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How to Preserve Outdoor Cedar Wood

Cedar is a popular wood for outdoor furniture because of its strength and durability. These qualities also makes it a good choice for fences, which can be preserved similarly to furniture. While western red cedar is probably the most popular member of the cedar family, eastern white and yellow cedar are also commonly used in outdoor furniture. Overall, cedar is low maintenance but does require a little work to keep it in good condition.

Things You'll Need

  • Waterproof sealant
  • Wood stain
  • Brushes
  • Cover
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Instructions

    • 1

      Apply a suitable waterproof sealant to the wood. There are plenty of quality sealants available in any home improvement store. Apply two coats and allow the wood to dry completely between applications.

    • 2

      Apply two coats of wood stain to preserve the color. Allow it to dry completely between applications. Use a transparent stain on the wood to allow the natural color and grain to show through, or use a solid color if you prefer.

    • 3

      Buy a cover for the furniture to keep the wood protected during bad weather.