Cedar outdoor furniture is one of if not the most popular wood used in patio sets. One of the reasons for that is how naturally durable and weather-resistant cedar is. Another reason is because cedar, in its many forms, is readily available. Often grown in the US, invest in cedar. You\'ll be buying local and getting a great product.

Cedar is an evergreen native to Asia and North America that\'s part of the Pine Family. 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 are as follows: Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica), Cedar-of-Lebanon (Cedrus libani), Cypress Cedar (Cedrus brevifolia), and Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara). You might be surprised to learn that White Cedar, Incense Cedar and Red Cedar in fact belong to other species groups.

Cedar outdoor furniture is abundant in the US, because that is one of its main growing areas and area of origin. It tends to do best in the Midwest and upper regions of the southern states and can withstand temperatures of -40 degrees F. Cedar grows best in areas of good drainage, and thrives in areas that are not ideal for other trees, including limestone bases, full sun and variable soil conditions. The shape of a cedar tree is conical when it is young, but more flat topped as it reaches maturity.

Another nice thing about buying cedar wood furniture is that there is very little cedar waste leftover. That\'s because cedar is useful in many more forms than just furniture.

For instance, cedar chips and cedar shavings can be used both as mulch and as an aromatic filling to potpourri and sachets. How nice would it be to have your drawers, storage bins and clean laundry smell of that intoxicating, but not overpowering scent of cedar? Scraps of cedar are also perfect for the DIY craftsman. You can carve birdhouses, toys, dollhouses and more using cedar.

In addition to lumber, cedar trees are beneficial to own and keep in your own yard. 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 don\'t possess that kind of room, cedar can also be grown in miniature form, as a bonsai style tree. Outdoor cedar bonsais can be shaped in beautiful artistic shapes and it\'s a way to own a cedar on a smaller scale.

Throughout history, cedar has been a very source of building material. In addition to cedar wood furniture, cedar is used for fence lumber and other outdoor building projects because it\'s a type of wood that doesn\'t require treated. It\'s also found a use in the lining of closets because of its aroma and ability to repel moths and other insects.

Cedar is also a popular choice for indoor furniture because of it appealing coloration. Also, in the past cedar was prevalent in roofing shingles because it is so weather-resistant and does not easily crack.