Wonder Wood ? the Facts on Western Red Cedar

Commonly known as the Giant Arbor-Vitae, Canoe-cedar, Pacific Red-cedar or Shinglewood, the western red cedar is British Columbia's official tree. With an even, straight grain and relatively consistent density the species is less likely to swell, warp, cup or twist.  Its low density and consistency make it an ideal timber to saw, nail and glue.  The tree can grow up to 60 metres tall and thrives in cool, mild and moist locations at low to mid-elevations and is highly resistant to decay and insect damage.

Christian Brash, managing director of John Brash Group believes the wood has undeniable strength. “When properly applied it gives outstanding rigidity and resistance against the severest hail storms and gale force winds up to 130mph. Western red cedar shingles provide any project with a distinctive beauty. The rich warm colour and texture of cedar shingles can enhance the design of both traditional and modern structures to create a truly individual building that blends naturally with the environment.”

The wood’s unique cellular composition makes a roof or wall of shingles or cladding a natural barrier to heat and cold by providing a high degree of insulation.  The open cell structure helps increase insulation by conducting less heat, cold and noise through interior wall paneling or exterior siding as compared to brick, block, steel and plasterboard.

“The natural attributes of cedar make it one of the most popular woods for building applications,” continued Christian Brash. “Western red cedar shingles are renowned for their insulation qualities, dimensional stability and natural resistance to the elements. The species contains in the heartwood naturally occurring thujaplicins and phenols that make the wood uncommonly durable in its natural state and in the UK it is classified as a ‘Durable Species’.”