|
|
|
Cedar Facts
* Our Northern White Cedar, natural and untreated, is grown in moist swampy NE woodlands.
* Cedar absorbs and loses moisture slowly, which minimizes the dry cracking, splintering and swelling more characteristic of oak or pine.
* Cedar has the US Forest Products Laboratory highest rating for decay and disease resistance.
* Fresh cedar odor is a mild insect repellent.
* Eastern White Cedar’s natural wood oils may develop a dust on the surface of the wood, which is the crystallization of the wood oils. These are normal and natural processes in cedar and in no way affect the strength or durability of the furniture. This dust can be easily removed with a dry cloth.
* Furniture includes durable zinc coated and stainless steel hardware. Minor assembly required (10-15 minutes).
* Develops a weathered, silver grey patina in one year for most climates.
* Our cedar products are shipped in their natural color, pale tan or light gold. The color changes evenly over time to a silver gray. Water-based or oil stains will delay the weathering process. Latex paint coats evenly and lets wood breathe.
* Occasionally, cedar will warp slightly during transportation, but usually the warp goes away once the furniture has been assembled.
FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What kind of wood is the furniture made of?
A. Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)
Q. Why cedar, what are the benefits of cedar?
A. Cedar is light weight but very durable and is unique in its resistance to bugs and its ability to weather without treatment (unlike other species).
Q. Does the furniture require finishing?
A. No. White Cedar will last 25-30 years unfinished. There is no need to treat the wood, because it is naturally resistant to rot and pests. However, some people like a little color; for that, it is recommended that you stain the product (rather than to apply paint to it) in order to retain the natural protection of cedar. We offer staining kits in both light and dark stains.
Q. If I decide to finish, what should I finish it with?
A. You can use a stain like Cabot or similar as well as water-based gel stains.
Q. If I don’t finish the furniture, what can I do to lengthen its life?
A. Cover it, bring it inside for winter, and do not let it sit in mud or water for long periods of time.
Q. Will the furniture change color as it ages or weathers?
A. Yes, the furniture will slightly darken as it ages inside (dirt, dust) and grays as it is exposed to weather.
Q. Does your furniture require assembly?
A. Most of the furniture requires some minor assembly. You typically will need a mallet and a power drill (electric screwdriver). Items that do NOT require assembly: dressers, nightstands, mirrors, bed bench, plant boxes, Adirondack end table, dog beds, dog feeders, small garden table.
Q. Where do you get the wood?
A. Most of our Northern White Cedar is harvested from Vermont, with a small additional amount from the Adirondacks in New York.
Q. Is wood legally harvested?
A. Yes, there is no clear cutting or other illegal activities in our wood sourcing.
Q. Is the furniture made by hand?
A. Yes. There is a small amount of mechanical automation (like sanding machines, peelers, planers, drills).
Q. What is the average delivery time?
A. Most products are in stock. Beds and arbors require lead times due to availability of special sizes of wood, so they generally take 2-3 weeks (a little more during the summer).
Q. How are the beds taken apart after they have been assembled?
A. First, when they are put together, glue is only used to connect the head and foot posts to the side rails. To take a bed apart, you take out screws in HB/FB and then separate the HB, FB and mattress supports from the bed. The HB post, FB post and side rail stay together and must be moved in that state. It cannot be totally disassembled.
Q. What are the cracks in the furniture?
A. Cracks in cedar are called “checking” and are a normal aging process in cedar. It is usually most noticeable on edges and drilled holes, where there is more exposed surface area and drying. Checking does not affect the strength of the furniture. Checking adds uniqueness and character for the wood of a natural product.
Q. How long does it take to assemble these products?
A. Most of the products come KD (knocked down) and can easily be put together in 15-30 minutes, depending on the item.
Q. What kind of hardware do you use?
A. We use stainless steel hardware on all of our Adirondack chairs and tables. We use coated yellow zinc for most of our other products
|
|
