That's an excellent question many garden enthusiasts ponder. The straightforward answer is: while cedar's natural oils make it remarkably rot-resistant, sealing your cedar garden bench is highly recommended for long-term protection and beauty.
Cedar is a fantastic choice for outdoor furniture. Its natural compounds act as a built-in defense against decay and insect damage. An unsealed cedar bench will gradually weather to a charming silvery-gray patina. However, leaving it completely untreated exposes it to the elements. Moisture can still cause surface cracking, warping, and allow dirt and mildew to become ingrained. UV rays will accelerate the graying process and break down the wood fibers over time.
Sealing your bench acts as a protective barrier. A quality water-repellent sealant or penetrating oil will:
* Reduce Moisture Damage: It minimizes water absorption, preventing swelling, cracking, and splitting.
* Slow Weathering: It decelerates the sun's fading and graying effect, helping the wood retain its rich, warm color longer.
* Ease Cleaning: A sealed surface resists dirt and stains, making routine cleaning much simpler.
* Extend Lifespan: By shielding the wood, you significantly increase the bench's years of service.
For best results, apply a sealant formulated for exterior cedar—such as a clear, UV-inhibiting water repellent or a tinted cedar oil—to a clean, dry bench. Reapply every one to two years, or as the product instructions advise, to maintain optimal protection. Ultimately, sealing is not an absolute necessity for survival, but it is a simple, worthwhile step to preserve the strength and aesthetic appeal of your cedar bench for generations to come.