Cedar Patio Dining Chairs

Cedar Patio Dining Chairs

 

Experience rustic and inherently charming Cedar Patio Dining Chairs for your alfresco dining. These are gorgeous and sturdy pieces for your picnics, holiday barbecues, and outdoor romantic dinners.Be sure to add outdoor dining tables and a patio umbrella to complete the fantastic dining experience.


Q1: What are the unique properties of Cedar that make it suitable for outdoor dining chairs?


A: Cedar (Western Red Cedar is most common) is prized for its lightweight, natural aroma, and insect-repellent properties.

  1. Natural Oils: Cedar contains natural oils (thujaplicins) that give it a pleasant, distinct aroma and make it naturally resistant to decay, rot, and insects (moths, termites).

  2. Lightweight: Cedar is a lightweight, soft wood, making Cedar chairs much easier to move and rearrange than heavier woods like Teak or Pine.

  3. Insulation: Cedar has a high insulating value, meaning it stays cooler to the touch in the sun than denser woods or metals.


Q2: Does Cedar require sealing or treating, and how does it weather over time?


A: Cedar is naturally durable but benefits from treatment if you want to preserve its color.

  1. Untreated: If left untreated, Cedar will gradually weather to a smooth, attractive silver-gray patina over several years. It is purely cosmetic and does not harm its structural integrity.

  2. Sealing: If you prefer to keep the wood's original reddish-brown color, a UV-inhibiting clear coat or stain must be applied annually.

  3. Durability Caveat: While Cedar resists rot, it is a soft wood and can be easily scratched or dented, especially if used as a dining chair.


Q3: What structural features should I look for in a quality Cedar dining chair?


A: Due to its lightweight and softness, construction quality is paramount:

  1. Thick Stock: Look for chairs made with thicker Cedar (e.g., 2-inch stock). It adds stability and minimizes warping.

  2. Hardware: Use only stainless steel or galvanized fasteners to prevent tannins in the Cedar from reacting with the metal, which can cause dark black stains and corrosion.

  3. Joints: Because Cedar is lightweight, the joints can be strained. Check that the chairs use robust, securely screwed or bolted joinery.


Q4: How should Cedar dining chairs be cleaned to maintain their condition?


A: Cleaning Cedar should be done gently to avoid damaging the softwood surface:

  1. Gentle Cleaning: Avoid high-pressure washing, which can raise the wood grain and damage the surface.

  2. Soap Solution: Use a mild soap and water solution with a soft brush or cloth. A specialized Cedar cleaner can be used to remove surface mold or mildew.

  3. Rinsing: Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue, and allow the chair to air dry completely.