Weather Treatment of Cedar Log Furniture

Shoud you seal your new cedar log furniture?  The answer is personal preference - it is completely up to you!

To help you decide we will first consider the species at hand - eastern white cedar (thuja occidentalis - for those who like to know the latin name), which is found predominately in northeastern US and Canada- is a premium choice to guarantee long lasting furniture. 

Eastern white cedar is naturally rot and insect-resistant, so by choosing exterior log furniture made from eastern white cedar you have lots of finish options.

• professional finish
• DIY finish
• nature's finish

You can have your log furniture professionally sprayed in a dust-free controlled environment in a clear or stain colour, as many coats as you prefer.  Generally a prime coat and two coats of seal will ensure the product stands up.  Stain colours range in intensity from natural to ultra-saturated.  It is easy to select a stain to suit your home's exterior style and colour theme.

You are a DIYer and want to get outside and enjoy the first warm days of spring and have the extra time to finish your new log furniture.  Light up the BBQ now!  Your local paint and stain supplier will be able to recommend the best product for cedar.  You can choose to spray or brush on your finish. 

You last choice is nature's choice. You are a traditionalist and yes, you do have the option of letting you cedar weather naturally to a wonderful mature silver Canadian gray!  Nothing wrong with that, eh?

You may even like to mix-it up.  Here is a shot of some single lounge chairs that have used a combination of stain and nature's finish as the seat and back were left to weather naturally.

Timber Frame Hybrids - by A. Zaya and T. Diener

I can recommend Anthony Zaya and Tim Diener's book - Timber Frame Hybrids - as a great read for timber frame enthusiasts and timber frame builders alike.

This book expresses why we have, still do and will continue to love timber frame buildings!  It also defines the word hybrid in terms of timber framing.  A hybrid is about combining two or more ingredients to produce a superior product.  Timber is one of these ingredients that more people are choosing to put in the mix when planning their new home or addition.  This book artfully explains and illustrates with line drawings and beautiful photos how timber is being used as a wonderful part of a greater whole - in the form of trusses, entrances, exterior accents and more.

The book delves into the history of timber frames up to it`s present day use and identifies the commonalities between the two.  Most importantly it invites the reader to explore the possibilities of using timber in the places of their homes that will be seen and appreciated the most. 

I recommend that you pick up Timber Frame Hybrids for information and inspiration.

Engenuity Magazine Profiles Miramichi Timber Frames Services

For our first blog we would like to thank APEGNB and the editors of Engenuity for the opportunity to profile our timber frame services.  You can find the complete article in the Engenuity Spring 2010 Issue. 

We hope to create some great discussions around

1. Timber Frames - their enduring attraction
2. Insulating Panels  - their increasing popularity
3. Tongue and Groove Boards - a low maintenance ceiling finish
4. Spray Foam Insulation - stopping air infiltration
5. Cedar Furniture - the best choice for your outdoor spaces

and some fun stuff as well, like Tree Houses - not only are we building with trees but also building in the trees...! 

We look forward to our conversations with you.