Guide to the Proper Handling and Installation of Cedar Lumber

Ensuring Your Cedar Project Will Last for Years

Cedar lumber, prized for its natural beauty, durability, and resistance to decay, is a favorite choice for many building projects. Whether you’re constructing a deck, siding a house, or building outdoor furniture, cedar’s rich color and natural resistance to insects and rot make it ideal. However, to ensure its longevity and maintain its appeal, it’s crucial to handle and install it properly. This guide will take you through the essential steps, from the selection of cedar lumber to handling, storage, and installation.

Why Choose Cedar Lumber?

Before diving into the technical aspects of cedar handling and installation, it’s essential to understand why cedar is such a popular choice for construction and landscaping. Cedar lumber offers several benefits:

1. Durability: Cedar has natural preservatives that make it resistant to decay and insect damage.
2. Stability: Cedar is less prone to warping and twisting than many other wood species, making it ideal for long-term installations.
3. Aesthetic appeal: Its natural grain patterns offer aesthetic versatility.
4. Eco-friendly: Cedar is a renewable resource, and when sustainably harvested, it has a low environmental impact.

Step 1: Proper Selection of Cedar Lumber

When selecting cedar lumber for your project, it’s important to choose the right grade and cut for your specific needs. Cedar lumber comes in various grades, each suited for different applications:

1. Clear cedar: This is the highest grade and has tight small knots, making it the most visually appealing. It is perfect for projects where appearance is crucial, such as siding or high-end decking.

2. Knotty cedar: A more affordable option, knotty cedar has character-defining knots that give a rustic look. This grade is ideal for fencing, sheds, or casual outdoor furniture.

3. Heartwood vs. sapwood: Heartwood cedar is taken from the center of the tree and is more resistant to decay than sapwood, which comes from the outer edges. For exterior applications, heartwood is preferable due to its durability and natural resistance.

Additionally, cedar comes in different cuts, such as:

• Rough sawn: This has a textured finish and is often used for rustic projects.
• Dressed: This is smooth and works well for projects requiring a clean and polished appearance.

Key Considerations When Selecting Cedar:

• Thickness and dimensions: Make sure to choose the appropriate thickness for the intended load and weather conditions. Cedar is a dimensional lumber. A 1x4 board would be 3/4 x 3 ½.

Step 2: Safe and Proper Handling of Cedar Lumber

Cedar is a natural material and needs to be handled with care to avoid damaging its structure and appearance. We’ve provided tips for proper handling.

1. Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture

Cedar is naturally resistant to moisture, However when transporting or storing cedar, it is best to keep it dry. Use plastic covers or tarps to protect it from rain, but make sure it’s well-ventilated to prevent condensation from forming underneath

2. Limit direct sun exposure

Cedar can also dry out and crack if it’s left in direct sunlight for long periods before installation. To avoid this, keep cedar lumber stored in a shaded area until it’s ready to be installed.

3. Stacking and storage

If you need to store cedar lumber for an extended period before installation:

• Stack flat: Lay boards flat to prevent them from warping.
• Elevate off the ground: Place lumber on sleepers (wood strips) to allow air circulation and keep it away from moisture from the ground.
• Cover loosely: Use a breathable cover to protect from sunlight and moisture while allowing air circulation.

         4. Handle with care

Always lift cedar boards; do not drag them. Cedar is softer than other woods and can scratch or dent easily. Use work gloves to protect the wood from oils or dirt from your hands, as well as to ensure your own safety.

Step 3: Preparing Cedar for Installation

Before installing cedar lumber, there are a few preparatory steps that will help ensure a flawless finish and long-lasting durability.

While cedar has natural resistance to decay, applying a sealant helps preserve its color and protect it from moisture and UV damage. Some people prefer the natural gray patina cedar acquires over time, but if you want to retain the original reddish hue, a UV-blocking finish is essential.

     For outdoor projects:

• Use a high-quality wood preservative on all sides of the cedar lumber before installation. Pay particular attention to the end grain, which absorbs moisture more readily.
• Allow the wood preservative to dry completely before installing.

2. Cutting cedar

When cutting cedar, ensure your tools are sharp. Cedar is a softwood, so dull blades can tear or crush the wood, leading to rough edges or splintering. After cutting, always seal the exposed ends with a wood preservative to protect them from absorbing moisture.

Step 4: Installation of Cedar Lumber

 1. Fasteners

Choosing the right fasteners is crucial when installing cedar. Cedar contains natural oils that can corrode certain metals, so avoid using uncoated steel nails or screws, which will leave unsightly black stains. Instead, opt for:

• Stainless steel nails
• Aluminum screw nails

These materials are less likely to react with cedar’s oils and will maintain the aesthetic appeal of your project.

2. Ventilation

Proper ventilation is critical when installing cedar siding or decking. Cedar needs airflow to remain dry and resist moisture. When installing siding, use furring strips to create a ventilation gap between the siding and the building structure. For decking, ensure there’s enough space between the boards for air to circulate underneath.

Step 5: Maintenance After Installation

Once your cedar project is complete, maintenance is key to keeping it looking great for years to come. Cedar will naturally age and develop a silver-gray patina if left untreated. However, if you want to maintain its original color, reapply a UV-blocking finish every couple of years. In addition to finish maintenance, inspect the wood annually for signs of decay, splitting, or loose fasteners, and make repairs as needed.

• Cleaning: Regularly clean cedar surfaces with a soft brush and mild soap to remove dirt and mildew. Avoid using harsh chemicals, which can damage the wood.

Cedar lumber is an excellent choice for many construction and outdoor projects, thanks to its natural durability and aesthetic appeal. However, to get the most out of cedar, proper handling and installation techniques are essential. By selecting the right grade, handling the wood carefully, preparing it properly, and using the correct installation techniques, you can ensure that your cedar project will look beautiful and last for many years. Proper maintenance will keep the wood in top shape, preserving its natural beauty and longevity.

AVO Fence is a provider of high-quality fencing materials and supplies with locations in Stoughton, Hingham, and Plymouth. We are the leading supplier of cedar in the New England area. Give us a call today at (781) 341-2963.