May 8, 2024
Western Red Cedar (WRC) is a durable, weather-resistant and environmentally friendly choice that is used for wood decking, siding and numerous other applications. It is one of the most valuable wood species because of its unique color, texture and durability.
Recognized as naturally resistant to rotting, decay and insect infestations, anything you construct with it will remain beautiful for years to come. For builders who want to use natural wood rather than synthetic products, WRC is the perfect choice.
This article will discuss the wide variety of cedar products carried by U.S. LUMBER and how they are used.
Why Use Western Red Cedar?
When you think of cedar, the image that comes to mind is a white and red variegated board with a pleasant fragrance. It is used as a closet lining and in furniture that holds clothing. This is known as aromatic cedar, a product of Eastern cedar trees. Western Red Cedar is an evergreen found mostly in the upper Pacific Northwest of British Columbia Canada.
It is used more extensively in the construction industry and does not have the strong odor associated with its eastern cousin. One of the reasons that it became more popular in the building material industry is that the trees grow much larger in both girth and height and live a lot longer. Therefore, a better selection of dimensional lumber and larger quantities were available to sell to the public. WRC is sold in different grades, with “appearance” or “appearance knotty” being the most popular.
Boards
The category sounds plain, but boards are extensively used throughout the construction process. In residential and light commercial construction, they can be found in both interior and exterior applications. Unlike standard construction practices, where a hodge-podge of wood and composite products is utilized, homes built with cedar typically use cedar throughout the structure. Some typical uses will include:
- Interior and exterior window trim
- Interior and exterior door trim
- Baseboards
- Soffit and fascia
- Frieze boards
- Closet shelving
Western Red Cedar is aesthetically pleasing, so it can be used anywhere the combination of function and beauty is appropriate.
Decking
If durability and maintenance weren’t a crucial factor to consider, natural wood decks would always be preferred over composites. Western Red Cedar overcomes the negative aspects of most wood products due to its weather-resistant qualities and naturally occurring preservatives that resist insects and decay.
WRC has the versatility to accept and retain a wide range of finish options, as well as the beauty to complement any outdoor living space. It’s also one of the most eco-friendly wood options available.
Dimension
Due to its attractive rustic appearance, cedar framing lumber can be left exposed as an interior finish option. This is a common practice in cabin home construction. Cedar’s strength means it can be used in structural situations, and its natural ability to resist insect infestation is an added benefit for your clients and customers.
When you build your next deck, consider using cedar for the framing and decking.
Pattern
Pattern lumber is extensively found in all types of architecture today. When the term describes a single board, it often refers to tongue and groove (T&G) panels. Cedar T&G boards are available in a v-joint pattern, as well as a v-joint with a bead. These boards are most often used as interior wall paneling instead of drywall and also as wainscotting. Patterns can also be designed using regular cedar boards and dimensional lumber.
Siding
Here at U.S. LUMBER, we stock a variety of popular Western Red Cedar siding profiles. Our inventory includes:
- Bevel siding: This profile goes back as far as wood siding and is also known as clapboard and lap siding. It is thick on the bottom edge, roughly ¾” to 1”, and tapers to about an ⅛” to ¼” at the top.
- Channel rustic: This is lap siding with a 2” indentation at the top of the board called the channel. This is a shiplap product, rather than T&G.
- Rabbeted Bevel siding: This is an upgrade to a standard bevel with a shiplap bottom that gives the finished siding a more pronounced profile.
Other profiles may be available, as well as custom patterns. Your local distributor can help you locate all of your options.
Timbers
Timbers are finished structural lumber larger than standard 2x dimensions that are formed into beams or planks. They are available in thicknesses from 4” through 12” and in various widths and lengths. Depending on their end-use, they can be found as both rough-sawn timber or surfaced on all four sides (S4S). Cedar knotty wood provides character to the rustic homes that leave these timbers exposed.
U.S. LUMBER is the Best Resource for Top Quality Cedar Products
U.S. LUMBER carries a wide variety of cedar options that are perfect for any construction project. Our knowledgeable staff is always available to help you select the best products for your customers while keeping profitability in mind. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can partner together to grow your business.