Customers often ask us about options for staining and sealing their newly purchased cedar garden boxes. Cedar has such unique characteristics with colors and grain variations and this wood holds up well to environmental conditions. Deteriorating slowly compared to many other woods due to its natural oils, cedar eventually takes on a beautiful silvery color as it weathers. Sealing can prolong the life of the garden boxes and help restore them to their original color.
There are many options for staining. When choosing to stain or seal your boxes, please pay attention to leaching not so pleasant chemicals into the soil. This can be reduced or eliminated by lining the boxes with a good commercial grade landscape fabric after staining or sealing, keeping the stain or sealant on the outside of the beds, and using natural sealant options with fewer harmful chemicals. I’ve had luck with the following options.
Raw Linseed Oil
Raw linseed oil is a safe option that was used for years prior to the use of synthetic sealers. Raw linseed oil is inexpensive, easy to apply with a brush, and is readily available. You can also find organic versions. The downside is the drying time for this product, sometimes taking a few weeks to completely dry. Be aware that there is a large difference between the raw and boiled forms of linseed oil. Although boiled will dry faster, this version containing potentially toxic chemicals that are added during the boiling process.
Beeswax and Jojoba Oil Wood Conditioner
You may also create your own wood sealer. The best recipe I’ve found uses a beeswax and jojoba or
mineral oil.
In a double boiler, melt 4 ounces of beeswax. Once melted, remove from heat and immediately stir in 16 ounces of mineral oil. If the wax hardens before the mixture is completely combined, melt again, removing from heat immediately upon melting. Once completely stirred together, store in a container with a lid. Apply with a brush and allow to dry for several hours. A second coat may then be applied, as needed.
Before using either option, be sure to test in an inconspicuous spot on the garden box first.
Enjoy your cedar garden boxes!