You can leave cedar dog houses totally natural. Because cedar resists moisture and insect damage, it works well for outdoor furniture and pet houses. With little maintenance, it lasts for years. Its properties also help it to weather more gracefully than other woods. Depending on your preferences, you may choose to care for cedar dog houses in a number of different ways.

If you prefer the natural look, you can leave the wood as is. Untreated cedar wood gradually weathers to a silvery gray. If you want to see what the wood looks like in this condition, perform a simple search online for ?weathered cedar? images. If you choose to leave the wood in its natural state, you should be aware that it can pick up stains if you position it in a damp or shaded area.

You can clean stains from cedar dog houses or other cedar wood products. Some manufacturers recommend a solution of household bleach and water. On the other hand, some professional wood cleaners say that they prefer to use oxygenated bleach, as it does a better job and is not as harsh on wood. Wash any remaining solution from the wood. While a pressure washer may seem like a quick solution, you should use caution. The pressure can damage the wood. If you decide to use one, proceed with extra care.

If you prefer a specific shade of color, you may stain cedar dog houses to suit your tastes or match other pieces of outdoor furniture. Cedar doesn't require a great deal of sanding before you apply the stain. Follow the manufacturer's directions for best results. In addition, you should reapply stain every 2 to 5 years in order to maintain the finish and keep the wood in best shape.

Some people choose a clear wood sealer as a finish for cedar. A clear sealer doesn't necessarily keep the wood the same color as it is when new. It does offer added protection against moisture.

Others choose to care for cedar wood furniture and accessories by applying teak oil or linseed oil. Teak wood naturally produces an oil that guards it against moisture and weathering. Linseed oil comes from the seeds of the flax plant. If you use teak oil as a finish, you will probably need to apply several coats, but it dries faster than linseed oil. Some people recommend linseed oil, while others say it is not suitable for outdoor use.

Paint is another option, but not the best one. For one thing, paint hides the natural beauty of the cedar. And in some cases, it can actually trap moisture inside.

As you can see, you have many options when caring for cedar dog houses. If you need help deciding, you may wish to consult the dog house specifications. For cleaning recommendations, you can gather more information from professional cedar wood cleaners. With any chemical product, you should read and follow all the directions to keep yourself safe and prevent damage to the wood.