Why Cedar Wood Outperforms Other Timber: Expert Guide to Properties and Uses

Feb 18

Cedar wood is one of nature's most remarkable building materials. It resists decay, rot, and keeps insects away naturally. This versatile timber lasts longer than standard wood options and works great for outdoor decks, siding, or fences.

Western Red Cedar stands out with its rich reddish-brown to light pinkish color and excellent thermal insulation. The wood's natural oils protect it and make it last longer. Both DIY enthusiasts and professionals love working with cedar because it's easy to handle.

Cedar wood's unique properties make it perfect for tongue and groove paneling and heavy timber beams. It resists sound well and looks beautiful. These practical benefits help cedar outperform other timber options in most building projects.

How does Cedar Perform Compare to other Woods?

Cedar wood stands out from many common alternatives in several key areas. A scientific comparison shows cedar has twice the stability of most softwoods because of its low density and minimal shrinkage [1].

Comparison with Pine, Fir, and Oak

Pine is accessible to more people but needs chemical treatments to match cedar's natural durability [2]. Oak proves stronger but costs more than double what pine does [3]. Douglas fir rates 660 lbf on the Janka hardness test compared to cedar's 330 lbf [4]. Cedar's natural oils provide better weather protection without any chemical treatment.

Weather Resistance Testing Results

Cedar shows exceptional moisture resistance properties. The wood's fiber saturation point stays at 18-23%, which is by a lot lower than other softwoods that typically range from 25-30% [2]. This leads to better dimensional stability with minimal warping. On top of that, it resists moisture absorption well, making it perfect for roofing, siding, and decking [2].

Insect Repellent Properties

Cedar's natural defense against pests makes it unique. Scientific studies prove that cedarwood oil keeps away many insects including:

Clothing moths and carpet beetles
Silverfish and certain wood-boring beetles
Termites and wood-decay fungi [5]

The wood's natural compounds, specifically thujaplicins and water-soluble phenolics, help curb wood-rotting fungi [2]. Yes, it is true that North American Western Red Cedar ranks highest in durability against fungi among all softwoods in EN standard testing [2]. Then, cedar keeps its structural integrity longer than untreated alternatives, and proper maintenance can extend its life to 25 years [6].

Types of Cedar for Different Uses

Knowing the differences between cedar varieties will help you pick the right one for your project. Each type of cedar brings its own unique features that work best for specific uses.

Western Red Cedar Characteristics

Western Red Cedar grows along coastal regions and can reach heights of 200 feet with trunk diameters of 10-13 feet [7]. The heartwood shows rich reddish-brown colors that sometimes have pink undertones [8]. This wood stays remarkably stable with a low shrinkage factor of 6.8% volumetric change [8]. It weighs just 21 pounds per cubic foot, making it one of the lightest commercial softwoods available [9].

Incense Cedar Characteristics

Incense Cedar runs on different ecological conditions and adapts well to both stream-side spots and dry areas [10]. You'll find it has fine-grained features with light reddish-brown colors [10]. Natural oils in the wood fight decay effectively, which makes it perfect for outdoor use. The wood barely settles in construction projects, thanks to its stable nature [11].

Inland Cedar Characteristics

Inland Cedar shares its species with Western Red Cedar but develops differently from its coastal relative [7]. These trees grow in drier climates and produce denser wood with distinctive stripe patterns [7]. The lumber shows bigger density differences between early and late growth, which creates an eye-catching look [7].

To pick the right cedar type, think about these points:

Western Red Cedar works best for clear, straight-grain projects like siding and structural timbers [7]
Incense Cedar fits projects that need strong decay resistance and low maintenance [10]
Inland Cedar shines in decorative applications where you want natural striping and character [7]

Choosing the Right Cedar Type

Your project's needs should guide your choice. Western Red Cedar stands out in outdoor applications where looks and durability matter most [7]. Incense Cedar works best in areas that get wet, thanks to its strong resistance to decay [11]. Inland Cedar, with its striking visual features, is perfect for projects where you want the wood's natural character to stand out [7].

Cedar Wood in Outdoor Projects

"Cedar wood is extremely durable as well as beautiful, making it a great choice for fencing, decorative wood chips and mulching." — Stacy Kovats, Marketing Director at Issaquah Cedar and Lumber

Cedar wood's natural advantages shine through when you use proper installation techniques for outdoor structures. The right methods will give optimal performance and make your outdoor projects last longer.

Cedar Wood Fence Installation

A cedar fence needs posts set 6-8 feet apart from center to center [12]. You should dig post holes three times wider than the post and add 6 inches of dry concrete mix at the bottom [12]. After setting the posts, attach the rails at specific heights. The top rails go at 5 feet 4-1/2 inches while bottom rails sit 9-1/2 inches above ground [12].

Cedar Deck Installation

Your cedar deck's durability depends on proper board spacing and the right fasteners. Leave a gap of 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch between boards so they can expand naturally [13]. Use stainless steel screws to secure the boards - they won't leave black streaks like their galvanized counterparts [14].

Cedar Siding Installation

Cedar siding needs careful attention to moisture control and nailing techniques. Apply pre-finishing to all six sides and cut ends right after installation for the best results [3]. Your nails should go at least 1-1/4 inches into solid wood, and place fasteners just above the overlap in bevel siding [15].

A yearly cleaning with mild oxygen bleach solution helps control mold and mildew on all cedar installations [16]. A quality sealer or stain with UV filters and fungicides will protect against weathering [16]. This simple maintenance routine keeps cedar structures beautiful and extends their life.

Cedar Wood Maintenance Guide

Your cedar wood structures will stay beautiful and functional for decades with proper maintenance. Regular upkeep stops common problems like dirt buildup, mildew growth, and weather damage [17].

Annual Cleaning Methods

We clean cedar wood structures once each year [17]. Check the surface for dirt, mildew, or discoloration. A soft-bristled brush with warm soapy water works best for general cleaning [18]. These cleaning solutions also work well:

Oxygen bleach solution (1:4 ratio) to remove mildew [18]
Oxalic acid solution to treat rust stains [17]
Commercial cleaners made specifically for cedar [2]

Clean in 10'x10' sections from top to bottom [18]. Don't let solutions dry on the surface while cleaning [17].

Sealing and Staining Tips

The cedar surface must be completely dry before you apply any finish [2]. Oil-based stains work best because they sink deeper into wood fibers [19]. Apply two coats of clear stain - thin the first coat by 30% to seal, and use the second coat to repel water [20].

Stain works best in cool temperatures or shaded areas [2]. Apply the product with a brush, roller, or sprayer, then back-brush along the wood grain [21]. When done correctly, horizontal surfaces need maintenance coats every 2-3 years, while vertical surfaces can last 4-5 years [22].

Conclusion

Cedar wood stands out as the best choice for outdoor projects with its outstanding durability and natural beauty compared to other timber options. The wood's built-in resistance protects against decay, insects, and weather damage, making it perfect for decking, fencing, and siding.

Cedar's natural oils protect it without chemical treatments, and you can expect it to last over 25 years. Your cedar structures will keep their beauty and strength with yearly cleaning and occasional sealing. Western Red, Incense, and Inland cedar varieties each have unique features that suit different project needs.

Cedar proves economical despite its higher upfront cost. The wood insulates naturally, stays stable, and barely warps, which cuts down on maintenance expenses. Ready to build with cedar? Call RMFP today and get a detailed quote for premium cedar materials that match your project needs.

FAQs

Q1. What makes cedar wood stand out from other timber options? Cedar wood is renowned for its natural resistance to decay, rot, and insect infestations. It also offers excellent dimensional stability, thermal insulation properties, and a beautiful esthetic appearance, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Q2. How does cedar wood compare to pine and oak in terms of durability? Cedar outperforms pine in terms of natural durability, requiring no additional chemical treatments. While oak is stronger, cedar's natural oils provide superior weather protection without chemical treatment, making it more cost-effective and environmentally friendly for many applications.

Q3. What are the main types of cedar wood and their best uses? The main types are Western Red Cedar, Incense Cedar, and Inland Cedar. Western Red Cedar is ideal for siding and structural timbers, Incense Cedar excels in moisture-prone areas, and Inland Cedar is perfect for decorative applications due to its unique striping patterns.

Q4. How should cedar wood be maintained for outdoor projects? Cedar wood outdoor structures should be cleaned annually using mild solutions like oxygen bleach or warm soapy water. Apply a quality sealer or stain with UV filters and fungicides every 2-3 years for horizontal surfaces and 4-5 years for vertical surfaces to protect against weathering.

Q5. Is cedar wood a cost-effective choice for construction projects? While cedar may have a higher initial cost, its longevity, low maintenance requirements, and natural resistance to decay and insects make it cost-effective in the long run. With proper care, cedar structures can last over 25 years, reducing replacement and upkeep expenses over time.