Cedar outdoor furniture is considered by some to be the most popular choice on the market today, more so than other types of wood, plastics and metals.
One of the reasons for that is how naturally durable and weather-resistant cedar is, along with requiring little upkeep.
Another reason is because cedar, in its many forms, is easy to find.
A large percentage of the world's cedar is harvested right here in the USA, so by investing in cedar wood furniture, you're getting a great product and supporting your national economy.
Cedar is an evergreen belonging to the Pine Family that is native to North America and parts of Asia.
What is interesting, though, is that there are many types of cedar, divided into two major categories: true cedars and plants called cedar that are actually part of different genera.
The true cedars including the following: Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica), Cedar-of-Lebanon (Cedrus libani), Cypress Cedar (Cedrus brevifolia), and Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara).
Common varieties, like White Cedar, Red Cedar and Incense Cedar are not true cedars, and derive from a different genus altogether.
One of the main reasons that cedar wood furniture is so easy to come by is that North America is one of its main growing areas (unlike, say, teak, which is grown in Southeast Asia and parts of South America).
It tends to do best in the Midwest and upper regions of the southern states and can withstand temperatures of -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cedar is a hearty tree that prefers limestone bases and full sunlight, and it can thrive in soil conditions which are less than ideal for other species.
The shape of a cedar tree is conical when it is young, but more flat topped as it reaches maturity.
Throughout the course of mankind's industry, cedar has been an invaluable source of building material.
In the past, cedar was commonly used in roofing shingles because of how durable and crack-resistant it is.
In addition to cedar outdoor furniture, cedar is used for fence lumber and other outdoor building projects because it's a type of wood that doesn't require being treated.
You can also often find cedar in the lining of closets because it smells naturally fragrant and cedar is also able to repel insects, including moths.
Cedar is also a popular choice for indoor furniture because of it appealing coloration.
In addition to how convenient it is, cedar wood furniture is also an eco-friendly type of venture because there is little waste product.
Unlike other types of wood, the leftovers and scraps not used in cedar furniture can be used for other purposes.
For instance, cedar chips and cedar shavings can be used both as mulch and as an aromatic filling to potpourri and sachets.
Place these sachets in drawers, chests and storage bins, and the intoxicating but subtle scent of cedar will make your clothes smell delightful.
Scraps of cedar are also perfect for the DIY craftsman.
You can carve birdhouses, toys, dollhouses and more using cedar.
Besides buying cedar outdoor furniture, chips or shavings, owning your very own cedar tree adds function and beauty to your home.
This is because the slow-growing tree is useful as a windbreak, and its unique shape is perfectly suited for hedges and property lines.
If you are short on space, you can opt instead for a cedar bonsai, a smaller version of the original which takes up considerably less room outside.
Outdoor cedar bonsais can be shaped in beautiful artistic shapes and it's a way to own a cedar on a smaller scale.