Benefits of Northern White Cedar
The Enduring Beauty & Strength of Northern White Cedar: Perfect for Your Outdoor Living Space
At Lakeland Mills, we understand that when you choose outdoor furniture, you're not just buying a piece; you're investing in moments. Moments of relaxation on a cedar log swing, quiet conversations on a log porch swing, or joyful family gatherings around a cedar picnic table. That's why we meticulously choose Northern White Cedar as the heart of our outdoor log furniture collections.
Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) isn't just wood; it's a natural marvel, perfectly suited for the demands of the outdoors, especially in the fluctuating climates of the Great Lakes Region.
Why Northern White Cedar Reigns Supreme for Outdoor Furniture
This remarkable wood possesses inherent qualities that make it the ideal choice for durable and beautiful outdoor pieces:
- Natural Resistance to Decay and Insects: Northern White Cedar contains natural oils and compounds that act as nature's own preservatives. This means your cedar log swings, log yard swings, and cedar log rocking chairs inherently resist rot, decay, and insect infestations like termites. You won't need to worry about harsh chemical treatments to keep your furniture strong and beautiful.
- Exceptional Durability and Stability: Despite being a relatively lightweight wood, Northern White Cedar is incredibly robust. It has excellent dimensional stability, meaning it's less prone to warping, cracking, or shrinking when exposed to moisture and temperature changes. This stability ensures that your log gliders, adirondack chairs, and log end tables maintain their integrity and comfort season after season.
- Lightweight and Easy to Move: Compared to many hardwoods, cedar is lighter, making it easy to rearrange your outdoor space or move your cedar picnic table for a party.
- Unique Aesthetic Appeal: Northern White Cedar boasts a beautiful, light, creamy tone when new, often with unique knots and grain patterns that give each piece a distinct, rustic character. It effortlessly blends into any natural outdoor setting, from a lakeside cabin to a suburban backyard oasis.
- Pleasant Aroma: The wood naturally emits a subtle, fresh, aromatic scent that adds to the sensory experience of your outdoor haven.
Natural Beauty vs. Finished Protection: Your Choice, Your Style
One of the most appealing aspects of cedar log outdoor furniture is its versatility in appearance:
- Left Natural (No Finish): If you choose to leave your Lakeland Mills cedar log furniture unfinished, it will gradually age to a beautiful, soft silver-gray patina over time. This natural weathering process is a favored look for many who desire a truly rustic aesthetic that blends seamlessly with the environment. The natural oils and resistance of Northern White Cedar mean it can withstand the elements, even without a protective finish.
- Finished with an Outdoor Finish: For those who prefer to maintain the wood's original warm tones or add a specific color, applying a quality outdoor wood finish (like a stain or sealant) is an excellent option. A finish will help preserve the initial color, offer an extra layer of protection against UV rays, and can make cleaning even easier.
How Long Will Your Cedar Log Furniture Last?
Northern White Cedar is renowned for its longevity, especially when properly constructed (as all Lakeland Mills products are!). While many factors like direct sun exposure, humidity, and maintenance can influence lifespan, you can expect remarkable durability:
- Average Lifespan (Unfinished Outdoors): In climates like Michigan, where our furniture is crafted and tested year-round, unfinished cedar log furniture typically lasts 15 years on average outdoors. This is a testament to the wood's inherent resilience against the elements.
- Extended Lifespan with Finish & Care: With regular application of a quality outdoor finish and proper care, the lifespan of your cedar furniture can be extended even further, often well beyond 15 years.
This exceptional durability means you're investing in furniture that will provide countless seasons of enjoyment, reducing the need for frequent replacements and offering true long-term value.
At Lakeland Mills, every cedar log swing, log yard swing, log porch swing, adirondack chair, cedar picnic table, cedar log rocking chair, log glider, and log end table is a testament to the timeless benefits of Northern White Cedar. We harness nature's best to bring you cedar log outdoor furniture that is not only beautiful but built to last, allowing you to create enduring memories in your outdoor sanctuary.
Explore our full collection of Northern White Cedar outdoor furniture at lakelandmills.com and experience the difference of true quality.