What can I do with an old cedar chest?

Author: scraper  |  Last update: Friday, July 17, 2026

An old cedar chest is highly versatile and can be repurposed into functional living room or bedroom furniture. Common uses include converting it into a coffee table, an entryway bench with shoe storage, a toy box, or a stylish blanket chest at the foot of your bed.

What is the value of an antique cedar chest?

The value of an antique or vintage cedar chest generally ranges from $100 to $600 on the secondary market. However, prices can reach $1,000 to $3,500+ for rare 17th- and 18th-century European pieces or restored designer models.

Is it illegal to sell a cedar chest?

It is generally legal to sell a cedar chest, except for specific models with recalled automatic locking latches. Under federal law, reselling recalled goods is prohibited.

Do people buy cedar chests anymore?

Yes! While not as popular as in years past, hope chests are still built! This tradition is especially alive and well among the Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish. Modern hope chests can fit into any home!

What can you use a cedar chest for?

Cedar chests are versatile storage units prized for the natural oils in aromatic cedar, which act as a powerful, natural repellent against moths, carpet beetles, and mildew. Because of this, they are primarily used to store blankets, quilts, wool garments, seasonal clothing, and family keepsakes.

$25 Thrift Find Turned Heirloom! Restoring a Solid Cedar Chest1

Why should you not burn cedar?

Using it for starting your fires is just fine. But burning it exclusively is not recommended. Pockets of these cedar oils will cause pops and spits of fire sparks and embers, making it quite dangerous for use in an open, inside fireplace.

Are cedar logs worth any money?

Yes, cedar logs are valuable, but their worth depends heavily on their quality, size, and location. High-quality saw logs can fetch hundreds of dollars each, while yard trees or small, defective logs may have zero commercial value.

What should not be stored in a cedar chest?

Never store unprotected textiles, leather, paper, or loose photographs in direct contact with cedar wood. The acids and oils that naturally release from cedar can permanently stain, weaken, and dry out these items. Additionally, avoid storing mothballs in a cedar chest, as the chemicals can mix with the wood's fumes and create a toxic environment.

How much is cedar worth today?

Cost of 4/4 Cedar Lumber

Upon checking the current lumber suppliers, it's clear that most 4/4 cedar options range from $4 to $6 per board foot. The price can bump more than $10, depending on the seller's or buyer's location and the material's quality.

How to tell how old a cedar chest is?

To determine the age of your cedar chest, look for a brand name, label, or serial number, which are typically stamped under the base, on the back, or inside the lid.

Why is collecting arrowheads illegal?

It is illegal to collect arrowheads on public and government-owned lands to protect the country's archaeological heritage. Artifacts hold significant historical value, and removing them destroys the context archaeologists use to understand past human cultures.

What is special about cedar chest?

Because of cedar oil’s remarkable natural ability to repel moths and other insects, the cedar-lined chest became a naturally safe place to store fine wool, blankets, and other fabrics. Often, they stored the most prized possessions of a family.

How much do sawmills pay for cedar logs?

White Wood: Mid-$500s per MBF, reflecting steady demand. Red Cedar: At $850 per MBF, larger logs (32'-40') can fetch up to $1,500 when sold to Washington mills, while smaller logs (30' and under) are priced slightly lower, but you'll need to pay the trucking.

What are five signs of a valuable antique?

5 Signs You Just Found a Priceless Antique

  • It's Got a Full Back Story. The best way to find out what an item is and if it has any inherent value is to ask. ...
  • There's a Maker's Mark. Dupes are not a new phenomenon. ...
  • The Condition is Right. ...
  • There Are Nails on the Canvas. ...
  • Similar Pieces Are Actually Selling.

How much is a 1949 Lane cedar chest worth?

How much your Lane cedar chest is worth depends on its age, style, condition and other factors. According to online sales information, the average selling price of Lane cedar chests is $200 to $400, but some pieces may be worth more or less.

What is the most expensive cedar?

Clear, vertical grain is the highest grade of Cedar, and as you might guess, the most expensive. The wood is sawn specifically so that all the growth rings are parallel to each other on the face of the board.

What logs are worth money?

Walnut trees are always one of the most demanded trees in the wood industry. Oaks, maples, cherry, and ashes are also valuable trees. A high-quality veneer tree with a large diameter can be worth a lot but they are rare. A common rule is the bigger the log, the more it is worth.

Will bed bugs go in a cedar chest?

There's a good chance you won't ever find cedar wood and bed bugs in the same place. Why? Because cedar wood contains natural oils that bed bugs and lots of other pests don't like.

Is cedar toxic to breathe in?

Breathing cedar in everyday forms is generally safe, but breathing high concentrations of cedar sawdust or fumes from burning can be toxic and cause severe respiratory and allergic reactions.

What do you do with a cedar chest?

Cedar chests are versatile storage units prized for the natural oils in aromatic cedar, which act as a powerful, natural repellent against moths, carpet beetles, and mildew. Because of this, they are primarily used to store blankets, quilts, wool garments, seasonal clothing, and family keepsakes.

Do bugs hate cedar wood?

Yes, many bugs hate cedar wood. Cedar contains natural aromatic oils (like cedrol and thujone) that act as a natural, safe pest repellent. It is highly effective at deterring moths, ants, silverfish, mosquitoes, and certain beetles.

Why do farmers cut down cedar trees?

Cedar trees also absorb a great deal of water, which robs the land and water sources of their water supply. In a normal year, this is not as much of a problem. But during dry years it can really hinder grass production, which is ultimately what ranching is all about. Another reason to keep cedars away is cosmetic.

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