Traditional Woods

Redwood ,Cedar and Pressure Treated

Redwood

Redwood lumber is graded for both appearance and durability. Standards are set by the Redwood Inspection Service. The highest appearance grades are given for wood that is “clear” – meaning free from knots – with further gradations based on the number of knots and any other imperfections present. The color of redwood determines its resistance to decay, the second criterion for grading. The reddish-brown heartwood rates the highest in decay resistance due to natural extracts within the wood; this part of the tree should be used for any structure that will come into contact with the soil, such as structural posts. The light, nearly white-colored sapwood is not as decay resistant. Grades of lumber that include more knots and imperfections are sold for use in decking and outdoor structures such as furniture or fencing, where appearance is not as important as for siding, for example. Commercial siding patterns include shiplap, tongue and groove or plain bevel.

Texture and Patterns

Redwood lumber may be sawn and planed smooth or resawn to leave a slightly rough texture if desired for rustic applications or for siding, where the rough texture serves to hold finishes well and hide marks. Redwood lumber may be cut vertically, so that a cross-section of the growth rings appears on the board face, or tangentially, so that the rings create a marbled pattern.

Like cedar, redwood lumber will naturally turn a silvery gray color over time with exposure to the elements and UV radiation. Redwood will also blacken if exposed to constantly wet climate conditions. To preserve the original red color, the wood should be stained when first installed, then restained every three or four years thereafter.

Cedar Wood

WHAT IS CEDAR 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. Below, we discuss the different types of cedar, cedar uses, and why cedar is a great lumber choice for builders and contractors alike.

TYPES OF CEDAR

There are many different types of cedar, including Western red cedar, Alaskan yellow cedar, and Spanish cedar. In Michigan, there are two main types of cedar that grow in the state:

Eastern red cedar: This type of cedar is named for its pink and red hues; although, you may detect broad bands of amber, cream, and brown throughout. Red cedar is mostly straight-grained, however, there may be the occasional swirl of color. Ranking 900 on the Janka hardness scale, Eastern red cedar is easy to cut to specifications.
Northern white cedar: White Cedar has a natural light and dark combination, ranging from white to tan to brown. The grain is typically straight, with small knots reminiscent of knotty pine. Because it’s a soft wood (320 on the Janka hardness scale), it’s easy to cut and work with, but is better used for tongue and groove paneling where there is no need for nails.
WHY USE CEDAR WOOD?
There are many reasons why we recommend cedar wood for several log projects. If you have ever found yourself wondering—What is cedar wood good for?—here are some cedar wood properties and how they demonstrate the advantages of this versatile timber:
Cedar is durable. Cedar thrives in damp climates, enabling it to withstand many conditions. Cedar doesn’t shrink, swell, warp, or decay even when there are severe changes in weather, which makes it such an ideal choice for exterior siding.
Cedar is sound resistant. Cedar is a porous wood, which gives it the ability to absorb noise. This quality is one of the many reasons why it’s commonly applied to the exterior and interior of homes and buildings.
Cedar is a natural insect repellent. The oil in cedar wood can control pests like termites, ants, moths, mosquitoes, and cockroaches.
Cedar is naturally beautiful. As described above, white and red cedar have natural color combinations, so we typically just use a clear coat to magnify its natural color. Finishing can enhance the durability of your cedar wood even more with regular applications of sealer to help it retain its color and stability.

Pressure Treated Framing

Benefits of pressure treated wood

Thanks to its chemical and preservative treatment, pressure treated wood is resistant to many common problems.

Resistance to rot. The chemical compounds used to pressure treat wood make it resistant to fungi that cause wood to rot.
Protection from insects. Similarly, treatments repel common insect threats like termites and carpenter ants.
Cost. Pressure treated wood is more expensive than untreated wood but given that it can last for decades, it often ends up being more economical in the long run.
Ease of Use. Pressure treated wood, like other woods, is light and can be easily cut and fastened to other supports. Note, however, that it is essential that construction crews use protective equipment including wearing gloves and masks when working with pressure treated wood.

While some tropical hardwoods provide similar resistance, they are typically much more expensive than pressure treated lumber. It is also possible to paint or stain some, though not all, pressure treated woods, providing additional protection.