I'm a newbie who just built some raised garden boxes using 4X4 Western Red Cedar. The largest box measures 8' x 32'', but I just realized the dimensions are actually closer to 3 5/8 x 3 5/8 instead of the expected 4x4. The wood seems lighter too, leading me to think it might have dried out since I bought it. One of the beds has 3 layers, and the other has 4. With the hot and humid South Texas weather, I'm worried about possible shrinkage and warping. Should I be concerned?
2 Answers
Yeah, that 3 5/8 size is likely just due to how the wood was processed. Western Red Cedar can indeed be prone to warping with moisture changes, especially in a humid climate like Texas. I recommend treating the wood with a mix of beeswax and linseed oil as it helps with protecting the wood. As for warping, it's tough to predict, but proper sealing will help mitigate that risk. Just keep an eye on it as the seasons change.
The dimensions you got are pretty standard for lumber. 4x4 is a nominal size, so after processing and drying, you often end up with about 3.5 inches on each side. If you're noticing it seems lighter, it may just be dry, which is normal for cedar. One thing to keep in mind is how the wood interacts with moisture from the ground. You should definitely consider sealing the end grains to prevent any moisture-related issues, and using weed fabric on anything that touches the ground is a smart move.