Cedar wood is a versatile and aromatic type of wood that has many great uses for woodworking and DIY projects. Some key things that can be made with cedar wood include outdoor furniture like chairs, tables, and benches, wooden planters and window boxes, bird feeders and houses, chests, storage boxes, and crates, saunas and hot tubs, canoes and kayaks, decorative pieces like signs and wall art, and more! Cedar’s natural resistance to rot, mold, mildew, and insects makes it ideal for outdoor projects and items you want to be durable. And its pleasant scent also helps repel moths, ants, and mice. So if you have access to some high-quality cedar lumber or planks, there are endless creative ways you can put it to use around your home and yard.
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Outdoor Furniture
One of the most popular uses of cedar is for making rugged, long-lasting outdoor patio and garden furniture. The natural oils in cedar wood make it resistant to weather, moisture, and insect damage. And its attractive reddish hue and streaked grain patterns look beautiful in outdoor living spaces. Here are some examples of outdoor furniture projects than can be constructed with cedar lumber:
Patio Chairs
Adirondack chairs and rocking chairs made from cedar are classics. The sloped seats and wide armrests make them extra comfortable. Cedar adirondack chairs can be left unfinished or stained/sealed to extend their lifespan outside. Make sure to use corrosion resistant hardware.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are a great project for cedar. Opt for attached bench seats instead of separate benches for a table that won’t wobble or separate. Use thick cedar planks for the tabletop and use cedar 4×4 posts for legs. Add some waterproof polyurethane for protection.
Planter Boxes and Benches
Combine small planter boxes and bench seating into one project. Use cedar 2×6 or 2×8 boards to construct the rectangular frame and fasten with galvanized screws. Add a few coats of exterior stain or sealer. Then fill with potting soil and your favorite flowers or herbs.
Porch Swings
A cedar porch swing is the perfect spot to relax on a nice evening. Use cedar 4×4 posts and beams to make the frame. Then hang the seat with heavy chains from an overhead beam. Opt for wider planks if you’d like a more cushioned seat. Add a sealer or polyurethane finish to protect from moisture.
Planters and Window Boxes
The natural rot resistance of cedar wood also makes it an ideal choice for raised garden beds, planter boxes, and window box planters. Cedar planters will far outlast those made of pine or other softwoods. Here are some great options:
Tiered Planter
Make a three-tiered planter from cedar fencing planks and 4×4 posts. Cut each plank to size and drill drainage holes. Use exterior wood glue and galvanized screws to attach the planks to the posts. Add filler pieces in the corners if needed. Then stack the three planter boxes on top of each other, moving the posts in toward the center for each higher tier.
Hexagonal Planter Box
Cut six cedar boards into trapezoid shapes that will fit together into a hexagon box shape when assembled. Drill drainage holes and fasten together with wood glue and finish nails. Add a few coats of weatherproof sealant before potting your plants. The hexagon shape is perfect for placement on a deck or patio.
Window Box Planters
Make a classic rectangular window box from 1×6 cedar boards cut to size. Drill drainage holes and use exterior wood glue and galvanized screws to fasten the short ends to the long sides. Add two coats of water-sealant finish before installing under your windows with corrosion resistant brackets. Fill with potting mix and colorful flowers or trailing vines.
Bird Feeders and Houses
The natural resistance, attractive color, and pleasant scent of cedar also make it a wonderful choice when building feeders and nesting boxes to attract birds to your backyard. Here are some fun and easy projects:
Simple Platform Feeder
Cut a piece of 1×6 cedar board to size and use a jigsaw to cut a decorative scalloped edge on the bottom. Attach a short scrap piece to the bottom back to act as a ledge. Mount to a pole or hang with wire. Fill with black oil sunflower seeds or a mix of seeds to attract finches, sparrows, doves and more.
Materials | |
1 – 1x6x12 cedar board | |
1 – 1x2x3 scrap for mounting ledge | |
Exterior wood glue | |
1 1/4″ exterior screws | |
Twine for hanging |
Simple Birdhouse
Use 1×6 cedar boards to construct a basic rectangular nesting box for songbirds like chickadees, nuthatches, and wrens. Cut one board into a front, back, and side. Cut a second board for the roof. Assemble with glue and nails leaving one side off. Add the removable side, drill a 1 1/4″ entrance hole, and add ventilation holes. Mount on a post or in a tree.
Materials | |
2 – 1x6x6 cedar boards | |
Exterior wood glue | |
1 1/4″ galvanized finishing nails |
More Advanced Feeders and Houses
Once you get the basics down, try more complex feeding and nesting stations like covered feeders, suet feeders, wren houses, purple martin houses, bat houses, and more. Cedar is an ideal wood for all outdoor bird-friendly DIY projects.
Chests, Storage Boxes, and Crates
The natural aroma and moth/insect repelling properties of cedar wood has made it a popular choice for storing clothing, linens, and other household textiles for centuries. It adds a pleasant scent and helps keep pests at bay. Some ideas include:
Cedar Chest/Hope Chest
A traditional cedar chest or hope chest makes a wonderful project. Cut cedar boards to size and join with wood glue and nails to form the sides, front, back and lid. Add hinges and a clasp or chain to secure. Line with cedar panels if desired. Great for storing blankets, heirloom textiles, or as a window seat or coffee table.
Pet Bed Storage Chest
Make a simple lift-lid chest for conveniently storing pet beds, toys, leashes and other pet supplies. Cut plywood for the sides and fasten with glue and nails. Use 1×2 cedar boards for the front and trim. Add hinges and a handle. The cedar will help control odors.
Storage Crates
Construct simple wooden storage crates from cedar boards to hold kids toys, office supplies, garden tools, or garage/workshop items. The cedar will help control dust and repel moths from clothing and textiles stored inside. Customize the size to suit your needs.
Saunas and Hot Tubs
Cedar’s natural resistance to moisture, mold and mildew makes it an exceptional wood for building saunas and hot tubs. Its attractive appearance and pleasant aroma also add a nice ambiance. Some ideas include:
Cedar Sauna
Line the interior walls and ceiling of a small sauna room with tight-grained Western Red Cedar boards. Use cedar benches and an electric heater with rocks. The cedar will handle the humidity well and its scent enhances the sauna experience. Add a water bucket and ladle.
Portable Cedar Hot Tub
Construct a sturdy wooden frame from 2×6 cedar lumber and deck it over with cedar boards spaced slightly apart for drainage. Build a firebox area on one side to heat the water. Line the inside with a heavy plastic liner. Soak in the heated water under the stars.
Cedar Hot Tub Enclosure
Frame up a rustic enclosure around a manufactured fiberglass hot tub using cedar posts and beam. Use rough-sawn cedar boards for the exterior siding. Build a cedar door and add benches. The cedar interior provides an inviting sauna-like soaking experience while the enclosure offers privacy.
Watercraft
The watertight, durable, and lightweight qualities of cedar have made it a popular boat-building wood since ancient times. Some cedar boat projects include:
Cedar Strip Canoe
Make a gorgeous cedar strip canoe by fastening together 1/4″ thick red cedar strips into a frame. Fiberglass the exterior and add gunwales, thwarts and cane seats. Sand and varnish the interior to a high gloss. Excellent for paddling on lakes and calm rivers.
Cedar Kayak
Construct a cedar kayak with thin strips of wood forming the hull. Layer fiberglass cloth soaked in epoxy over the framework. Add a cockpit, spray skirt, and foot braces for a seaworthy solo kayak. These specialty boats are works of art!
Cedar Stand Up Paddleboard
If you’re an avid paddleboarder, try your hand at making a cedar SUP board. Glue together plywood and cedar strips, fiberglass, and add fins and carrying handles. Customize the shape, width, rocker, and size to meet your exact needs and style of paddling.
Decorative Signs and Wall Art
Cedar’s natural beauty makes it a wonderful wood for creating decorative wall hangings and yard art. Its color and grain patterns add rustic flair. Some quick projects include:
Monogrammed Sign
Cut an initial letter or monogram shape from 1/2″ thick cedar with a jigsaw. Sand and finish the edges smooth. Add a couple coats of polyurethane. Hang on the wall with a French cleat, or mount outside near the front door.
Address Sign Plaque
Adorn your home’s exterior with a handsome address number sign made from cedar. Use a router to recess the numbers into a plank of wood. Stain and add protective finish. Install on a post near the street.
Rustic Wall Sconces
Construct a set of natural wood sconces with cedar boards to mount on an interior wall flanking a window or decor. Cut pieces to size and shape with a jigsaw. Glue and finish smooth. Add LED candle fixtures or string lights.Creates beautiful ambiance and saves table space.
Furniture Accents
Small decorative furniture accents and accessories can also be crafted from cedar boards and blocks. Some quick projects include:
Cutting/Charcuterie Board
Glue together a rectangle of cedar boards to make a large handsome cutting or serving board for the kitchen. The cedar is naturally antimicrobial. Sand smooth and finish generously with food-grade mineral oil and beeswax mixture.
Jewelry Box
Make a simple hinged jewelry box from cedar boards, lined with cedar panels in the interior. The cedar smell can help deter moths and other insects from damaging precious items stored inside. Customize the size to suit the needs.
Dock Cubby Organizers
Construct handy cubby organizers with divided compartments for stashing lakeside items like sunglasses, sunscreen, towels, water toys, and fishing gear. Mount them near the dock or patio for convenient access. Use marine spar varnish or sealer to protect from moisture.
Outdoor Structures
For larger outdoor DIY structures on your property, cedar is an excellent construction material choice due to its weather and insect resistance. Some bigger cedar projects include:
Backyard Shed
Frame up a gable roof tool shed or storage building using 2×4 or 2×6 cedar lumber. Make the walls from overlapping cedar shingles or boards installed vertically. Add a large access door and windows. Provides useful covered storage space.
Gazebo
Construct an open-air gazebo, pergola or pavilion from cedar 4×4 posts and 2×6 beams. Use half-lap joints for strength. Top with a cedar shingle roof or open lattice roof panels. Provide shade in the yard or over a hot tub.
Fenced Garden Enclosure
Install cedar posts and fence panels to create a defined vegetable garden area. Use wide boards spaced slightly apart for airflow. Add a cedar gate for access. The cedar fences will stand up well to years of exposure to soil and moisture.
Conclusion
As you can see, cedar is an incredibly versatile wood perfect for countless indoor and outdoor DIY projects. It combines beauty, durability, aroma, and pest/rot/mold resistance like no other material. Whether you’re building large furniture pieces, decorative accents, storage containers, outdoor structures, boats, or more – cedar is sure to be an excellent choice. If you happen to have access to high quality cedar lumber, you’re sure to find wonderful ways to put it to use around your home and yard. Just use proper finishing and care techniques and your hand-crafted cedar creations will last for generations!