Want to build with cedar? Here are the benefits, some things to keep in mind and some fantastic cedar woodworking project ideas and tutorials!
Once you get into woodworking, one of the fun things to do is experiment with different types of wood. There's a time and place to just use the cheapest possible wood, but there's also a time and place to use beautiful, unique wood species.
Today I wanted to dive in to one of our favorite wood species to work with: cedar.
I wanted to share the benefits of cedar wood, tips for working with cedar, and share a lot of ideas for cedar woodworking project tutorials.
The Beauty and Benefits of Cedar Wood
Cedar is a wood with a lot of natural beauty. It has a very distinct grain pattern and a beautiful, warm red color. It fades to more of a golden brown as it is exposed to air and overtime.
Some of the benefits of cedar wood include:
- Naturally moisture, mold and mildew resistant - so great for outdoor builds
- Durable and strong
- Resistant to decay
- Natural insect repellant
- Absorbs sound
- Beautiful color and grain patterns
- Smells wonderful
- Lightweight
Some of the disadvantages of cedar wood:
- Softer wood that scratches/dents easily
- Mid-priced - not super cheap (not the most expensive either)
- Color might not be your style
- Color changes over time
- Very porous, expands and shrinks over time
Is cedar good for making furniture?
Cedar is a beautiful, durable wood that is wonderful to use for woodworking projects and for making furniture.
Is cedar wood very expensive?
Cedar is not a cheap wood and typically costs about 30% more than comparable pine wood. However, it can be less expensive than many exotic hardwoods. It's more of a mid-priced lumber.
Tips for Working with Cedar
- Always have proper ventilation and protective gear due to the potential for sawdust irritation.
- Cedar is soft and cuts easily, making it easier to get a smooth finish
- This soft wood can also split easily, so pre-drill holes to prevent splitting.
- Use sharp blades for clean cuts and to reduce tear-out.
- Stick to a clear coat finish to enhance the wood's natural beauty while providing protection.
Cedar Woodworking Project Ideas
Here are a ton of woodworking projects made using cedar!
Cedar woodworking project ideas
Here are a ton of woodworking projects made using cedar!
Transform your outdoor space with our detailed guide on How to Build a DIY Modern Outdoor Sectional Couch. Follow these steps to create a sleek and comfortable seating area that seamlessly blends contemporary design with outdoor relaxation, enhancing your patio or backyard oasis.
Enhance your outdoor dining experience with our step-by-step guide on creating a DIY Square Outdoor Dining Table. Follow these instructions to craft a functional and stylish table, perfect for enjoying meals with family and friends in the comfort of your outdoor space.
Create an attractive plant display with our comprehensive guide on Building a DIY Plant Stand with Hanging Bar. Follow the steps to craft a versatile and visually pleasing plant stand that provides a unique and space-efficient way to showcase your greenery indoors or outdoors.
Maximize your bathroom space with our step-by-step guide on How to Build DIY Over the Toilet Storage Shelves. Follow these instructions to create functional and stylish shelving, adding essential storage for toiletries and decor while optimizing your bathroom's organization and aesthetics.
Transform your space with our comprehensive guide on How to Install a Tongue & Groove Cedar Plank Ceiling. Follow the steps to effortlessly add rustic charm and warmth to your interior, creating a stunning and inviting atmosphere using the timeless beauty of cedar wood.
Elevate your garden aesthetics with our step-by-step guide on creating an Outdoor Rolling Plant Stand. Follow these instructions to craft a versatile and mobile plant stand, allowing you to showcase your favorite flora while adding a touch of convenience and style to your outdoor space.
Unleash your creativity with this guide on crafting a DIY Wood Sign using scrap cedar planks. Explore the steps to transform leftover wood into a charming and personalized sign that adds rustic charm to your home decor.
Revamp your bathroom with this comprehensive DIY Bathroom Vanity Plans for a double sink vanity featuring drawers. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create a functional and stylish centerpiece, adding both storage and aesthetic appeal to your bathroom space.
DIY Plant Ladder Shelf {A Renter Friendly Indoor Garden Idea!}
Elevate your indoor garden game with this renter-friendly guide on creating a DIY Plant Ladder Shelf. Discover how to craft a stylish and space-efficient plant display that adds a touch of greenery to your living space without compromising your rental agreement.
How to Build DIY Louvered Planter Boxes--{In 4 Steps With Just 2 Tools!}
Master the art of functional gardening with this concise guide on How to Build DIY Louvered Planter Boxes in just 4 simple steps, using only 2 essential tools. Create stylish and versatile planter boxes that elevate your outdoor space with a touch of innovation and greenery.
Unleash creativity and joy with this step-by-step guide on How to Make the Cutest Outdoor Cedar Playhouse. Explore the process of crafting a charming playhouse using cedar wood, providing endless fun and imagination for little ones in your backyard oasis.
Transform your storage space with this comprehensive guide on How to Create a Sweet Cedar Closet. Follow these steps to infuse your closet with the pleasant aroma and durability of cedar wood, turning it into an organized and inviting haven for your belongings.
Enhance your garden space with this step-by-step guide on crafting a DIY Garden Planter with Trellis. Follow these instructions to create a functional and visually appealing planter that incorporates a trellis, providing support for climbing plants and adding an elegant touch to your outdoor scenery.
Discover the joy of gardening with this detailed guide on How to Make a Cedar DIY Raised Garden Bed. Learn the essential steps to craft a durable and functional garden bed using cedar wood, providing the perfect space to cultivate your favorite plants and vegetables.
Create a cozy outdoor retreat with this comprehensive guide on How to Build an Outdoor Sofa, featuring printable building plans. Follow the steps to craft a comfortable and stylish sofa that transforms your outdoor space into a haven of relaxation and enjoyment.
Add a touch of rustic charm to your garden with this step-by-step guide on creating DIY Wooden Planters with X Side Trim. Follow the instructions to craft stylish and functional planters, complete with X side trim, enhancing your outdoor space with a blend of nature and craftsmanship.
Elevate your garden aesthetics with this detailed guide on crafting a DIY Outdoor Plant Stand with Arbor. Discover how to create a functional and visually appealing plant stand, complete with an arbor, that adds a touch of charm and elegance to your outdoor space.
Organize your outdoor space with this comprehensive guide on creating a DIY Outdoor Storage Box with Plans. Follow step-by-step instructions to craft a functional and stylish storage solution, keeping your belongings neatly tucked away while adding a touch of elegance to your patio or garden.
Embrace the season with our step-by-step guide to crafting a DIY Cedar Plank Winter Welcome Sign. Discover how to create a charming and inviting sign using cedar wood, welcoming guests to your home with a touch of rustic elegance.
Access a collection of free wooden DIY Planter Box Plans and bring your gardening vision to life. Follow these detailed guides to craft charming planter boxes that add a touch of nature's beauty to your surroundings.
Simplify your gardening endeavors with this user-friendly Easy DIY Tapered Planter Build Plans. Follow straightforward instructions to create stylish and functional tapered planters that elevate the aesthetics of your outdoor space.
Enhance your gardening prowess with this comprehensive guide to crafting a DIY Vertical Garden with Drip Watering System. Explore step-by-step instructions to design and build a space-efficient vertical garden, complete with an efficient drip watering system that nurtures your plants for a thriving and visually captivating green display.
Unlock versatile storage solutions with our guide on How to Make Wood Storage Cubes in Any Size. Learn the essential steps to craft customizable wooden cubes that perfectly fit your organizational needs, bringing order and style to any room.
Enhance your entertainment area with this comprehensive guide on How to Build a TV Frame with Cedar. Discover the steps to create a stylish and functional frame that beautifully accents your television, using the natural beauty and durability of cedar wood for a touch of elegance in your living space.
Add a touch of rustic charm to your home with this detailed guide on crafting a Rustic Wooden Blanket Ladder. Transform ordinary blankets into decorative elements as you follow the steps to create a functional and visually appealing ladder that complements your interior décor.
Create a charming backyard oasis with this step-by-step guide to crafting a DIY Outdoor Table. Elevate your outdoor space with this stylish addition, providing a functional and inviting centerpiece for memorable gatherings and relaxing moments.
Discover an affordable gardening solution with this straightforward guide to creating Cheap and Easy DIY Raised Garden Beds. Learn how to build functional and budget-friendly raised beds, empowering you to cultivate a thriving garden without breaking the bank.
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with this comprehensive guide on building a DIY Ooni Pizza Oven Stand or Grill Table. Follow the steps to create a sturdy and functional table that complements your cooking setup, providing the perfect platform for delicious culinary creations.
Enhance your outdoor lounging experience with this detailed guide on crafting a DIY Umbrella Side Table. Follow the steps to create a functional and stylish addition to your patio, providing a convenient spot for drinks, books, or sun protection right at your fingertips.
Discover the art of crafting a stunning DIY Wood Mosaic Table Top with this comprehensive guide, including step-by-step instructions and a helpful video tutorial. Dive into the creative process and create a captivating mosaic design that adds a unique and artistic touch to your home decor.
Transform your green space with this step-by-step tutorial on creating DIY Cedar Hexagon Planters. Craft functional and eye-catching planters using the natural beauty and durability of cedar, adding a touch of elegance to your garden or patio.
Craft a modern twist on the classic Adirondack chair design with this comprehensive guide on building your own DIY Cedar Adirondack Chair. Elevate your outdoor space with the timeless charm of cedar wood, and enjoy both comfort and style in your moments of relaxation.
Create a functional and stylish home for your favorite herbs, bringing fresh flavors right to your fingertips.
How to Build a Garden Arbor | Building Plans With Optional Gate
Elevate your garden aesthetics with this comprehensive guide on How to Build a Garden Arbor, complete with optional gate building plans. Transform your outdoor space into a captivating haven as you follow step-by-step instructions to create this charming architectural feature.
Experience the joy of crafting your own DIY Chunky Outdoor Chair with these detailed building plans. Transform your outdoor living area as you build a sturdy and stylish chair that perfectly balances comfort and aesthetics.
Revamp your outdoor space with the DIY Outdoor Loveseat Building Plans. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions and building plans, allowing you to create a charming loveseat that enhances your patio's comfort and aesthetics.
Experience woodworking in a modern light with Modern DIY Adirondack Chair. Explore this project guide complete with printable building plans, as you create a sleek and comfortable outdoor chair that effortlessly complements your contemporary style.
Discover the art of crafting DIY Planter Boxes with Raised Legs. Elevate your gardening game as this project guide empowers you to design and build functional, elevated planters that bring a touch of elegance to your outdoor spaces.
Elevate your outdoor seating game with this DIY Outdoor Patio Chairs project. Learn how to create sturdy and stylish chairs that blend seamlessly with nature, making your patio a cozy retreat.
Explore a practical DIY Cedar Lined Closet project guide, transforming ordinary storage into a durable and aromatic haven.
What's your favorite cedar woodworking project?
Before you go...
Are you finding yourself to be obsessed with cedar lately? Check out our tutorial on how to install a tongue and groove cedar ceiling - it's gorgeous!
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Hello, I'm Morgan, half of the creative force behind CharlestonCrafted.com! With a passion for DIY that dates back to 2012, I've transformed three homes and now I'm dedicated to helping others craft their dream spaces. Let's turn your house into a home together!
