Cedar wood has long been cherished for its exceptional durability, aromatic scent, and stunning aesthetic appeal. It is renowned for its resistance to decay, insect infestation, and warping, making it an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor applications. From fine furniture and cabinetry to decks, fences, and siding, cedar wood offers a natural elegance that enhances any project.
That’s why our cedar wood experts from Capitol City Lumber in Raleigh, NC are exploring the various types of cedar wood available, delving into their unique characteristics and uses. Whether you’re seeking guidance on choosing the right cedar wood for your next home improvement project, tips on working with this versatile material, or inspiration for incorporating cedar wood into your designs, our cedar wood enthusiasts have everything you need to know.
Why Choose Cedar Wood?
When it comes to selecting the perfect wood for your projects, cedar wood stands out as an exceptional choice. With its numerous advantages and remarkable qualities, it’s no wonder why cedar wood is a top pick for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
Let’s explore the compelling reasons why you should choose cedar wood for your next project:
- Durability: Cedar is renowned for its exceptional durability. It naturally resists decay, rot, and insect infestation, ensuring longevity and minimizing maintenance requirements.
- Aromatic Appeal: The natural oils present in cedar wood give off a unique aroma that adds a refreshing touch to any space.
- Versatile Applications: Cedar wood’s versatility knows no bounds– from structural projects to decorative elements, cedar can be used in various applications. It is commonly employed in siding, roofing, decking, fencing, furniture, and more.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its warm, reddish-brown hues and distinct grain patterns, cedar brings natural beauty to your projects. Whether you prefer a rustic, traditional, or contemporary look, cedar wood adds a touch of timeless elegance and sophistication to any space.
- Resilience to the Elements: Cedar wood can withstand harsh weather conditions, including moisture, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations, without warping or deteriorating.
- Sustainability: Cedar is often sourced from responsibly managed forests, ensuring the preservation of natural resources. By selecting cedar wood, you contribute to sustainable practices and support the long-term health of our planet.
- Ease of Workability: Cedar is known for its excellent workability, as it cuts, shapes, and finishes smoothly. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a DIY enthusiast, cedar wood’s ease of use allows for seamless construction and precise detailing.
Types of Cedar Wood
Cedar wood encompasses a variety of species, each with its own distinct traits and beauty. Our lumber supply experts are sharing information about the distinct color variations, grain patterns, and inherent characteristics that make the various types of cedar wood a remarkable choice for an array of projects.
Western Red Cedar
Western Red Cedar is a versatile and popular type of wood known for its beautiful appearance and durability. With its stunning color, natural resistance to decay, and ease of use, Western Red Cedar is a popular choice for a wide range of projects, both indoors and outdoors.
Characteristics of Western Red Cedar
- Rich reddish-brown to light pinkish color
- Fine, straight grain
- Natural resistance to decay, rot, and insects
- Lightweight and easy to work with
- Holds nails and screws securely
- Excellent thermal insulating properties
Uses of Western Red Cedar
- Exterior siding
- Decking and outdoor structures
- Fences and gates
- Outdoor furniture
- Interior paneling and trim
- Cabinets and furniture
Eastern Red Cedar
Eastern Red Cedar, also known as Aromatic Cedar, is a distinct type of wood known for its rustic charm, aromatic scent, and natural resistance to pests, making it a popular choice for both practical and decorative purposes.
Characteristics of Eastern Red Cedar
- Reddish-brown color with a rustic appearance
- Fine grain with occasional knots
- Aromatic scent
- Natural resistance to decay, rot, and insect infestation
- Lightweight and easy to work with
- Durable and long-lasting
Uses of Eastern Red Cedar
- Closet and drawer linings
- Chests and storage boxes
- Interior paneling and trim
- Furniture and cabinetry
- Outdoor furniture and decorative elements
- Landscaping features
Alaskan Yellow Cedar
Alaskan Yellow Cedar’s distinct color, durability, and resistance to moisture make it well-suited for outdoor applications like building a deck. It is particularly favored in coastal regions due to its exceptional weathering properties and ability to withstand harsh environments.
Characteristics of Alaskan Yellow Cedar
- Pale yellow to golden color with a slight reddish hue
- Straight grain with a fine texture
- Natural resistance to moisture, decay, and insect infestation
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Dimensionally stable
- Excellent weathering properties
Uses of Alaskan Yellow Cedar
- Exterior decking
- Siding and cladding
- Outdoor structures (pergolas, gazebos, etc.)
- Boat building and marine applications
- Shingles and shakes
- Interior paneling and millwork
Incense Cedar
Incense Cedar’s attractive color and fine grain make it an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor applications. Its natural resistance to decay and insects ensures durability in outdoor projects such as siding, decking, and fencing. In interior settings, Incense Cedar adds warmth and character as paneling or trim.
Characteristics of Incense Cedar
- Light reddish-brown color
- Straight grain with a fine texture
- Naturally resistant to decay and insect infestation
- Lightweight and easy to work with
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Slight aromatic scent when freshly cut
Uses of Incense Cedar
- Exterior siding and trim
- Decking and outdoor structures
- Paneling and interior finishes
- Fencing and gates
- Outdoor furniture
- Crafts and decorative items
Atlantic White Cedar
Atlantic White Cedar’s light color and straight grain make it visually appealing for both exterior and interior applications. Its natural resistance to rot and decay makes it highly suitable for wet environments, such as decks, siding, and fence posts. Additionally, it’s workability and fine texture make it ideal for crafting intricate carvings and decorative pieces.
Characteristics of Atlantic White Cedar
- Pale yellow to light brown color
- Straight, even grain
- Naturally resistant to rot and decay
- Lightweight and easy to work with
- Fine texture
- Excellent stability in wet environments
Uses of Atlantic White Cedar
- Exterior decking and siding
- Outdoor furniture and structures
- Boat building and marine applications
- Fence posts and rails
- Interior paneling and trim
- Carvings and decorative items
Spanish Cedar
Spanish Cedar is favored for its attractive appearance, pleasant aroma, and natural resistance to insects, making it a popular choice for interior applications. It is often utilized in millwork, cabinetry, and decorative veneers. The wood’s stability and resistance to decay also make it suitable for exterior applications such as trim and siding.
Characteristics of Spanish Cedar
- Reddish-brown to pinkish-brown color with a golden luster
- Straight to interlocked grain pattern
- Fine to medium texture
- Distinctive aromatic scent
- Moderately lightweight
- Naturally resistant to insects and decay
Uses of Spanish Cedar
- Interior millwork and cabinetry
- Exterior trim and siding
- Musical instruments (guitars, ukuleles, etc.)
- Cigar boxes
- Decorative veneers and paneling
- Specialty items and fine woodworking projects
Varieties of Cedar Wood Materials
Cedar wood materials encompass various types of wood sourced from cedar tree species, each with its own distinct qualities and appearances. Whether you’re constructing a beautiful deck, adding warmth to your interior spaces, crafting furniture, or incorporating cedar wood materials into your creative projects, the versatility and natural beauty of cedar wood make it a compelling choice.
Cedar Planks
Cedar planks refer to long, flat pieces of wood cut from various types of cedar trees. They are rectangular in shape and commonly used in construction, woodworking, and other applications. Cedar planks offer several distinct qualities and benefits due to the nature of cedar wood.
Common Uses of Cedar Planks
- Exterior siding and cladding for buildings
- Decking for outdoor spaces
- Interior paneling and trim for walls and ceilings
- Flooring
- Furniture construction
- Crafting decorative items and sculptures
- Building fences and gates
- Creating storage chests and closet linings
Cedar Boards
Cedar boards are flat pieces of wood cut from cedar trees. They are rectangular in shape and typically have specific dimensions, such as thickness, width, and length. Cedar boards are commonly used in construction, woodworking, and various other applications.
Common Uses of Cedar Boards
- Exterior siding and cladding
- Decks, fences, and outdoor structures
- Interior paneling and trim
- Furniture and cabinetry
- Flooring
- Crafting decorative items and sculptures
- Building shelves and storage units
Cedar Lumber
Cedar lumber refers to wood that has been processed and cut from cedar trees, typically for use in construction, woodworking, and other applications. Cedar lumber offers several distinct characteristics and advantages due to the natural properties of cedar wood.
Common Uses of Cedar Lumber
- Exterior siding and cladding
- Decks, fences, and outdoor structures
- Interior paneling and trim
- Furniture and cabinetry
- Flooring
- Crafting decorative items and sculptures
- Boat building and marine applications
Cedar Shakes
Cedar shakes are a type of roofing material made from split logs of cedar wood. They are commonly used to cover the roofs of houses, cabins, and other structures. Cedar shakes offer a rustic and natural look while providing durability and weather resistance.
Common Uses of Cedar Shakes
- Residential roofing
- Commercial roofing
- Historical restoration projects
- Landscaping structures (gazebos, pergolas, etc.)
Cedar Shingles
Cedar shingles are another type of roofing material made from cedar wood. They are thinner and smoother compared to cedar shakes. Cedar shingles are commonly used to cover roofs and provide a durable and attractive roofing solution.
Common Uses of Cedar Shingles
- Residential roofing
- Commercial roofing
- Historical restoration projects
- Exterior wall cladding
- Decorative accents
Cedar Shiplap
Cedar shiplap refers to a type of wooden board with a distinctive profile that allows for overlapping installation. It is commonly used in interior and exterior applications to create attractive and durable wall cladding, siding, and other decorative elements.
Common Uses of Cedar Shiplap
- Interior wall paneling
- Exterior siding
- Ceiling treatments
- Accent walls
- Decorative facades
Cedar Tongue & Groove
Cedar tongue and groove refers to a type of wooden board that features a specific profile that allows for a tight interlocking connection between boards. It is commonly used in interior and exterior applications to create seamless and visually appealing paneling, flooring, and other decorative elements.
Common Uses of Cedar Tongue and Groove
- Interior wall paneling
- Ceiling treatments
- Flooring
- Exterior siding
- Soffits
- Porch ceilings
Choose Capitol City Lumber as Your Source of Cedar Wood in Raleigh
When it comes to sourcing high-quality cedar wood in and around Raleigh, there’s no better choice than Capitol City Lumber. With our expertise in the lumber supply industry and commitment to providing high-quality materials, Capitol City Lumber is your go-to destination for all your cedar wood needs.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your outdoor spaces with durable decking or siding, create a cozy and inviting interior with beautiful paneling, or undertake any other woodworking project, our cedar wood supply company has everything you need to complete the job.
Get started today by contacting us by calling 919.832.6492 or filling out our contact form below.
