Cedar is a beautiful, versatile type of wood that carpenters love to use. It is naturally resistant to things like mold or mildew, and doesn’t rust like metal, so do-it-yourself projects crafted…

Cedar is a beautiful, versatile type of wood that carpenters love to use. It is naturally resistant to things like mold or mildew, and doesn’t rust like metal, so do-it-yourself projects crafted with it are sure to stand up better to the elements. This is great when you’re laying out your gazebo plans for the backyard or deciding on whether to use board and batten siding or other wood siding types for the exterior of buildings.

After hearing how great cedar is to work with, many woodworking enthusiasts are probably itching to get started with a project utilizing it. Below you can find just a few great ideas on woodworking projects that use cedar for the DIY expert.

Gazebo

A gazebo is an outdoor building of sorts that offers a place to relax while enjoying nature. The roof is of a solid piece, which offers both shade and some protection from the elements. The sides, however, are open so you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy views of the surrounding area.

When creating your own gazebo plans, you have many customization options available. The height of the siding, the placement of seating, and whether the roof will be shingled or all of one piece are just a few options. This is a moderately difficult woodworking project.

Pergola

A pergola is often confused with a gazebo, but the two are very different structures. A pergola is a wooden structure that has a slatted roof and latticed sides held up by tall pillars. Depending on the exact build, pergolas can be used for sitting areas, or to create shaded walkways and garden paths.

There are infinite possibilities in constructing your own pergola. It is an easy to moderate construction project, depending on how intricate your pergola plans are.  

Playhouse

A playhouse is a great DIY woodworking project for those with children or grandchildren. It gives little ones a safe place to play that is just for them. Creating one is only moderately difficult and can be so much fun. Why not get the children involved also?

Deciding on the windows, doors, roof, and wood siding types can be exciting. Maybe you want board and batten siding, or perhaps lap siding. Maybe you want two windows, and a hobbit-hole door, or just one window and a farmhouse door. The options are as limitless as if you were building a house.

Other Ideas

* Adirondack Chairs
* Outdoor Sofa
* Dining room Table
* Fences
* Children’s Playground
* Trellis
* Garden Arbor
* Shed
* Planters
* Deck for Swimming Pool or as A Porch Sitting Area

Help with Planning

If one of these projects caught your eye but you aren’t sure where to start, you can look for playhouse, gazebo, or pergola plans online. Many sites offer free or affordable DIY project plans for the woodworking hobbyist. One such site is realcedar.com, which has a section dedicated to free plans. While searching for one of these plans, you may even find something else which piques your interest more.