Why Cedar Is the Best Wood Option
Cedar is by far one of the most popular types of wood that is used among homeowners, contractors, and suppliers. Many (ourselves included) believe it is the best wood option as it is an extremely low maintenance solution that looks great with any home and style. Aesthetically, cedar is ideal because it can be painted, stained, or left natural which makes it easy for any homeowner or contractor to match an existing design or a specific look that is wanted. In this blog we will be breaking down the reasons why we think that cider is the best wood option for most situations.
So, Why is Cedar the Best Wood Option?
Let’s talk about the pros and cons of cedar and why it is so popular among the masses:
Pros
Cedar is natural which makes it perfect for a raw look.
Cedar is resistant to rot, decay, and insect attacks
Cedar is very adaptable when it comes to any environment. It does not tend to soak in moisture.
Cons
Although you can paint or stain cedar, the color will fade and you will have to re-paint or re-stain it every so often.
Cedar is a softwood which makes it very easy to work with and maneuver.
Even though cedar is less likely to absorb moisture, it still is somewhat porous like normal wood and if you leave it in water or have standing water on your deck, it could affect it.
Common Uses for Cedar
Cedar is used for a wide variety of projects, because it is so adaptable and versatile. When it comes to the outdoors, cedar is the ideal building material because it will adapt and function in any climate, no matter the amount of moisture or the type of weather that it may be exposed to. Cedar is very popular for fencing, because it is low maintenance and you can do a lot with it to customize it to your home. Same with decking, cedar is sturdy and durable which makes it a good material for a deck especially if you are wanting a raw wood look with little upkeep that fits into your busy life. You can also use cedar siding used in exterior and interior applications.
Aside from these projects on a home’s exterior, you can use cedar in your home for things such as furniture, home décor, flooring, doors, framing, and accent walls. Cedar is versatile, which allows you to use cedar for just about anything. If you are into woodworking, cedar is an easy wood to work with and maneuver into any project. Especially if you are a builder for larger items like furniture, cedar is easy to carve and shape to enhance the design of a project. Pretty much anything you could make with wood, you can use cedar.
Cedar is also affordable which makes it a go-to option and it is easy to find. Every big box store, small local shops, and big lumberyards will carry cedar in different sizes and grades which means any project you want to complete with cedar, you will have no trouble finding materials.
Finishing Cedar
Cedar because it is so versatile, it can be finished in just about any way you want. You can paint cedar or stain it with the proper paint or stain for decking or fencing. You can also spray paint it if you are using cedar for a DIY project. Most of the time when homeowners or contractors use cedar, they want to preserve the natural and raw look that cedar portrays. If you do choose to keep your cedar natural, we recommend that you seal it with a clear sealant for added protection. This way you get the natural look, but you also get the protection of having an extra layer in between the wood and the environment.
Cedar is one of the most popular building materials that are used in the construction and building trades. Most every company sells cedar in one way or another. The opportunities for what you can use cedar for are endless. Come check out our cedar supply and the different products that we offer. If you are looking for something specific that we don’t normally stock, ask us. We can order most products to fit your wants and needs!
