You know that cedar is a weather resistant wood and that the substance really requires no sealant to keep it from being damaged.  However, to what extent can you expect your cedar patio furniture to remain in good order, and what can you do to make it last, extending its life to the fullest?  There are a few tricks to the trade that can keep your cedar furniture fresher longer with just a little maintenance and loving care.

With many types of wood outdoor furniture, you will have to oil, varnish, and ultimately seal the pieces against water and other elements of the environment in order to protect it from swelling, dirt buildup, and scratching.  However, with cedar, you can have unfinished wood furniture that won’t be burdened by such destructive devices of nature; cedar produces its own natural oils that protect it from weather and make it malleable for use in creation of furniture.  Yet, even with such self-preservative methods, there are things you can do to increase the lifespan of your choice of furniture.

Start by putting away your outdoor cedar furniture for the winter.  While it is weather resistant, cedar is still not entirely weatherproof.  This means that, in extreme conditions of cold and moisture, you can still acquire damage to the wood.  So, when weather is not conducive to spending time on your patio for a long stint, store the pieces in a garage, storage facility, or attic where they will be better protected.

Also, when you pull your cedar outdoor furniture back out every spring, give it a quick sanding.  This will remove any dust, dirt, splinters, and unhealthy wood on the outside and leave a fresh, untouched portion of the wood exposed.  This will help to keep the wood weather resistant by removing weaknesses on the exterior that could allow water to seep in and ruin your furniture.

If you are really concerned about making the cedar last, there are even further precautions you can take.  You can make sure you have a covering for your patio area, whether a natural overhang created by your home or trees surrounding the patio or with a collapsible canopy.  This can help to keep wood out of the sun, wind, and rain for the most part during the spring and summer seasons of high use. 

You can also buy furniture covers that will shield the pieces from any major weather elements and insects.  You can even choose to treat your cedar log furniture with varnish or additional oil, should you so desire, making certain that it is fully sealed against possible damage (you’ll need to repeat the process about once every 3-5 years to maintain its integrity).  However, with proper care and minimal maintenance, your cedar should be just find for a number of years.