Depending on where you purchase and what you purchase, cedar furniture may not actually be cedar at all. In fact, what is well known as aromatic red cedar is actually a species of juniper, which is not related to cedar at all and grows throughout much of North America in great abundance. While these two woods are similar in their production of aromatic oils that work well as patio furniture because they repel moths, their similarities are actually few.
Cedar patio furniture is going to be made from a very hard, durable wood that is decay and weather resistant. While this doesn’t make it foolproof, it does mean less maintenance on the part of the owner in keeping it in top shape. Real cedar is a coniferous tree, used often for ornamental purposes. Aside from wood patio furniture, the material has often been used to manufacture tiles and shingles for roofs, as well as to build fences, due to its ability to hold up under extreme conditions without any varnish or oil treatment.
Red cedar outdoor furniture that is made from the juniper tree is going to be lighter in weight – a good quality to make it more mobile and easier to store – and also weather resistant. However, it is slightly more delicate to use and while being decay resistant, can bow or splinter easily if not properly maintained. Still, it is one of the best materials for outdoor wood furniture, having proven in the past its strength in use for longbows and arrows by Native Americans and British colonists alike.
You can find outdoor cedar furniture just about anywhere these days; it is highly popular, and because of the high demand, all the major furniture chains carry it. The wood is abundant in the United States and Canada, so there is no importation to worry about, meaning that there is no tax raising prices on the furniture. However, because of the high demand, cost of wood outdoor furniture is on the rise. Be sure to shop around and compare prices before you buy, since you are likely to find a better deal this way. Also, look for clearance sales at the end of the summer, since most places don’t want to carry inventory of such items through the winter. You can always store the furniture until next season.
Garden patio furniture has become a standard of living for most people with a backyard or garden. It is a place to relax and have barbecues, drink lemonade, watch the sun rise and set, or just take pride in your lawn and garden. Having comfortable seating that is attractive to look at is a must, and the added aroma and ease of care that come with cedar (or juniper, as the case may be) make it a number one choice for your outdoor furniture pick.
