Cedar Kit Options & Finishing Tips
Assembled Kit<>BR Unassembled Kit

The Assembled Kit
For those who don't have the time and would and would like to have their new product together and ready for use. This option depending on the product purchased is 70%-90% assembled with the remaining parts pre-drilled and pre-fitted to provide you with minimal set-up effort.

Unassembled Kit
To save some money the unassembled kit includes the same quality materials and craftsmanship as the pre-assembled kit. All components have been pre-cut, drilled and sanded. All hardware and illustrated instructions are included.

Both Kits Feature:
Solid Western Red Cedar construction
Handcrafted pre-fit components
Pre-drilled holes
Fully sanded finish
Smooth routed edges
Rust-resistant zinc plated hardware
Detailed craftsmanship
Simple illustrated instructions
All the nessessary hardware included
Quality products that are built to last

Finishing Tips

NATURAL WEATHERING
Because of the inherent nature of Western Red Cedar to withstand insect attack and the outdoor elements Cedar does not require a finish to keep its structure over the years. Many folks prefer to allow their cedar furniture to "naturally age" outdoors without a stain or finish. Over time the colorful tones of the wood slowly weather to a handsome silver-grey and the grain of the wood will become slightly raised. Left completely natural this silver-gray color will eventually be highlighted by darker streaks formed from the reaction between the Cedar Resin and the zinc hardware. If the dark streaks are not for you I suggest using a simple wood sealer as described below.

WOOD SEALER
A good wood sealer such as Thompsons Wood Sealer is useful by blocking the pores of the wood. This inhibits the grain from becoming raised yet allows the natural fading of the wood to a gentle silvery-gray color.

STAINING
If you would like to preserve the colorful tones of the freshly sanded cedar any number of finishes can be used on cedar furniture. The types we have tried and recommend are good quality penetrating sealers and transparent or solid exterior stains. There is a wide variety of colors to choose from these days which makes it easy to match your existing decor. I would recommend 2 coats of a semi transparent stain with a UV inhibitor such as " Sikkens Cetol 1 (natural) to preserve the handsome look of your furntiture. Every 2nd year you might re-apply a coat of stain to freshen the finish. Little or no sanding, preperation or primer is needed when you use a stain. New on the market are wood sealers that contain Ultra Violet inhibitors that can be used to preserve the fresh tones of the wood.

WOOD OIL
We do not recommend using oil finishes on your outdoor furniture as dust particles in the air will stick to the finish.

PAINT
Paint will work fine but like on any exterior surface, over time will begin to flake and will eventually need scraping and refinishing. Stain, however, is "breathable" and will not trap moisture, therefore - no blistering, no peeling.

Cedar Kit Options & Finishing Tips
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