Is eastern red cedar good wood?
It doesn’t shrink, warp, swell, or decay — even during extreme changes in weather or moisture — which makes it an excellent choice for log siding. Because the heartwood is rot-resistant, eastern red cedar wood uses range from outdoor furniture to gazebos, fences (and posts), and decks. Resistance to Decay: Unlike cedar, oak requires regular sealing to protect it from moisture damage and insects, especially in humid environments. Cedar’s natural resistance makes it a lower-maintenance option. Workability: Cedar is easier to carve and shape than oak, which can be brittle when cut or nailed.While Western Red Cedar is often preferred for large construction projects due to its stability and workability, Eastern Red Cedar excels in applications where its aromatic properties provide benefits, such as closets or chests where moth protection is desired.Red cedar is denser than white cedar and tends to be more naturally resistant to rot, insects, and weather. Both types of wood are popular choices used for furniture, flooring, siding, shingles, decks, and more. White cedar is less resistant to moisture and rot, but is usually more budget friendly.Working properties Eastern red cedar has a fine grain, but a soft texture. It works easily with hand or power tools, despite the fact that it is somewhat brittle. In stability, it ranks quite high. If you want the wood to remain fragrant, don’t cover it with a finish.
What is the Eastern red cedar used for?
As a craft product, Eastern red cedar was used for carving, furniture, fence posts, and moth proofing. Juniperus virginiana was used as a spiritual incense and as an aromatic wood to make instruments. Smudge sticks were made with the leaves for purification rituals. While Western Red Cedar is often preferred for large construction projects due to its stability and workability, Eastern Red Cedar excels in applications where its aromatic properties provide benefits, such as closets or chests where moth protection is desired.Cedar is a very special species of wood, as it is resistant to disease and rot. The oils and chemicals within the wood act as natural preservatives, preventing termites, decay, and moisture from damaging and breaking down the wood over time.White cedar (Thuja occidentalis) is one of the most common plants used to create a hedge or natural screen. It is a native plant, grown on plantations and offers an affordable green alternative to traditional fencing. Contrary to popular belief cedars do not attract mosquitoes.
What is red cedar wood good for?
Western Red Cedar Due to naturally-occuring oils in its fibers, this cedar is exceptionally resilient against deterioration and bugs. It’s also lightweight and easy to work with, making it a popular choice for outdoor structures like decks, fences, pergolas, and siding on homes. Eastern red cedar is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large amounts. Burning in the stomach, vomiting, convulsions, coma, and even death have been reported with overdose ingestion of Eastern red cedar essential oil.
Is Eastern Red Cedar a real cedar?
Juniperus virginiana, or Eastern redcedar, is a juniper rather than a true cedar. As Kansas’ only native evergreen tree, it grows throughout the state. Redcedar grows to a height of about 30 to 35 feet and the branches may spread 12 to 15 feet. Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), also called red juniper or savin, is a common coniferous species growing on a variety of sites throughout the eastern half of the United States.Juniperus virginiana, or Eastern redcedar, is a juniper rather than a true cedar. As Kansas’ only native evergreen tree, it grows throughout the state. Redcedar grows to a height of about 30 to 35 feet and the branches may spread 12 to 15 feet.Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), also called red juniper or savin, is a common coniferous species growing on a variety of sites throughout the eastern half of the United States.
What are the disadvantages of Eastern Red Cedar?
As a minimum, the eastern redcedar can be a nuisance tree, particularly in open fields and abandoned properties where young seedlings are not regularly mowed or dug out. Worst case, it has the capacity to negatively impact certain ecosystems by crowding out other species. The eastern redcedar tree is a common sight throughout most of the plains states and eastern United States on road cuts, in fence rows, and scattered across abandoned fields — especially where limestone soils are present.Soils and Topography Like most species, eastern redcedar grows best on deep, moist, well-drained alluvial sites, where its height may reach 17 to 18 m (55 to 60 ft) in 50 years. On the better sites, however, hardwood competition is so severe that the species rarely becomes dominant.As a minimum, the eastern redcedar can be a nuisance tree, particularly in open fields and abandoned properties where young seedlings are not regularly mowed or dug out. Worst case, it has the capacity to negatively impact certain ecosystems by crowding out other species.
Why is red cedar so expensive?
Western red cedar lumber has few equals when it comes to searching for a wood that blends visual appeal and resistance to rot, justifying a higher price when compared to other species. Of course, your choice of supplier can help lower costs enough to invest in western red cedar. Key Takeaway: Cedar and Redwood planks are relatively similar in price but Cedar is often slightly more expensive due to its longevity. Location, custom sizing, and shipping costs will add to the overall price as well. You get what you pay for when investing in these two types of wood planks!Hardwood cedars may not last as long as some other hardwood species. Some types of softwood cedar can become dented easily. It is expensive compared to wood like pine. It requires regular maintenance as the color may fade away due to chemical reaction.Cost and Environmental Considerations. In the area of cost-effectiveness, pine initially presents as a more affordable option compared to cedar. However, considering cedar’s longer lifespan and reduced long-term maintenance, it may offer better value over time.Of the two kinds of wood, teak outdoor furniture is generally more expensive than cedar for several reasons. Firstly, it is the harder of the two and will last longer in an outdoor environment than cedar. Secondly, it is more expensive to harvest and isn’t as available as cedar.