Can I use cedar 4x4's?

Submitted by Jlg2014 on Fri, 02/07/2014 - 12:29

I can't find untreated furniture grade 4x4 posts anywhere, so I am wondering if I can use cedar posts? It's for the farmhouse bed, so I will be mixing the wood types, I plan on painting it, this is our first project so I have no idea if the cedar is an ok choice?

JeremyFox

Mon, 08/04/2014 - 13:29

Hi,
You could use 2x4s and glue them together - that's what I do. Cedar will be strong enough but won't look quite so good.

Not sure if it's any good to you but I had a look on Lowe's website and they have 4x4s; either Douglas fir or yellow pine.

Jlg2014

Mon, 08/04/2014 - 18:43

Thank you for the info about Lowes, I tried there and HD, they don't seem to have any? Also, I live in Canada, so I'm not sure if you are in the states, as I know there is much more selection there.
I haven't actually even started the project yet, still deciding if I ever will, but I did call some lumbar yards and they do carry some non cedar 4x4's, so I suppose if I do decide to do it I might get those, they did seem a bit pricy, but I have a feeling if I try to glue smaller ones together, I won't get it exactly right, as I have never done this type of thing before.
Thanks again, I will post if I do end up starting the project.

JennyO

Fri, 04/10/2015 - 21:31

I know this is an old post but I used cedar 4x4s for the farmhouse bed and they worked great. I sanded them smoother then used a heavy duty primer. They look great. I live in Canada and couldn't find anything else either.

mikepattenson

Mon, 05/25/2015 - 17:15

I made a farmhouse bed before using cedar... It turned out great. Just make sure you tight them securely. Use sander to smooth it out... Then use quality glue when assembling the bed. Then finish it off with glossy varnish/paint.