Knowledge Builders

can cedar be used for structure

by Dr. Orland Jaskolski II Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Answer: Cedar is one of the most attractive and durable types of wood for house construction. It naturally resists damage from insects, moisture and temperature extremes. Most houses are made of western red cedar, not the aromatic species used for closets, so there is no cedar smell in the house.Jan 31, 1999

What is cedar wood used for?

Cedar Woods is known for making quality home furniture. It gives a great appearance, cedar is aromatic and natural insect-repelling wood. Because of its durability quality, it is used for extreme weather and external application. Its many special properties make it different from other wood. Cedar is not a wood of a particular species.

Why choose real Cedar?

If properly finished and maintained, Real Cedar can deliver decades of trouble-free service. That’s because the western red cedar species is blessed with an abundance of superior physical properties including greater resistance to warping, twisting, rot, decay and insect attacks. Cedar is also more flame-retistent than most woods.

Can Cedar be used for a deck?

Overall, western red cedar is a great choice to use for a new deck. In fact, cedar can be used for the substructure as well, making a beautiful deck from bottom to top, literally. It's an option that is more stable and less harmful to the environment than pressure treated wood.

Is cedar wood good in concrete?

Neither wood is good in concrete without a metal skin or covering. The pressure treated wood has the same properties as the type of wood used. Cedar is not very good timber, Douglas Fir is much preferred. Cedar is weak in bending in relation to either Dopuglas-Fir or Hem-Fir, and Douglas-Fir is hard to pressure treat.

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Can cedar be used as structural?

While it's not as sound and doesn't have quite the load-bearing capacity as other species such as Douglas fir and hemlock, western red cedar can be used structurally. It's naturally durable and stable, and it's great for outdoor use.

Is cedar good for structural wood?

Cedar is a popular species of wood that's long been used within the construction industry. Due to the aromatic, beautiful, and strong features of the wood, it's a natural choice when it comes to building homes and other structures that can last for generations to come.

Can cedar posts be used for structure?

In addition to interior enhancement, Western Red Cedar can be used in engineered structures including commercial, industrial and residential buildings.

What are the disadvantages of cedar wood?

Disadvantages of Cedar Wood Decking:Cost- Just like composite, cedar can be much more expensive than other wood.Fades to a weathered grey over the years, which can be a drawback to some people.

Is cedar strong enough to build with?

It is a durable hardwood with relatively high compressive strength, bending strength, and hardness than many softwoods. Because of being a strong wood, Cedar is less likely to crack and warp. Cedar has good dimensional stability that can use for furniture, flooring, and construction applications.

Can cedar be used as a load bearing post?

Cedar post is also extremely capable of being used in high load bearing situations such as support beams and other crucial areas. Some of the most revered characteristics of cedar include its natural durability and sound resistance.

How well does cedar hold up outside?

Cedar. Cedar is soft, light, and easy to work with. A drawback of working with cedar is the fact that it has poor screw-holding capabilities because of the overall softness of the wood. Although, it does make good outdoor furniture because it's rot, termite, and Powder Beetle resistant.

Does cedar split easily?

Cedar is more prone to cracking than most other species. Try to get the clearest cedar you can if you want to use it. Kiln dried if possible. To fix cracks I like to mix sawdust from the board with glue or epoxy to get a good color match.

Can cedar be left untreated?

Left untreated, cedar shakes — individual planks of one of several varieties of cedar — will discolor and begin to soften, with a possibility of rot after about five years, depending on the climate. There are several options for covering cedar siding, including stain, a clear treatment or paint.

Can you use cedar for framing?

In addition, cedar is a good choice to use for the support posts, underlying frame and cross beams on decks. The wood is one of the few species which is naturally at home in the outdoors. It is classified as a durable wood by the building codes across North America for outdoor applications.

How long will cedar wood last?

In outdoor structures that are not in contact with the ground, such as decks, gazebos, pergolas and fence boards, cedar may last 30 years or longer. When in contact with the ground, such as when it's used for fence or support posts, it can last between 15 and 20 years.

Do I need to seal cedar wood?

Cedar offers a durable option for exterior and interior building projects with natural resistance to rot and decay, so a protective finish is optional. If you want to enjoy the aroma of varieties such as Western Red Cedar and incense cedar, leave the wood unsealed.

What is cedar wood used for?

Cedar Wood Uses. 1. Clothes storage. Cedar Lumber is famous for its aroma. It is widely used for clothing storage such as wardrobes, chests, and trunks. It is also naturally antibacterial and antifungal. So that it is a good option for clothes storage.

How long does cedar last?

Along with moisture, chemicals are also found in cedar. Which is used as oil. This oil prevents insects and fungus. Due to chemicals, cedar lasts for 30-40 years. If maintained properly, it remains durable for more years.

Which is better for exterior cladding: cedar or heartwood?

Some think that softwood is weaker than heartwood but it is not 100% true. Cedar is the best option for exterior cladding as it is a stable wood species. Western Red Cedar is famous for cladding. 3. Ceiling. For the production of the ceiling, paneling is pine, cedar , larch, oak, beech, mahogany, and many.

What is the most attractive wood?

Attractive Appearance. Cedar is generally a more attractive wood, with dark reddish color tones and stained, and treated for a beautiful finish. Due to its uniform grain, it gives a great look for siding and roofs.

How long does it take for cedar to change color?

This process happens very quickly when it is exposed to sunlight. If you are using Cedar for the exterior application then after about 2 weeks. The color will rapidly change from red to gray.

What wood is used for musical instruments?

The choice of wood for the musical instrument depends on what you are striving for in the way of sonic character. But Western Red Cedar and Yellow Cedar are famous for making musical instruments.

How many cedar species are there?

More than 15 cedar species are available counted into the cedar families. They are very close to each other and they differ in properties of color, hardness, and rot resistance. They are used on the basis of their properties. Its dark color, lightweight, and soft texture make it beautiful and more demanding.

Why is red cedar considered a good tree?

That’s because the western red cedar species is blessed with an abundance of superior physical properties including greater resistance to warping, twisting, rot, decay and insect attacks.

What is Western Red Cedar used for?

In addition to interior enhancement, Western Red Cedar can be used in engineered structures including commercial, industrial and residential buildings.

Is Western Red Cedar easy to work with?

It’s Easy to Work With. With its straight grain and uniform texture, Western Red Cedar is among the easiest and most rewarding woods to work with. A consummate professional, Real Cedar also takes fasteners without splitting and is easily sawn and nailed.

What is the best cedar to use for a deck?

Overall, western red cedar is a great choice to use for a new deck. In fact, cedar can be used for the substructure as well, making a beautiful deck from bottom to top, literally. It's an option that is more stable and less harmful to the environment than pressure treated wood. And, it's an option that is more cost-effective ...

How long is Western Red Cedar good for?

In other words, selecting western red cedar for your deck can guarantee a durable product for at least 15 years.

What is the meaning of "durable" in wood?

Durability: Durability, in terms of wood, is defined by the wood's ability to resist elemental and natural forces of decay. Western red cedar is, by design, a durable wood. The tree secretes oils to aid in its durability - these are called extractives.

What is Western Red Cedar?

Aesthetics: Western red cedar (aka WRC) is a beautiful wood, naturally. It has a red to pinkish brown color with random streaks and a straight grain, which is appealing when used for a deck. Plus, the wood is aromatic, which is a big plus. Durability: Durability, in terms of wood, is defined by the wood's ability to resist elemental ...

Where does lumber come from?

The lumber comes from the forests on the coast of the Pacific Northwest. It is a lightweight, naturally outside-tolerant wood that is red-to-pink in color. Its scientific name is Thuja plicata.

Is cedar wood stable?

Stability: Western red cedar wood is a structurally sound and stable material. For instance, when water enters and leaves any wood species, that process of expelling liquid makes the wood prone to checking. But cedar is a porous wood that expands and contracts with the humidity in the air, so the wood will always adjust to, or favor, equilibrium.

Is cedar wood environmentally friendly?

Environmentally-Friendly: Western red cedar is listed as a 'least concern' wood because the material does not contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment. In other words, cedar is a green product. Stability: Western red cedar wood is a structurally sound and stable material. For instance, when water enters and leaves any wood species, ...

What is Western Red Cedar used for?

Now, most people are familiar with cedar in and around the home. For example, Western Red Cedar is commonly used on outdoor structures (such as decking and construction work). But can this North American softwood also be used for whittling crafts, and chip carving?

Which is better, red cedar or white cedar?

Well, it depends on how you define ‘better’ when it comes to what you need it to do. If you want to make a large sturdy woodwork project, then Red Cedar is a better option as it is a bit stronger than White Cedar, (and it is generally less knot-riddled too).

What is the best wood for carving?

Which is why if you’ve been considering cedar as your carving wood of choice, you are on the right track. Cedar wood remains a long time favorite with wood carvers, because Cedar is a good option ...

What oil should I use to seal wood?

For this job, I would recommend you use Linseed Oil or Danish Oil (a type of Tung Oil) as a sealant.

Is cedar wood waterproof?

While cedar is resistant to rot it is not 100% waterproof. The wood can still warp if it is not properly air-dried, treated and sealed. When it comes to moisture, cedar wood acts just like any other timber; it expands when it takes in moisture, and starts to shrink down as it dries.

Can you use cedar wood for spoons?

If you are planning on making some home spun kitchen utensils, such as spoons and bowls, then using cedar wood is a perfectly fine. The wood is sturdy, and it can hold up well against damp (so dipping your spoon into soup isn’t going to cause any rot in the wood).

Is white cedar good for chip carving?

From all the various softwoods on offer, you won’t go too far wrong in deciding to go with Cedar Wood. However, it is worth noting that White Cedar may be a little too brittle for chip carving. Otherwise, this wood type is perfect for carving your next hand-crafted masterpiece.

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1.Cedar Wood Is Used for Beams, Supports, and Foundations

Url:https://www.abswood.com/blog/cedar-wood-used-beams-supports-foundations/

2 hours ago  · Can cedar be used for structure? According to the University of Minnesota, while cedar is a common material in construction, workers do not generally use it as a structural component, such as for supporting heavy loads. So, instead, workers can only use cedar for decorative aspects of structures, such as trim. Click to see full answer.

2.Can cedar be used as a structural wood to build a …

Url:https://www.quora.com/Can-cedar-be-used-as-a-structural-wood-to-build-a-medium-sized-greenhouse-If-not-which-other-wood-species-would-be-a-more-durable-alternative

14 hours ago  · Cedar Wood Is Used for Beams, Supports, and Foundations Building projects around the home require selecting the right types of materials to use as the foundation. If the foundation is not secure or properly built, whatever is being placed on top will also not be secure.

3.Cedar Wood Properties | Cedar Uses, advantages, and …

Url:https://www.timberblogger.com/cedar-wood/

20 hours ago Structurally, there is no advantage over Douglas Fir/Hemlock unless your structure is exposed to weather in the completed building. Cedar is good for exposed laminated beams, or other structure that goes from inside to outside. Exterior trellis structures, fences and exterior benches are good in …

4.Western Red Cedar Beams and Timbers - Real Cedar

Url:https://www.realcedar.com/timbers/

35 hours ago  · So it can be more easily scratched or dented by furniture and pet claws. If you are using cedar for flooring, you should use furniture leg pads and carpets. It needs regular maintenance and uses polish to protect the floor. 5. Weak. Cedar is a common material in construction. But many constructors do not want to use it for structure building material.

5.The Pros and Cons of Using Cedar for Your Deck Project

Url:https://www.ddthometransformations.com/single-post/2017/07/30/The-Pros-and-Cons-of-Using-Cedar-for-Your-Deck-Project

3 hours ago That’s because the western red cedar species is blessed with an abundance of superior physical properties including greater resistance to warping, twisting, rot, decay and insect attacks. Cedar is also more flame-retistent than most woods. Which is why it can be used for interior building applications where other woods would not be permitted.

6.Is Cedar Good For Carving? (Everything You Need To …

Url:https://www.thewoodworkplace.com/is-cedar-good-for-carving/

16 hours ago  · This material is versatile and can be used inside and outside. The wood can be used for interior projects like lining the inside of closet walls or adding to the inside of the ceiling as an accent wall. But, since western red cedar is naturally a durable wood in outdoor weather, it can also be used for projects such as decks, siding, and roofing.

7.Cedar vs. Pressure Treated Posts - Eng-Tips Forums

Url:https://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=197196

10 hours ago For example, Northern White Cedar, a lightweight softwood, becomes very brittle when kiln dried. Which means it can splinter if worked on with power carving tools. Now, most people are familiar with cedar in and around the home. For example, Western Red Cedar is commonly used on outdoor structures (such as decking and construction work).

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