Cedar plank walls?

[Miss M]

I know you can't use cedar bedding, but can you build a rabbitry out of cedar plank fencing? I noticed it's cheaper than the treated pine, so that's why I'm asking.

 

[MaggieJ]

I don't know for certain but I think if were sealed to prevent off-gassing that it would likely be okay. But let's see what other people have to say. I'm trying to remember why cedar shavings are bad. I think it is because they can cause liver damage. Is the wood very aromatic once it has aired for a bit?

 

[MamaSheepdog]

According to Hubs (who is a carpenter), the cedar used for fencing is the "cheap stuff"- it is the heart wood that is highly aromatic and used for closets and such. We used it for fencing around our trash yard. I have to say that even brand new it was not aromatic. I think it would be fine, especially if you put some type of sealant on it.

Redwood, though rather pricey, is one of the best woods for an outdoor application as it resists rotting from damp weather.

 

[Miss M]

I forgot that it was redwood, not cedar, that could go without sealing. Sealing would definitely increase the price. I did find a better price on treated pine, so we'll probably just go with that. Thanks!

 

[akane]

Cedar is fine as a building material because the surface area even if doing the whole building is nowhere near that of shavings. It also dries on the outside and seals itself off within a few months where shavings are too thin and the entire thing has to dry on every surface which would take a year or so of storing them in an open container.

 

[Miss M]

Thanks, Akane!