Cedar is a mild insect repellent and holds the US Forest Products Laboratory's highest rating for decay and disease resistance. Cedar absorbs and loses moisture slowly, which minimizes the dry cracking, splintering and swelling more characteristic of oak or pine. All products are shipped in their natural color, pale tan or light gold. The color changes evenly over time to a silver gray. Water-based or Oil stains will delay the weathering process. All logs used are small diameter cedar trees, grown in the northeastern region of the US.