How to, Western Red Cedar

0

10 Reasons to Choose Western Red Cedar for Your Pergola | Outdoor Living Today

10 Reasons to Choose Western Red Cedar for Your Pergola

BZ1220WRC 3 scaled 1

If you’re planning to build a wooden pergola, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right material. Among all wood options available, Western Red Cedar stands out as the ultimate choice for outdoor living structures — offering natural durability, rich aesthetics, and incredible workability.

At Outdoor Living Today, we design and manufacture high-quality Western Red Cedar Pergola Kits for customers across North America. Here’s why cedar remains the gold standard for outdoor pergolas.

🌿 1. Naturally Durable & Weather Resistant

Western Red Cedar is prized for its natural resistance to decay, moisture, and outdoor elements. It performs exceptionally well in extreme weather conditions — from wet coastal climates to dry, sun-drenched backyards. This makes it a smart, long-term choice for pergolas, gazebos, and sheds.

🐜 2. Naturally Insect-Repellent

Cedar contains natural oils that act as a built-in insect deterrent, helping to keep termites and other pests at bay — no chemicals or treatments required. That’s one reason it has been used for centuries in fencing, outdoor siding, and even roofing.

🔁 3. Superior Dimensional Stability

Cedar is a hygroscopic wood, meaning it balances moisture with the surrounding environment. Unlike many softwoods that warp or crack over time, Western Red Cedar holds its shape through fluctuations in humidity and temperature.

🪶 4. Lightweight & Easy to Work With

BZ1216 BZ1212 Stafford 1

Western Red Cedar is one of the lightest softwoods used in outdoor construction, weighing in at about 21 lbs per cubic foot. This makes it easy to handle, transport, and install — especially helpful for DIY builders using our easy-to-assemble pergola kits.

🌡 5. Excellent Thermal Insulation

Thanks to its unique cellular structure, cedar naturally resists heat transfer. Your cedar pergola will stay cooler in summer, providing a shaded retreat, and won’t retain excessive heat like metal or brick structures do.

✨ 6. Beautiful Natural Appearance

Cedar offers timeless beauty with its rich grain patterns and reddish-brown hue. It can be left unstained to gracefully weather to a silvery grey, or stained to enhance its warm tone. It’s the ideal material for homeowners who value curb appeal and natural aesthetics.

Looking for style inspiration? Explore our curated Decorating Ideas for pergolas and garden spaces.

🌸 7. Fresh Natural Aroma

The signature cedar scent is both soothing and nostalgic. Its aromatic oils not only repel insects but also create a pleasant sensory experience — especially in cozy, enclosed spaces like pergolas or greenhouses.

🔇 8. Sound Dampening Qualities

SetWidth530 6 bz1216 buckner

Cedar has natural acoustic dampening properties, reducing noise transmission and echo. If you enjoy outdoor dining or hosting gatherings under your pergola, you’ll appreciate the added comfort and ambiance it offers.

🛠 9. Builder-Friendly

Cedar is easy to cut, screw, and drill without splintering, making it a favorite among DIYers and contractors alike. Need help assembling your kit? Download our assembly manuals or visit our FAQs for more support.

🧩 10. Design Flexibility

Whether you’re going for rustic charm or modern elegance, cedar gives you more freedom to customize. It handles intricate cuts and decorative touches with ease — perfect for creating pergolas that suit your vision.

Build It Better with Outdoor Living Today

At Outdoor Living Today, we offer a wide range of Western Red Cedar Pergola Kits that are precision-cut, panelized for easy assembly, and shipped right to your door. Plus, we offer warranty coverage and shipping support across North America.

Read More

How to, Western Red Cedar

0

How to Stain a Cedar Pergola or Gazebo for Long-Lasting Beauty

🪵 How to Apply a Stain to a Cedar Pergola or Gazebo: A Step-by-Step Guide

OLT 274 SitePartners JX0A5643

Western Red Cedar is prized for its rich color, natural durability, and ability to hold stain beautifully — thanks to its lack of pitch and resin. Whether you’ve just received your pergola or gazebo kit or are planning a backyard upgrade, applying a quality stain can protect your investment and bring out the natural charm of your cedar structure.

Here’s how to Stain to a Cedar Pergola right.

📦 Before You Build: Prepare Your Cedar for Staining

The best time to stain your Western Red Cedar Pergola or Gazebo is before installation. Why?

  • You can work comfortably at ground level.

  • You can stain all six sides of each board, offering complete protection from moisture and UV exposure.

  • It saves you the hassle of staining around joints and hardware later on.

Tip: Store your cedar parts in a dry, covered area, off the ground. Cedar should have around 15% moisture content for optimal stain absorption. If left exposed to the elements — even for a few days — the surface may become weathered and less receptive to stain.

Looking to get started on your project? Check out our full range of Western Red Cedar Pergola Kits and Gazebo Kits, proudly made in Canada using sustainably harvested wood.

🎨 Choosing the Right Stain for Cedar

Walk into any hardware store and you’ll find dozens of wood finishes. The key is to choose one that suits your aesthetic goals and offers long-term protection.

BZ1220WRC 3 1024x642 1

Most common types of stains:

TypeAppearanceProtectionBest For
TransparentLight tint, enhances natural colorLowA natural, subtle look
Semi-transparentAdds a soft tone while showing grainMediumPreserving cedar’s character
Solid colorOpaque, hides grainHighBold color or uniform finish

At Outdoor Living Today, we’ve tested numerous brands. Two we recommend:

  • Cabot’s Wood Toned Deck & Siding Stain – Cedar or Natural

  • Sikkens Cetol SRD – Cedar or Natural

Both offer excellent penetration, UV protection, and color retention — plus solid color versions if you’re after a painted look.

🧪 Test First — Avoid Regret Later

Don’t trust the sample swatch. Always test your stain on a spare piece or the inside of the post skirts (these are hidden once assembled). This ensures you love the final look before committing to the full structure.

Need additional guidance? Explore our Assembly Manuals & Support Resources for in-depth product guides.

🖌 Brush or Rag? Use Both for the Best Results

For even application and deep penetration, we recommend using both a natural bristle brush and a lint-free rag:

  • Brush: Ideal for end grains, notches, and corners. Helps push stain deep into the wood fibers.

  • Rag: Great for smoothing puddles, catching drips, and avoiding dark blotches.

Pro Tip: Work in small sections. Brush on the stain with one hand and follow with a rag in the other. This method helps develop a smooth, even finish with fewer lap marks.

Allow stain to dry for at least 24–48 hours before handling or assembling your pergola or gazebo.

Looking to enhance your build? Explore our Parts & Accessories like post skirts, privacy panels, louvered walls, and more.

🌿 Prefer the Natural Look? Let Cedar Age Gracefully

SetWidth530 2 bz1012wrc scameron

Not into staining? That’s okay! Western Red Cedar naturally weathers to a beautiful silver-grey patina over time. It’s a timeless, low-maintenance look that many homeowners love — especially for modern, minimalist outdoor spaces.

If you’re going au naturel, consider our durable Western Red Cedar Sheds, Greenhouses, or Raised Garden Beds — all crafted to last, stain or no stain.

🛠 Ready to Build?

A well-stained pergola not only lasts longer — it looks stunning for years to come. Whether you’re enhancing your backyard for outdoor dining, gardening, or relaxation, taking the time to finish your cedar kit properly pays off.

Still have questions? Browse our FAQs or learn more About Us and our mission to bring nature into your outdoor space.

🔗 Explore More From Outdoor Living Today

Read More