I found a local supplier of aromatic cedar. I bought some 2×6 material with no sapwood and small tight knots for $2.00/bf. I would like to build some outdoor furniture with it. Is this wood acceptable for furniture use outdoors? If it is, what finish would be best and what adhesive, glue or epoxy?
Thanks for your time,
Chuck
Replies
Chuck, aromatic cedar has outstanding decay resistance and doesn't necessarily need any applied finish...Unless, of course, you want to maintain its reddish color. Without a finish it tends to turn silver gray.
The problem is, this species contains terpenes that bleed through most ordinary (mineral spirit based) varnishes. Shellac, being alcohol based, resists this problem, but it's not a good finish for exterior use.
Possibly some of the newer polymerizing (polyurathane) varnishes, which eventually cure to where they resist even their own mineral spirit solvents might work...or maybe some of the newer penetrating and polymerizing deck sealers... but I have very little experience with these modern wonders.
Thanks for the info. I have used western red for outdoor use before but I have not used the aromatic. I have always seen it drowned in poly finish and don't care for the look of it. I primarily use danish oil on the jewlery boxes I make and like the look of real wood. I didn't know how aromatic would age outside.
Chuck
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