Why Build a Cedar Pergola? Beauty In the Extreme

It’s easy to love your wood pergoladeck, playset, or outdoor space when the sun is shining and it’s all board shorts, cookouts, and kids kicking around in the grass. That’s not why build we suggest a cedar pergola to our clients.

But it’s extreme weather that tests a wood’s mettle. That’s why we prefer a cedar pergola and cedar for many of our outdoor projects. And Western Red Cedar’s proven, natural ability to withstand extremes—from ground contact to wicked weather—proves its beauty is backed up by brawn.

‣ MyFixitUpLife Cedar Pergola and Fence Brave The Seasons.
Cedar Pergola and Fence Brave The Seasons.

To make even more of what we build with cedar, here’s a tip:

Pre-stain parts where possible. We do this for pergolas and fences where so many major elements are pre-cut before installation. We use big sawhorses workstations made from Jawhorses to support the material; the technique is not entirely practical for something like a deck.

‣ MyFixitUpLife Pre-Stain Parts and Use Two Coats.
Pre-stain parts. Two coats makes a huuuuge difference. Notice the water beading on the left.

The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association recommends an oil-based, tinted stain. To apply it, I use a brush and apply two coats. It’s important to make sure to saturate the end-grains.

Now that’s beauty in the extreme.

author avatar
Mark
A licensed contractor, tool expert, wood and outdoor enthusiast, and elite Spartan Race competitor, he writes about home improvement and tools for national magazines and websites, and teaches hands-on clinics for other remodeling professionals. Check out his book, The Carpenter's Notebook.

Related Posts

Verified by MonsterInsights