7 Best Cedar Planks for Blanket Chests to Use

Transforming a standard storage trunk into a heirloom-quality cedar chest is one of the most rewarding DIY projects for any homeowner. By lining your storage with aromatic cedar, you provide a natural, chemical-free defense against moths and moisture for your precious textiles. These seven product options offer a range of solutions to fit everything from small apartment storage benches to large, antique family trunks.

Woodpeckers Aromatic Cedar Tongue and Groove

If you are working on a custom chest build or restoring a vintage piece, Woodpeckers offers a high-quality milling standard that makes installation incredibly smooth. Their tongue and groove design ensures that each plank locks tightly into the next, which is essential for creating a sealed environment that keeps pests out.

The precision of these planks means you will spend less time sanding and fitting, which is a major plus if you are working in a cramped garage or a small apartment space. Because they are consistently sized, they minimize the risk of gaps appearing as the wood naturally expands and contracts over the seasons.

While these are often priced at a premium compared to big-box store alternatives, the reduction in waste and labor is often worth the extra cost. If you value a seamless, professional finish, these planks are a reliable choice for a permanent home project.

CedarSafe Aromatic Eastern Red Cedar Planks

CedarSafe is perhaps the most recognizable name in the industry, and for good reason—their products are widely available and designed specifically for the DIY market. These planks are typically sold in bundles, making them perfect for lining the interior of a medium-sized blanket chest without needing to purchase excessive materials.

One of the standout features here is the consistent aromatic quality of the wood, which is vital for the pest-repelling properties you are looking for. They are thin enough to be installed without significantly reducing the internal volume of your chest, which is a common concern in smaller storage units.

Keep in mind that these planks may require a light sanding upon arrival to "refresh" the wood fibers and release the scent. For the average homeowner looking for a balance between price and performance, this is the gold standard for accessibility.

UFP-Edge Tongue and Groove Cedar Closet Planks

When you have a large chest or multiple storage bins to line, UFP-Edge provides a cost-effective solution that doesn’t sacrifice structural integrity. These planks are sturdy and handle the wear and tear of pulling heavy wool blankets in and out of a chest quite well.

The installation process is straightforward, and the tongue and groove profile is forgiving enough for a beginner who might not have a perfectly square chest interior. This is particularly helpful for those working on older furniture pieces that may have shifted slightly over time.

Because they are often sold in larger quantities, they are an excellent choice for a household tackling multiple organizing projects at once. Just ensure you measure your chest’s internal dimensions twice before ordering to account for the specific width of these boards.

Cedarline Aromatic Red Cedar Closet Liners

Cedarline products are often favored by those living in apartments or smaller homes where space is at a premium and heavy-duty carpentry isn’t an option. These liners are typically thinner and more flexible than traditional planks, making them easier to handle in tight corners.

If you are looking to line the bottom of a dresser drawer or a shallow storage chest, these are much easier to work with than thick, solid lumber. They provide the same aromatic benefits while taking up minimal space, ensuring your clothes still fit comfortably inside.

The trade-off is that they may not provide the same structural reinforcement as thicker planks. However, for the purpose of scent and protection, they are a highly efficient and budget-friendly solution for everyday storage needs.

E-Z Plank Eastern Red Cedar Tongue and Groove

E-Z Plank lives up to its name by focusing on user-friendly installation, making it a great pick for homeowners who are new to DIY wood projects. The boards are generally lightweight, which makes them easy to maneuver inside the confined space of a deep blanket chest.

The finish on these planks is usually quite clean, requiring minimal prep work before you start the installation. This saves you significant time, especially if you are working in a space that doesn’t allow for messy power sanding.

These are a fantastic option if you want a professional look without the steep learning curve of more complex lumber products. They provide a solid, durable interior that will last for years with proper care.

Giles & Kendall CedarSafe Cedar Closet Panels

If you are looking for the fastest way to line a large chest, these panels are a massive time-saver compared to individual planks. Instead of installing board by board, you can cut these panels to fit the sides and bottom of your chest in just a few quick measurements.

This is an ideal solution for a busy household that needs a functional storage solution completed in a single afternoon. The coverage is uniform, and because there are fewer seams, there are fewer places for dust or debris to collect inside the chest.

While they may be slightly more expensive than loose planks, the time saved on labor is significant. If your priority is efficiency and a clean, uniform look, these panels are the most practical choice.

Cedar Valley Aromatic Red Cedar Board Planks

Cedar Valley offers a more rustic, high-quality aesthetic that works beautifully if your chest has a glass or open-top design where the interior is visible. These planks often feature richer color variations, which adds a touch of natural beauty to your furniture.

They are durable enough to withstand the weight of heavy winter quilts and linens, ensuring that your storage investment holds up over time. If you are refurbishing a family heirloom, the quality of this wood does justice to the piece’s history.

While they might require a bit more attention during installation to ensure the color and grain patterns look cohesive, the end result is visually stunning. This is a great choice for the homeowner who views their storage chest as both a utility and a piece of decor.

How to Properly Install Cedar Planks in Chests

Before you begin, ensure the interior of your chest is clean, dry, and free of any old shelf liners or debris. You will want to measure the interior dimensions accurately, accounting for the thickness of the cedar planks, so you don’t accidentally shrink your storage capacity too much.

Use a construction adhesive or small finish nails to secure the planks to the interior walls of the chest. If you are using tongue and groove boards, start from the bottom and work your way up, ensuring each piece is level before moving to the next.

• Pro Tip: Always leave a tiny gap at the corners to allow for the wood to breathe and expand.
• Safety First: If using nails, ensure they are short enough that they do not poke through the exterior of your chest.
• Ventilation: If the chest is airtight, consider installing a small, discreet ventilation hole to prevent moisture buildup.

Maintaining the Fresh Scent of Your Cedar Chest

The aromatic properties of cedar come from natural oils within the wood, which will eventually dissipate over time. To "reactivate" the scent, you don’t need to replace the planks; you simply need to expose fresh wood fibers.

Lightly sand the surface of the cedar planks with fine-grit sandpaper once every year or two. This removes the oxidized layer of wood and releases the essential oils that keep your textiles smelling fresh and ward off pests.

Avoid using chemical sprays or "cedar oils" sold in stores, as these can leave residue on your delicate fabrics. A quick, gentle sanding is the safest and most effective way to maintain the protection of your heirloom items for years to come.

Essential Tips for Protecting Heirloom Textiles

Beyond just the cedar, how you pack your chest is the most important factor in keeping your textiles safe. Always ensure that your blankets, sweaters, and linens are freshly laundered and completely dry before storing them, as moisture is the primary enemy of natural fibers.

Avoid storing plastic bags inside the cedar chest, as these trap moisture and prevent the cedar’s aromatic oils from reaching the fabrics. Instead, use cotton bags or acid-free tissue paper if you need to separate items.

• Rotation: Every six months, take your items out, shake them off, and let them air out to prevent mustiness.
• Weight Distribution: Place heavier items like wool blankets at the bottom and lighter, more delicate items near the top to prevent crushing.
• Pest Check: Inspect your items during your seasonal rotation to ensure no moths have made their way into the fibers.

Investing in quality cedar planks is a simple, effective way to elevate the storage in your home while protecting your most valued belongings. By choosing the right product for your specific chest and committing to basic maintenance, you ensure that your linens and heirlooms remain in pristine condition for generations. Remember that the best storage solution is the one that fits your routine, so choose the materials that make your organization process as easy as possible.