The Benefits of a Cedar Custom Closet
- Cedar wood is taken from the Eastern Redcedar tree, which grows in the northern and central areas of the United States.
- The wood is reddish brown, so it gives your closet a warm, cabin-like appearance. Its scent is woodsy and pleasant; it’s nothing like the artificial and unpleasant scent of mothballs.
- Cedar’s pest-repelling properties are completely natural: no chemicals are involved. ...
What is a cedar closet?
For those readers who are not aware, a cedar closet is just like any regular walk-in closet, except it is built using cedar wood. Each wall of the closet is paneled with planks of cedar wood.
What kind of wood is used for closets?
Cedar planks installed on and angle make a design statement in addition to offering protection for clothing in this closet. Cedar particle board, sometimes referred to as flakeboard or chip board provides the same protection against insects and moisture as cedar planks at a much lower cost.
How do you care for cedar chests and closets?
Make sure the interior of your cedar chests and closets is sanded every few years. Sanding the wood will bring out the aroma of the oils below the surface of the wood. If the wood is really dry, consider sanding and applying some cedar oil.
Do clothes in a cedar closet smell bad?
Clothing stored in cedar closets can take on a mild cedar odor, which usually fades in a few hours of being removed from the closet. Over time, aromatic cedar loses its aroma, but it can be...
How long does cedar last in closet?
As a rule of thumb, good cedar blocks can last for a period of 3 to 7 years. The best way to renew the strength of cedar blocks is by sanding its exterior with sandpaper. You can do it more frequently if its fragrance fades quickly.
Why do old houses have cedar closets?
The natural aroma of cedar has kept garments hole-free and smelling fresh for centuries. And not only does it repel pests like moths and roaches, it also resists mildew that can ruin fabrics.
Does a cedar closet keep bugs away?
Turning to natural repellants is a safer way to keep bugs out of your closets. Cedar is an all-purpose repellant that works against multiple types of insects, especially moths & carpet beetles. You can use sachets of cedar shavings or cedar blocks.
Do cedar closets add value?
Along with recent trends towards organic produce and other natural solutions, cedar closets are growing in demand. They are one of those home improvements that can add value at resale, especially among environmentally conscious consumers.
What bugs does cedar repel?
Cedar has long been used as a natural way to repel and inhibit insects like termites, certain ants, moths, mosquitoes, and cockroaches.
How do you maintain a cedar closet?
Dust the cedar wood in your closet just as you would dust your wood furniture in order to keep it clean. Apply cedar oil to the surface of your closet once or twice a year to keep the wood moist and refresh the cedar aroma.
What should not be stored in a cedar chest?
Avoid plastic or paper bagging of your textiles. Remember that only certain plastics (Polypropylene, polyethylene or polyester) are safe to store items in a cedar chest.
Do roaches hate cedar wood?
While it has a soft and natural odor, cedar oil repels roaches and other types of bugs. Some like using lavender oil.
Do spiders hate cedar wood?
Yes, Cedar wood repels spiders. Because of the Cedar chemicals, Cedar wood oils and aroma smell spiders repel from Cedar. Even though spiders are not insects and have a different metabolism than insets, they repel from Cedar wood.
Will cedar stain clothes?
Because cedar wood (and many other wood products for that matter) is highly acidic. As the wood ages, it off gasses acids. And when those acids come into physical contact with your garments, the acids could possibly yellow your garments and deteriorate the fibers.
Do cedar closets keep moths away?
Cedar-lined closets are also reputed to repel moths – but their reputation probably derives from well-built cedar chests, which moths could not invade because they were built so tightly. Cedar oil may repel moths at high concentrations but cedar lumber loses most of its oil a few years after cutting.
How do you get the musty smell out of a cedar closet?
BAKING SODA Add 2-3 tablespoons of baking powder in a breathable container and place it inside your closet. Baking soda also absorbs moisture, freeing your clothes of the mildew-like smell.
What is the purpose of a cedar chest?
Pest Protection – One of the greatest benefits of a cedar chest is that cedar wood serves as a natural deterrent against moths and other pests. With a cedar chest, you won't have to buy mothballs to keep your clothes in good shape!
Does cedar deter mice?
If you are looking for an all-natural solution to repelling mice and rats from your home, cedar might be the answer. Not only is it safe to use around humans, but it is scientifically proven to help solve your problem.
Do cedar closets keep moths away?
Cedar-lined closets are also reputed to repel moths – but their reputation probably derives from well-built cedar chests, which moths could not invade because they were built so tightly. Cedar oil may repel moths at high concentrations but cedar lumber loses most of its oil a few years after cutting.
How do you refresh cedar lined closet?
For a cedar closet to be most effective, it must be nearly airtight and as dry as possible. Use a dehumidifier or turn on a low-wattage light bulb (15 watts for a small closet, 25 for a walk-in) from time to time to burn off humidity.
Why do people use cedar closets?
Cedar will reduce moisture content and deter damaging insects, offering protection to fabrics.
What wood is used for a closet?
For a built-in closet, however, the aromatic cedar wood is best used to line the walls and sometimes the ceiling of the closet.
What is the thickness of cedar planks in closet drawers?
Cedar planks cover the walls in this closet and contrast nicely with the white laminate closet organizers. Closet drawers feature 1/4-inch thi ck cedar bottoms to further protect folded knits and silk scarves. See more from this designer >
What is cedar particle board?
Cedar particle board, sometimes referred to as flakeboard or chip board provides the same protection against insects and moisture as cedar planks at a much lower cost. Optional Drawers: Your closet drawers can also be be lined with cedar to further protect the folded knits stored within.
What is the best wood for storing clothes?
Cedar has long been the wood of choice for storing clothes and any type of fabric. Cedar chests/trunks have been around for ages as well as aromatic cedar sachets designed for tucking into drawers and corners. It has a pleasant, clean fragrance that repells moths and other insects. Cedar also has a drying effect and will help prevent mold ...
Can you put closet organizers over cedar?
Install Closet Rods and Shelves: You can install your closet organizers, rods and shelves right over the cedar wall in the same manner that you would if it was drywall. The wood and laminate closet components can be the same color as the cedar, but they also look nice in a contrasting color like white or black.
Can you remove cleats before installing cedar?
It is best to tear-out/remove the exisitng closet cleats, rods and shelves before attempting to install the cedar. You can save these components to reinstall after the cedar has been added if you want. Once you are working with blank walls it is relatively easy to cover them with the cedar.
Does cedar repel cockroaches?
Even better than that, it is scientifically proven to repel pests like cockroaches, silverfish, moths and more. Here are some facts about cedar closets:
Can cedar wood be used in closets?
Using cedar wood in your closet eliminates the need for you to treat your wool and cotton clothing. Particularly if you live in an older home which is prone to insect infestation, this can save your clothing, as well as your health, from the effects of pesticides like mothballs.
Can you order cedar liner?
If you think that cedar closet liners are something that you might want, talk to your custom closet company first to determine which type of liner would work better for your situation and budget. You can have the cedar installed or you can order it and install it on your own. The best time to do this is when your closet is already empty as you prepare for your custom closet installation.
Can you use cedar planks in a closet?
Panels are made of cedar flakeboard, and are about half the price of planks. Either option could be used within your custom closets, and both offer the same protection benefits. If the scent seems to fade, which it will over time, you can refresh it by applying cedar oil.
How much does a cedar closet plank cost?
Cedar closet planks, such as these available from Home Depot, cover 15 sq. ft. of wall space for about $30. The planks come with tongue-and-groove assembly, which means the sides of the board interlock to hide the nails used to attach the planks.
How much does it cost to line a closet with cedar plywood?
You can line the same 4-ft. by 8-ft. closet with cedar plywood for less than $200. With the additional cost of trim, the total project runs approximately $230.
What is cedar used for?
When aromatic cedar is used to line an enclosed space, such as a closet or a cedar chest, the scent can fill and protect the entire space from unwanted pests. Clothing stored in cedar closets can take on a mild cedar odor, which usually fades in a few hours of being removed from the closet.
Does cedar repel moths?
We’ll let you know what cedar can (and can’t) do for you and provide the need-to-know installation tips for do-it-yourselfers.
Does cedar have a scent?
Some types of cedar, such as white cedar, have little to no noticeable scent. Cedar plywood will have a milder scent than solid cedar closet planks and the look is more rustic, as the sheets must be face-nailed during installation. Photo: Zillow Digs home in Novato, CA. DIY Tips for the Best Results.
Does red cedar repel insects?
Installed indoors, it’s insect repellent, to boot! The strongly scented oils in aromatic Red Cedar ( Juniperus virginiana) slowly evaporate from the wood, emitting a scent that sends insects scurrying in the opposite direction.
Can cedar be used on a deck?
We’ll let you know what cedar can (and can’t) do for you and provide the need-to-know installation tips for do-it-yourselfers. You may know that cedar is often found in high-end exterior deck and fence construction, where it’s valued for its ability to resist damage from moisture and termites.
What is a cedar closet?
For those readers who are not aware, a cedar closet is just like any regular walk-in closet, except it is built using cedar wood. Each wall of the closet is paneled with planks of cedar wood. Cedar is a kind of tree of which various species grow all over the country; however, cedar closets are made from a specific variety ...
How does red cedar affect the prairie?
Too many cedar trees also affect the ecology of the plains by destroying the habitat of birds native to open prairie, reducing soil fertility , depleting nearby streams and even spreading disease to apple trees.
What is the red cedar tree?
The red cedar tree is robust enough to thrive in the most desolate climates, meaning that it can often be seen in herd-like formations on dry prairie land. They are known to invade pastures and fields, creating a massive problem for ranchers.
Is red cedar an invasive species?
Although a native species to the Great Plains, red cedar is actually considered an invasive species due to its status as a “pioneer” plant, which means it is often the first plant on the scene to repopulate cleared, damaged, or otherwise eroded land.
Why is cedar wood negative protection?
Why negative protection? Because cedar wood (and many other wood products for that matter) is highly acidic. As the wood ages, it off gasses acids. And when those acids come into physical contact with your garments, the acids could possibly yellow your garments and deteriorate the fibers.
Can cedar be used to kill moths?
The truth is that cedar is not the solution to moth damage.
Does cedar wood protect clothes?
This will provide a barrier between your garments and the wood. You get the positive protection of the aroma of the oils in the cedar and avoid the negative issues associated with physical contact between the wood and your fine garments.
Does cedar protect wool?
Typically, the typical response is that cedar has “special anti-moth” properties. So it protects fine wools and knits when they’re not in use.
Can you put cedar in your clothes?
Never allow any of your garments to come into physical contact with cedar blocks, cedar rings or cedar chips. Avoid cedar hangers entirely. If you have them, consider storing them in your garage or in your recycling bin!
Does cedar wood repel?
Here’s the problem: Cedar looses it’s positive repellant properties when the wood dries out, leaving your cedar chest functionally useless.
