Benefits Of Western Red Cedar Wood: Is Cedar Wood Strong?
Western red cedar wood is popular among homeowners due to its many benefits. Red cedar wood is strong and durable, making it a good choice for outdoor living projects such as decks and other structures.
Western Red Cedar - 6 Incredible Benefits Of Cedar Wood
#1 - Naturally Resistant To Rot And Insects
Western red cedar wood has naturally occurring preservatives that resist rot and insect infestation and help it endure harsh weather conditions. This makes red cedar an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture or insect damage. Its weather-resistant qualities make it a top choice for outdoor projects such as decks, fences, and siding.
#2 - Western Red Cedar Lumber Does Not Need To Be Chemically Treated
Most types of softwood will need to be treated with chemicals to protect them from the elements and pests. For example, pressure-treated lumber is soaked in chemicals that make it resistant to decay and rot. These chemicals can be toxic, but it’s a necessary treatment to ensure the long-term durability of the wood. However, western red cedar is naturally resistant to both of these threats, so it doesn’t require additional treatment to last. Why? Because western red cedar wood contains natural oils and tannins that repel insects and protect the wood from decay. These same oils give red cedar wood its distinctive smell, which many people find pleasant. As a result, cedar oil is a popular extract for use in fragrances and aromatherapy with its unique, strong, woody scent.
#3—Red Cedar Wood Is Lightweight Yet Strong
Cedar wood is lightweight yet strong, making it ideal for construction projects. This wonderful softwood is easy to work with and can be drilled and fastened without cracking. It is also dimensionally stable, meaning it will not easily warp or twist over time. Because it is lightweight, cedar wood has been used for centuries to build boats. Its resistance to warping and cracking also makes it an excellent choice for outdoor living projects.
#4 - Red Cedar Wood Keeps Your Outdoor Living Space Cool
Cedar wood is a good choice for outdoor living spaces such as decks, pergolas, and gazebos because it helps keep these areas cool. Since it doesn’t absorb much heat, it’s comfortable to walk on even in hot weather. Cedar is also a good choice for outdoor furniture because it won’t get as hot as other materials such as metal. In addition, cedar wood has excellent insulating properties. When used for siding, it can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter
#5 - Red Cedar Wood Is An Attractive Material
Ultimately, what sets western red cedar apart is its beauty. It has a luster and vivid hues you won’t find anywhere else. The unique grain patterns and reddish hues of cedar add a touch of elegance to any home. The color of western red cedar ranges from light yellowish hues to rich reddish browns. The color of the wood changes over time if it is unfinished and exposed to the sun, turning into a pleasant silver-grey color. Western red cedar lumber can take almost any finish, making it a versatile material for indoor and outdoor projects. You can paint it, stain it, or leave it natural.
#6 - It Is One Of The Earth’s Most Extraordinary Trees
The western red cedar is a tree that continues to thrive in nature. This magnificent species is one of the tallest and longest-lived trees in the United States. The other trees can only look up in admiration at this mighty giant. Unlike inland cedars, western red cedar has developed a toughness due to the ocean salt from the west coast. Western red cedar trees live to be over 1,000 years old and grow up to 200 feet tall. The people of the Pacific Northwest have long treasured the western red cedar tree. Strong and durable, they used it to build everything from canoes to houses, and its wood is still highly valued today. The native people of North America have cherished the red cedar tree for centuries, and it is no wonder why. This unique tree has so much to offer, from beauty to usefulness.
Western Red Cedar Uses: What Is Cedar Wood Good For?
Cedar wood is prized for its many wonderful qualities, which is why it is used in a wide variety of outdoor living projects. Here are some of the most popular uses for cedar wood:
Red Cedar Decks
Western red cedar decking is a popular choice because it is beautiful and durable. It doesn’t absorb much heat, so it stays cooler in the summer than other materials. In addition, it has a natural look that enhances any outdoor deck project.
Red Cedar Siding
Western red cedar siding is popular for homes because it is attractive and long-lasting. It is also a good insulator, so it can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Red Cedar Furniture
Outdoor furniture made of red cedar wood is a good choice because it is weather-resistant and won’t get as hot as other materials in the sun. In addition, its strength-to-weight ratio makes it ideal for chairs, swings, and other outdoor furniture.
Red Cedar Fencing
Western red cedar fencing gives your property a natural appearance. It is also rot-resistant and will last many years without much maintenance.
Red Cedar Pergolas
Red cedar pergolas provide shade and add style to any outdoor living space. A great feature of western red cedar is that it doesn’t absorb much heat, so it is an ideal material for a backyard pergola.
Red Cedar Gazebos
A cedar gazebo is a beautiful addition to any backyard. Gazebos made of red cedar create an enchanting outdoor living space. The smell of cedar and the feel of the wood add to the experience, making it a perfect material for a backyard oasis.
Red Cedar Arbors
Cedar arbors add beauty and charm to any garden. Arbors usually serve ornamental purposes, so a natural material like red cedar is a perfect choice.
Red Cedar Pavilions
Cedar pavilions provide a beautiful, serene setting for any outdoor event. Spending time with your family and friends in a cedar pavilion will create memories that will last forever. Additionally, your red cedar pavilion will last a long time and add value to your home.
Conclusion: Is Western Red Cedar Strong?
When it comes to outdoor living projects, western red cedar wood is an excellent choice because it is strong, durable, and attractive. So if you’re going for a natural look and want to use real wood in your project, western red cedar can provide the beauty and strength you’re looking for.
It is not as durable as modern materials like composite decking, but it is still an excellent choice. Western red cedar is more durable and has a longer lifespan than other types of natural wood.
Need help deciding which decking material is right for you? Make sure to read our blog post “Composite Vs Wood Deck: Best Decking Material 2022”
