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:
Key Considerations When Selecting Cedar:
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:
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.
1. Sealing the woodWhile 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:
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:
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.
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.