why cedar
Back
why use western red cedar?
characteristics & properties of western red cedar
benefits of real cedar
real cedar history
real cedar certification
sustainability & the environment
biophilia
forestry facts
why use yellow cedar?
products
Back
siding
Back
introduction
Back
siding home
siding gallery
virtual siding samples
siding installation videos
design & spec
Back
siding grades
engineered cedar
siding calculator
prep & install
Back
preparation
pre-building
tyvek drainwrap
general installation
finish & maintain
Back
choosing a finish
how to finish
care & maintenance
restoration
siding profiles & trim
Back
bevel
trim boards
board & batten
shingle panels
tongue & groove
lap or channel
soffits and entryways
decking
Back
introduction
Back
decking home
decking gallery
virtual decking samples
design & spec
Back
decking grades
decking span charts
span tables
decking calculator
prep & install
Back
fasteners
stairs & railings
finish & maintain
Back
choosing a finish
how to finish
care & maintenance
restoration
deck projects
Back
roof deck
ground level deck
raised deck
uphill sloping lot deck
outdoor
Back
introduction
Back
outdoor home
outdoor gallery
design & spec
Back
diy plans
pre-built kits
design tips
span tables
prep & install
Back
preparation
fasteners
finish & maintain
Back
choosing a finish
how to finish
care & maintenance
restoration
fencing
Back
fencing home
fence construction
fence specifications
pre-built fence panels
indoor
Back
introduction
Back
indoor home
indoor gallery
design & spec
Back
design tips
prep & install
Back
preparation
finish & maintain
Back
how to finish
care & maintenance
indoor projects
Back
saunas
doors & windows
tongue & groove paneling
blinds & shutters
timbers
Back
introduction
Back
timbers home
timbers gallery
virtual timber samples
design & spec
Back
grades & specs
engineered cedar
span tables
prep & install
Back
preparation
installation
finish & maintain
Back
how to finish
care & maintenance
restoration
diy projects
membership
Back
our members
Back
executive members
retailers
partners
tertiary manufacturers
certified cedar distributors
certified cedar distributors – usa
certified cedar distributor – canada
architects
international associates
why become a member?
membership levels
membership benefits
membership faq
join the wrcla!
member support
resources
Back
real cedar resources
blog
gallery
videos
cedar books
Outdoor Project Preparation
cedar modern dining table and bench project plans

Site Preparation Tips

Start With Solid Material

storing-sidingFirst things first, make sure you choose the right building materials for your specific project. With that in mind, it’s always best to buy a recognized grade from a WRCLA member – they know their stuff! Then once you get the lumber back to your site, be sure to inspect it for any kind of inconsistencies or damage.

Store Safely On Site

If there’s any gap in time between buying and building, it’s imperative that your wood is stored properly. Otherwise your beautiful boards may sustain UV or water damage before you even get a chance to get your DIY groove on. So to ensure adequate protection from the elements, it’s best to lay the wood flat, but stack it into some sort of a peak or tent a cover overtop to shed possible rain. It’s also very important to elevate the entire pile off the ground and cover it with some sort of waterproof tarp , but don’t completely seal up your bundle – air circulation is a good thing.

Available from our Premium Retailers
Premium Retailer Logo
Premium Retailer Logo
Premium Retailer Logo
You
Cedar as much as we do?
© 2026 All rights reserved
Gatsby Website Development by Jambaree

Image Gallery