Why is My Cedar Chest Sapping?
We run into some interesting questions at DutchCrafters. Recently, a customer called us after three years to tell us their cedar hope chest was “sapping” on the inside.
Is this normal? Is it dangerous? You may wonder if you caused this or if the builder made a mistake when they built it.
As the former category manager for hope chests at DutchCrafters, I’ve often handled these kinds of questions. To give the best answer, I contacted one of our top Amish builders, Daniel Lapp, who crafts our Heirloom Keepsakes Collection.
Let’s get sticky!
Table of Contents
What is “Sapping?”
Sapping occurs when natural sap or resin leaks or oozes from wood. It is most common in aromatic red cedar, the same wood used in many Amish cedar hope chests.
Why Does Aromatic Red Cedar Sap?
Aromatic red cedar is popular for indoor furniture like hope chests. Not only does it look beautiful, but the signature scent (which also repels bugs) comes from the oils and resins in the wood. So, if you notice a stickiness or shine inside the chest, you see those natural substances at work.
Amish craftsman Daniel Lapp explains:
“You will find occasional sticky (sap) parts. It’s not on every chest but it does bleed out sometimes. Sapping is going to happen in aromatic cedar.”
Is Sapping Normal in Amish Cedar Chests?
While not extremely common, sapping is a natural part of working with aromatic red cedar. Daniel told us, “It happens rarely and hasn’t been a significant issue over the years. Still, it’s something to be aware of, especially in warm or humid conditions.”
Can Oil or Hinges Cause Sapping?
Avoid applying wood oil inside a cedar chest. Daniel warns:
Oil is the worst. It just makes it sticky on the inside of the chest. The sap reacts to oils, causing it to seep through the wood.
How Soft-Close Hinges Were Causing Sapping in Aromatic Cedar Chests
Daniel said he had recently spoken with another hope chest builder about the “sapping” issue. They had to stop using soft-close hinges on their chests because they had complaints of the hinges seizing up.
The aromatic cedar has sap in it, which causes the smell. That sap reacts to any oils. If you use soft-close hinges, they have some oil on them. Sap collects on the hinge, getting so sticky that it won’t move anymore.
What Sort of Maintenance Do I Need to Perform on Cedar Chests?
According to Daniel:
“The aromatic cedar chest is self-sustaining regarding maintenance.”
In short: don’t apply anything to the inside. The natural properties of the cedar take care of themselves. The only issue he mentioned was occasionally needing to check or adjust the lock mechanism.
Will the Sap Damage my Belongings?
No, not usually.
“This shouldn’t damage anything in the chest,” Daniel said. “It just gets sticky if you touch the side.”
What Do I Do if My Hope Chest Starts Sapping?
If sap has already seeped out, you can lightly sand the affected area, but there’s no need to treat it or worry that more will continue to come.
“If it’s done, it will be done. If there’s more there, it will come out,” Daniel said. “You can sand it down, but other than that, there isn’t much you need to do about it.”
Conclusion
Sapping may be surprising, but it’s not harmful. It’s simply a sign that you’ve got the real thing. It’s solid aromatic cedar doing what it naturally does. No treatment is needed, and your belongings are safe. Just enjoy the beauty, character, and signature scent of your handcrafted Amish hope chest.
More Bedroom Furniture Resources
- History of the Hope Chest
- Bedroom Furniture Buying Guide
- Guide to Bed Dimensions and Sizes
- Should I Get a Sleigh Bed?
- 5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Bedroom Furniture
- Buying a Bedroom Set
- How to Fix a Squeaky Bed Frame
- When Buying a Bedroom Set is Better
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