How to Finish Outdoor Cedar Furniture

The first thing to know about finishing outdoor cedar furniture is that it is optional. Most cedar patio furniture is made of Western or red cedar or Eastern white cedar, both of which are naturally durable and hold up well to the elements. According to the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association, you can expect unfinished cedar furniture to last eight to 10 years. If you'd like yours to last even longer, you can seal and stain it.

Sandpaper
Tack cloth
Dropcloth
Wood sealer
Wood stain
Paintbrush
Clean rags

Instructions

- 1
  Sand all surfaces lightly to expose new wood and remove stains and imperfections in texture. Heavy sanding is not necessary.
- 2
  Wipe away any sanding dust with a tack cloth.
- 3
  Spread a dropcloth underneath your work area. Working from the bottom up, apply water sealer with the paintbrush. Wipe off excess with a soft rag and let dry.
- 4
  Apply stain with a paintbrush, also from the bottom up. Wipe off any excess with the rag and let the cedar furniture dry. If you desire a deeper color, apply a second coat of stain, even a third, until you get the desired color. Each time wipe off excess with a soft rag and let the stain dry between coats.
- 5
  Repeat the sealing and staining process every two or three years to help your furniture last as long as possible.

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