Cedar that is graded #1 comes from closer to the heart of the tree than #2, and has fewer and smaller knots. The knots that it has are “quality knots”, meaning that they are less likely to fall out and become holes in your fence. #2 grade cedar will have many small knots and also large knots and blemishes.
What is the difference between 1 and 2 grade cedar fence?
The knots that it has are “quality knots”, meaning that they are less likely to fall out and become holes in your fence. There will be fewer blemishes and fewer variations in color with #1 grade cedar. #2 grade cedar will have many small knots and also large knots and blemishes.
What is the difference between clear cedar and 1 Grade?
Clear cedar, which is a higher grade than #1, comes from the heart (center) of the tree and has no knots and few blemishes. Clear cedar is not commonly used for building fences because of the much higher cost.
What is the difference between clear and knotty Cedar?
There are also two other terms under appearance grade Cedar: Clear and Knotty or STK. Clear Cedar refers to A & Better Cedar and is free of almost all knots, but it isn't 100% free of knots.
What is the difference between Chinese cedar and Japanese cedar?
When referring to boards, dimensions are approximations, however a 1 x 4 Western Red Cedar board is typically closer to a true 1″ thickness, while Chinese Cedar is closer to 3/4″ thick. Japanese Cedar- A newer product on the market in the US that shows promise as being a quality, lower cost alternative to Western Red Cedar.
What is #2 cedar board?
2×12 WR Cedar #2 Rough Often used for garden beds, landscape timbers and other rustic outdoor projects, this board is a #2 grade, left wet and rough. Actual board dimension estimates at 1-7/8″ thick by 11-7/8″ wide. Timbers are 8′ to 20′ in length. This stock is sold by the linear foot.
What is the best grade of cedar?
Appearance grades use letters A through D, with A being the highest grade. There are also two other terms under appearance grade Cedar: Clear and Knotty or STK. Clear Cedar refers to A & Better Cedar and is free of almost all knots, but it isn't 100% free of knots.
Are there different grades of cedar fencing?
The West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau divides Western Red Cedar Fence Boards into three basic categories. Any grade may be rough or surfaced, Air Dried, Kiln Dried or “green”.
What type of cedar is best for fences?
Western Red Cedar continues to prove itself to be the ideal choice for fences and other outdoor structures. Western Red Cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage.
Which cedar has the strongest smell?
Best Characteristics for Identification: Strong fragrant odor. Uses: Shingles, shakes, siding, decking, boats, musical instruments. Frequently used where rot resistance is important.
Which cedar is most rot resistant?
Western red cedarResistance to decay: Western red cedar is the most decay-resistant cedar, making it great for outdoor construction projects like shakes and shingles. It is also one of the longest-living North American softwood trees. Stability: Western red cedar has twice the stability of other softwood species.
What are the two types of cedar?
Many people are surprised to learn that there are only 4 types of true cedars: Cedrus atlantica, Cedrus brevifolia, Cedrus deodara, and Cedrus libani.
What is better yellow or red cedar?
Although softer and lighter in weight than Yellow Cedar, Red Cedar absorbs stain and paint much better since it is pitch-free and resin-free. In addition, Red Cedar Siding is more tonal, straight-grained, and non-porous. Red Cedar softwood is moderately strong when compared to Yellow Cedar.
Is red cedar more expensive than white cedar?
The most obvious difference between the western red cedar wood and eastern white cedarwood is that red cedar trees are bigger, stronger, and more expensive than white cedars.
How long will a cedar fence last untreated?
15 to 30 yearsCedar is one of the most durable and long-lasting woods, making it much more suitable as a material for fencing. It can last for more than 15 to 30 years and is exceptionally sustainable. Cedar wood requires much less maintenance and won't weather as easily as spruce or pine.
Should cedar fence touch the ground?
In most applications, a wood fence should be installed at least two inches off the ground. Your posts and rot boards (if you choose to install them) should be the only fence components that contact the ground. Wood pickets should never touch it.
Why is cedar fencing so expensive?
Expense. Cedar can be on the more expensive side of the fencing spectrum. This is because it's rarer than other woods, and it is more resistant to the elements.
What is premium grade cedar?
0:172:05Cedar Grades: How Do I Know The Difference? - TimberTips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis grade is measured in numbers one through five with number one being the highest quality cedarMoreThis grade is measured in numbers one through five with number one being the highest quality cedar is also graded on appearance.
Is red or yellow cedar better?
Although softer and lighter in weight than Yellow Cedar, Red Cedar absorbs stain and paint much better since it is pitch-free and resin-free. In addition, Red Cedar Siding is more tonal, straight-grained, and non-porous. Red Cedar softwood is moderately strong when compared to Yellow Cedar.
What does cedar D4S mean?
Surfaced Four Sides (S4S or PAR, D4S) The smooth surface on all four sides presents a uniformly sized product with a quality appearance. This surface finish is most commonly found on Clear grades.
What is the best wood for cedar?
The best clear Cedar finish stain for outdoors is Linseed oil, hands down. Linseed oil is the primary ingredient in any oil finishes, which dries clear. You can find other clear water-based stains, but will not last nearly as long as a Linseed oil based stain will.
What is appearance grade?
Appearance Grade: Cedar is also graded based on Appearance, which is called appearance grade or Select Lumber. Appearance grade is primarily for non-structural lumber under 2" thick. Appearance grades use letters A through D, with A being the highest grade.
What are the different grades of cedar?
First, there are two different grading systems for Cedar: Structural Grade and Appearance Grade.
What is clear cedar?
Clear Cedar refers to A & Better Cedar and is free of almost all knots, but it isn't 100% free of knots. If you want Cedar that's 100% free of knots, which is difficult to find and costly, then you would need Clear Vertical Grain Cedar. Knotty or STK stands for Select Tight Knots.
Can structural and appearance grades be combined?
Structural and Appearance grades can sometimes be combined as well. For example, you could have a Number 2 structural grade that also has an A & Better appearance grade.
What is a rebutted & rejoined cedar shingle?
Rebutted & Rejoined Cedar Shingles ~ Shingles that are sawn and re-manufactured on all four sides to ensure square butts and parallel edges for a superior appearance on sidewall applications. Rebutted and Rejoined Shingles are available in Number 1 and Number 2 grades and are available in all three lengths (16”, 18”, and 24”). These Shingles are commonly referred to as “R&R’s” and are predominately provided Kiln Dried and packaged in cartons rather than bundles.
What is Cedar Shingle made of?
Cedar Shingle Grades and Definitions. In North America, shingles and shakes are typically made from California redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), and in some cases, Alaskan Yellow Cedar (Cupressus nootkatensis); while in Scandinavia and Central Europe, they are more commonly made from Pine (Pinus sylvestris).
How clear is a 16" shingle?
Some flat grain and limited sapwood are permitted. However, there is not less than 10” clear on 16” shingles, 11” on 18’ shingles, and 16” on 24” shingles. Western Red Cedar Shingles within this grade are sometimes referred to as “Red Label”.
What is a blue label shingles?
Western Red Cedar Shingles in this grade are sometimes referred to as “Blue Label”, which is a Registered Certi-label trademark. These are available in 16”, 18”, and 24” lengths in either Western Red Cedar or Alaskan Yellow Cedar.
What kind of cedar is used for shingles?
At Cedar Country Lumber, we offer a wide selection of shingles made from Western Red Ce dar, as well as Alaskan Yellow Cedar, that will help you achieve the look you desire in a wide range of price points; from custom-cut, dried, and colored shingles to utility-grade shingles that are much easier on the pocketbook, but perform admirably in any climate.
How thick is a shingle?
The thickness at the“butt” (the thicker end of the shingle) is generally about 3/8” but does vary. The final correct thickness for shingles is based using a stack of shingles rather than a single piece. At Cedar Country Lumber, we offer a wide selection of shingles made from Western Red Cedar, as well as Alaskan Yellow Cedar, ...
What is fancy cut red cedar?
Fancy Cut Western Red Cedar Shingles ~ manufactured from #1 Western Red Cedar shingles into a variety of shapes that are 3” & 5” widths cut from 18” & 24” lengths; offered in 8 different shapes, with an endless variety of custom cuts and finishes available. These shingles add unique charm and character to gable ends, balconies, fences, entryways, interior, and exterior walls. To find out more, please click HERE.
What is clear cedar siding?
Clear, Vertical Grain Western Red Cedar Siding. Clear Heart – Includes only pieces with heartwood on the exposed face. Many of the pieces of Western Red Cedar are completely clear; others have minor imperfections that do not detract from their fine appearance.
What is knotty in cedar?
Select Knotty – Knots and other natural features define the visual characteristics of the Western Red Cedar. All knots are sound and tight. Red Cedar Lumber products are available rough surfaced, kiln-dried or unseasoned and smooth or with a re-sawn texture. Some companies may supply this grade of Western Red Ce dar with knots glued on the reverse face and there is typically a percentage of Quality Knotty included in an order.
What is a rustic grade siding?
Rustic – Generally a grade of Clear Western Red Cedar Bevel Siding or cladding, it is recommended for use as sidewall covering where the distinctive charm of a rustic saw textured appearance is desired. This grade allows limited characteristics that do not detract from serviceability and may include pieces too thin to manufacture to standard sizes. Pieces may contain up to 4 sound, tight knots per 12’ of board and pin holes may be present.
What is C&Btr Clear?
C&Btr Clear – High quality lumber for use where appearance is important, but permits more numerous characteristics than Clear Heart or “A” Grades. In addition to interior and exterior trim, as well as exterior cladding, Western Red Cedar of this grade is also used for cabinetry, doors, windows and similar applications. 4 knots per 12’ of each board is allowable.
What is the highest grade of Western red cedar?
Clear Western Red Cedar. Clear, Vertical Grain – This is the highest grade of Western Red Cedar and is commonly just referred to as “VG”. Vertical grain means that the growth rings are parallel to each other on the face of the board, and the wood is sawn specifically to achieve that look. Pieces have a smooth face of decay-resistant heartwood ...
What is box heart wood?
Most of the material will be box heart, meaning the timber is taken from the center of the Cedar tree and is less stable. There may be oversized or missing knots, rot pockets, wane on edges and corners, and loose or course grain. Items may be supplied surfaced (S4S) or with a re-sawn texture.
Is quality knotty the same as select knotty?
Quality Knotty – Similar to Select Knotty, but a few small scattered holes are allowed, the grain may be heavily raised, and checks are not limited. Pieces must be serviceable, but 10% waste per board is allowed and is considered with the price of the material is set.
What is vertical grain cedar siding?
The other major distinction to be aware of when you’re selecting cedar siding is the difference between vertical grain and mixed grain. These terms stem from the way the log was run through the saw when it was milled into boards. If the log of raw cedar was sliced perpendicular to the growth rings of the tree, so that what you see when you look at the finished board is little straight lines running up and down, then you’ve got vertical grain cedar. Clear vertical grain cedar is prized for both its beauty and its dimensional stability; when it naturally expands and contracts in relation to moisture in the air, it does so evenly, with no twisting, warping or buckling.
What is clear vertical grain cedar?
Clear vertical grain cedar is prized for both its beauty and its dimensional stability; when it naturally expands and contracts in relation to moisture in the air, it does so evenly, with no twisting, warping or buckling. If the board was run through the saw the other way, parallel to the growth rings, then you’ll see a wavier grain pattern, ...
What is clear grade siding?
The clear grades are exactly what they sound like—visually clean and free from defects. You will see only a few, if any, of what lumber pros call “inclusions”. Inclusions could be knots, streaks, or any other kind of visual imperfections in the board. If you select clear western red cedar siding, you can know that you are selecting a product that’s not only durable (as all cedar is) but also beautiful.
What is the grade of cedar siding?
Within each of these varieties, the cedar is given a letter grade, such as “D and better” or “C and better.” Just like in school, the higher the letter, the better quality it is, with “A” representing the very finest cedar siding. The “and better” part of the phrase means that when you buy a lot of “B and better” boards, you’re guaranteed that nothing in the assortment you receive will be lower than a B, and some if it is going to be better—meaning there will be some excellent, A-grade cedar siding included as well.
Where does red cedar siding come from?
So, whether your red cedar siding came from the forests of British Columbia, or grew on soil in the U.S.A., you can be sure that it’s been inspected by experts and graded according to rules that are accepted on both sides of the border. Now, with your newfound knowledge of lumber terms fresh in your mind, you can head down to your supplier ...
Where is Western Red Cedar siding made?
This is a Canadian organization, which is important, because much of the world’s highest-quality Western Red Cedar siding is sourced from the sustainably-managed forests of British Columbia.
Where is cedar graded?
2. The other well-known agency for grading cedar is the West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau, or WCLIB, right in our hometown of Portland, Ore.
