last update: Sunday, December 28, 2025

Line cedar with a barrier film You get the positive protection of the aroma of the oils in the cedar and avoid the negative issues associated with physical contact between the wood and your fine garments.

What do you seal a cedar chest with?

Chris Marshall: I'd probably apply a coat of dewaxed shellac (Zinsser SealCoat is a good choice) to the outside of the chest before following with polyurethane, particularly if the cedar has any knots in it that might bleed resin. The shellac's sealing properties will ensure that it won't happen.

What should you not put in a cedar chest?

Karen Moore is the Founder and CEO of Project Redesign, a Nashville, Tennessee, nonprofit that designs homes for those in need using donated items.
  1. Textiles. Most people probably think of textiles when they think of a cedar chest. ...
  2. Loose Documents. ...
  3. Mothballs. ...
  4. Leather Bags.

What do you put on top of a cedar chest?

I realize that not everyone feels comfortable in creating artwork. So other options are embellishing the front or top of your cedar chest with stencils, mod podge, or abstract designs. There are so many ways to decorate a flat surface. Stripes, polka dots, verses and script, even fabric...so many possibilities.

Should I line my closet with cedar?

You may wonder why a cedar closet? Cedar, not only smells great, but it also repels pests such as moths, cockroaches, and silverfish and is resistant to mildew. Being in a basement, I feel like it is more susceptible to moisture and bugs, so it was important to protect the items we are storing down there.

Warning about cedar chests

Do you need to line a cedar chest?

Line cedar with a barrier film

This will provide a barrier between your garments and the wood. You get the positive protection of the aroma of the oils in the cedar and avoid the negative issues associated with physical contact between the wood and your fine garments.

How much to line a closet with cedar?

Most contractors, on average, will be around $800 plus for a project like this. We offer the best cedar closet solution out there. Instead of doing the traditional route of offering just closet lining, we decided to make a modular system that can be customized very easily to fit any space you may need storage.

Should I put polyurethane on cedar?

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.

How to preserve a cedar chest?

10 Steps for How to Maintain A Cedar Chest(s)
  1. Empty and Evaluate Your Cedar Chest. Empty your cedar chest. ...
  2. Make a Quick To-Do List. ...
  3. Vacuum. ...
  4. Wipe Down the Exterior. ...
  5. Wipe Down the interior. ...
  6. Conquer the Corners. ...
  7. Air Dry Your Cedar Chest for a Day. ...
  8. Sand the Interior.

What happens if you top a cedar?

While topping may provide a temporary solution, it often leads to long-term problems for your cedar tree: Increased Risk of Decay and Diseases: The large, exposed cuts created by topping can serve as entry points for insects and pathogens, leaving your tree vulnerable to diseases and decay.

What are the negatives of cedar?

Although cedar lasts a long time under ideal conditions and treatment, it tends to degrade more quickly when it's used for ground-level decks, and if it's shaded, it will slowly dry out.

Can you put blankets in a cedar chest?

Cedar chests are great for storing clothing, blankets, and delicate fabrics. Because the oil in cedar wood is an all-natural insect repellent that keeps moths and other pests at bay, you can store these items without worrying that they'll get damaged.

How often should I replace cedar in my closet?

Cedar is a long-lasting repellant, but if the cedar chips or blocks are older than three years, they need to be replaced. Lavender is another natural repellant you may consider using in your custom closets.

What sealant is best for cedar?

Choosing the Right Sealer

The best option for cedar siding is Seal-Once NANO Penetrating Wood Sealer. Its deep penetrating formula uses proprietary nanotechnology to protect cedar shakes from the inside out.

How do you keep cedar from cracking?

The only possible preventive measure is to use PEG, or something similar. For pieces that big, you're looking at an industrial setting, or at least an industrial quantity of PEG. When you're done PEGing, the wood will be waxy forever.

Should you stain or seal cedar?

It is highly recommended that you stain/seal your cedar fence as it is a great way to ensure it lasts for years to come! Wood fences are traditionally beautiful and are a significant financial investment in the value of your home and property. However, it is normal for your cedar fence to fade over time.

How do you keep cedar from rotting?

To prevent decay and damage to the floor, it is crucial to ensure the cedarwood you use has been treated with a preservative. You must ensure that your cedarwood is preserved with substances like para-phenylenediamine or cresol if you need it to last long.

How do you make an old cedar chest smell good again?

“Oh, he said, that's simple, if you want to restore the sharp smell of cedar, just give it a light sanding, a 220 grit should be fine”.

Can mold grow in a cedar chest?

Thanks to cedar wood's amazing water resistance properties you don't need to fear mold growing inside of your chest. Decay resistant – Your cedar chest will not rot away with age.

What is the best finish to protect cedar?

Water-based finishes are a good option for preserving the wood's light color and providing protection. Test the finish on a small, inconspicuous area of the cedar to ensure it gives the desired result before applying it to the entire piece.

Can you leave cedar untreated?

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.

Does cedar need to be coated?

No, cedarwood has a natural resistance to rot, insects, warping, and other decking issues. 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.

Why are closets cedar lined?

A cedar-lined closet can be a great way to give a space a clean smell and even offer protection against fabric-damaging insects, like moths. Store-bought cedar lining kits, as well as cedar planks, can be found at most home improvement stores and are often easy to install.

Does cedar repel bugs in closet?

Cedar, enriched with natural oils, acts as a powerful shield against these persistent pests. Cedar's pest-repelling power: Cedar effectively repels a variety of insects, including: Clothing moths: Cedar's natural oils protect wool and silk garments from damage.

Do cedar closets add value?

Most experts agree that adding a cedar closet adds value to any home. They are a throwback to a time when clothing was purchased and expected to last a generation (or more).

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