Choosing the right wood for your garden planters is crucial for both the longevity of the planter and the health of your plants. Two popular choices, cedar and redwood, offer natural resistance to rot and insects, making them ideal for outdoor use. However, they have distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different needs and budgets. This article will delve into the pros and cons of cedar and redwood, comparing them across various factors to help you make an informed decision for your next gardening project.
Understanding Wood Properties for Planters
Before diving into the specifics of cedar and redwood, it's important to understand the key wood properties that influence their suitability for planters:
- Durability: A planter's ability to withstand the elements and resist rot, decay, and insect infestation.
- Water Resistance: How well the wood repels water and prevents moisture absorption, which can lead to warping or cracking.
- Workability: How easy the wood is to cut, drill, sand, and fasten, which affects the ease of construction.
- Cost: The price of the wood, which can vary depending on the grade, availability, and region.
- Environmental Impact: The sustainability of harvesting and processing the wood.
- Aesthetics: The appearance of the wood, including its color, grain pattern, and texture.
Cedar: The Versatile Choice
Cedar is a softwood known for its aromatic scent and natural resistance to decay and insects. Several types of cedar are used in woodworking, but Western Red Cedar is the most common choice for outdoor applications like planters.
Pros of Cedar for Planters:
- Natural Resistance: Cedar contains natural oils that make it resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation. This makes it a durable option for outdoor use without chemical treatments. (Source: U.S. Forest Service, "Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material")
- Workability: Cedar is relatively soft and easy to work with, making it a good choice for DIY projects. It cuts and drills cleanly, and it accepts screws and nails well.
- Aesthetics: Cedar has a beautiful reddish-brown color and a straight grain pattern, which gives it a warm and inviting look. It can be stained or painted to match your garden decor.
- Cost: Cedar is generally more affordable than redwood, making it a budget-friendly option for large planters or raised beds.
- Sustainability: Many cedar forests are sustainably managed, ensuring a responsible source of wood. Look for cedar that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Cons of Cedar for Planters:
- Softness: Cedar is a relatively soft wood, which means it can be susceptible to dents and scratches. It's important to handle it carefully during construction and avoid placing heavy objects directly on the surface.
- Splintering: Cedar can splinter easily, especially when it's dry. It's important to wear gloves and eye protection when working with cedar, and to sand any rough edges before using the planter.
Practical Example: Building a Cedar Raised Bed
Building a cedar raised bed is a relatively simple project that can be completed in a weekend. Here's a basic guide:
- Materials: Cedar lumber (e.g., 2x6 or 2x8), screws, landscape fabric, soil.
- Cut the lumber: Cut the cedar lumber to the desired dimensions of your raised bed. For example, you might cut four pieces of lumber to create a 4' x 8' bed.
- Assemble the frame: Screw the lumber together to create a rectangular frame. Use screws that are designed for outdoor use to prevent rust.
- Line the bed: Line the inside of the bed with landscape fabric to prevent soil from eroding.
- Fill the bed: Fill the bed with a high-quality soil mix that is suitable for the plants you want to grow.
Redwood: The Premium Choice
Redwood is another softwood known for its exceptional durability and resistance to decay and insects. It's primarily grown in California and is prized for its beautiful color and grain pattern.
Pros of Redwood for Planters:
- Exceptional Durability: Redwood is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation, even in wet conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for planters that will be exposed to the elements. (Source: California Redwood Association, "Redwood Grades and Uses")
- Water Resistance: Redwood has a high degree of water resistance, which helps prevent warping and cracking. This is especially important for planters that will be frequently watered.
- Aesthetics: Redwood has a rich reddish-brown color and a tight, straight grain pattern, which gives it a luxurious look. It can be stained or sealed, but it's often left natural to showcase its beauty.
- Stability: Redwood is dimensionally stable, meaning it's less likely to shrink, swell, or warp than other woods. This is important for maintaining the structural integrity of the planter over time.
Cons of Redwood for Planters:
- Cost: Redwood is generally more expensive than cedar, especially higher grades like "clear all heart." This can make it a less affordable option for large projects.
- Availability: Redwood is primarily grown in California, so it may be less readily available in other parts of the country. This can increase the cost and lead time for your project.
- Softness: Like cedar, redwood is a relatively soft wood, which means it can be susceptible to dents and scratches. However, its natural durability helps it withstand wear and tear.
- Environmental Concerns: While redwood is a renewable resource, it's important to source it from sustainably managed forests. Look for redwood that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to ensure responsible harvesting practices.
Practical Example: Restoring an Old Redwood Planter
If you have an old redwood planter that is showing signs of wear and tear, you can restore it to its former glory with a few simple steps:
- Clean the planter: Remove any dirt, debris, or mildew from the surface of the planter with a brush and a mild detergent.
- Sand the surface: Sand the surface of the planter with a medium-grit sandpaper to remove any rough edges or imperfections.
- Repair any damage: Repair any cracks or holes in the planter with wood filler or epoxy.
- Apply a sealant: Apply a sealant or stain to the planter to protect it from the elements and enhance its appearance. Choose a sealant that is specifically designed for outdoor use and is compatible with redwood.
- Allow to dry: Allow the sealant to dry completely before using the planter.
Cedar vs. Redwood: A Detailed Comparison
To help you make a decision, here's a side-by-side comparison of cedar and redwood across key factors:
| Factor | Cedar | Redwood |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Good | Excellent |
| Water Resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Workability | Excellent | Good |
| Cost | Moderate | High |
| Aesthetics | Reddish-brown, straight grain | Rich reddish-brown, tight grain |
| Environmental Impact | Sustainable options available | Sustainable options available |
| Maintenance | Requires occasional cleaning and sealing | Requires minimal maintenance |
Alternatives to Cedar and Redwood
While cedar and redwood are excellent choices for planters, there are other options to consider, depending on your budget and needs:
- Pressure-Treated Lumber: Pressure-treated lumber is wood that has been chemically treated to resist rot and insect infestation. It's a relatively inexpensive option, but it's important to choose lumber that is treated with a safe and environmentally friendly preservative. Avoid older pressure-treated lumber that may contain arsenic. Look for lumber treated with Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ) or Copper Azole (CA), which are considered safer alternatives.
- Composite Lumber: Composite lumber is made from recycled plastic and wood fibers. It's highly durable, water-resistant, and requires minimal maintenance. However, it can be more expensive than cedar or pressure-treated lumber.
- Other Wood Species: Other wood species like cypress, teak, and juniper can also be used for planters. These woods offer varying degrees of durability and water resistance, so it's important to research their properties before making a decision.
Tips for Choosing the Right Wood
Here are some practical tips to help you choose the right wood for your planters:
- Consider your budget: Cedar is a more affordable option than redwood, while pressure-treated lumber and composite lumber offer different price points.
- Think about the size and design of your planter: For large planters or raised beds, cedar may be a more practical choice due to its lower cost. For smaller, decorative planters, redwood can add a touch of luxury.
- Assess the climate: If you live in a wet climate, redwood's superior water resistance may be worth the investment.
- Look for sustainable options: Choose wood that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to ensure responsible harvesting practices.
- Consider the maintenance requirements: Cedar requires occasional cleaning and sealing, while redwood requires minimal maintenance.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Garden
Choosing the right wood for your garden planters is an important decision that can affect the longevity of your planters and the health of your plants. Cedar and redwood are both excellent choices, offering natural resistance to rot and insects. Cedar is a versatile and affordable option, while redwood is a premium choice known for its exceptional durability and beauty. By understanding the pros and cons of each wood, considering your budget and needs, and following the tips outlined in this article, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your gardening experience for years to come.
Next Steps:
- Research local suppliers of cedar and redwood.
- Compare prices and grades of lumber.
- Consider the design of your planter and the amount of wood you will need.
- Order your lumber and start building!