Purchasing the right type of lumber can have a huge impact on the overall structural integrity, design and outcome of your project. Different types of wood are meant for different applications and not all wood is the same. Whether you’re looking for Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Pine, Japanese Cedar, Alaskan Yellow Cedar, Pressure Treated Hem-Fir or something else – we can help! Read below for information on our most popular types of lumber, or click a link below to jump to that section:
Western Red Cedar • Douglas Fir • Pine • Japanese Cedar • Alaskan Yellow Cedar • PT Hem-Fir
Western Red Cedar
It’s no secret that we specialize in Western Red Cedar (WRC) – it’s right there in our name! When you’ve worked with as many materials as we have over the years, you just learn what works. Read on to find out why we deem this material as one of the best choices for decking, fencing, indoors and more.
Cedar Decking, Fencing and More
WRC is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insect attacks. This makes it an ideal option in wet areas like the PNW. It is also ideal in applications where it is in contact with the ground (like fences.)
No matter where you’re at in the building process, working with Cedar makes things much easier. Boards lay straight and flat which make it easy to fit each one in place. In addition, the lightweight nature of the material makes it easier to move around jobsites.
WRC has a low density which gives it a high thermal insulating value. This value means your deck is safer for bare feet and pets during summer months when decks get really hot.
Running low on inspiration? Check out our cedar deck gallery for ideas.
Cedar Siding
A lot of synthetic siding alternatives on the market today boast about their ability to “mimic wood grain” textures. Try as they might, these products just can’t compare to the real thing.
Upon installation, your home will be upgraded with the natural warmth and beauty of WRC.
Since WRC is naturally pitch and resin free, it takes to stains, oils, paints and finishes exceptionally well. This makes your options for color and finishes virtually limitless. Unlike synthetic materials, this natural product can be restored and refinished once it’s color fades or can be left to naturally age over time.
The thermal properties of Cedar will also help conserve energy by keeping warm air in during the cold months and cold air in during those times where temperatures may be scorching.
Using Western Red Cedar Indoors
There are many options when it comes to adding Cedar to the interior of your home.
Exposed beams can add a subtle, natural warmth while also fulfilling structural purposes. WRC also takes fasteners easily without splitting, which makes it perfect for hanging fixtures and accents.
In large, open spaces, the acoustical properties of WRC can help dampen sound or aid in confining it to certain areas. Adding Cedar paneling to ceilings, walls or floors will help in places like high ceiling living rooms, game rooms and lofts.
There are lots of ways to use cedar indoors – check out our Indoor gallery to see how!
Douglas Fir
Doug Fir is one of the most common wood species in American Forests and is ideal for projects where strength is needed for a structural purpose. Using Doug Fir in builds like pergolas, outdoor kitchens or covered areas will ensure the durability of your structure.
Why Use Doug Fir?
Despite actually being a softwood, Douglas Fir boasts many characteristics of lumber that falls into the hardwood category. Due to its durability and strength, Doug Fir is resistant to physical impacts. This makes it an excellent choice where accidental knicks and bumps can leave lasting damage. Less care needs to be taken to avoid damaging the timbers than other softwoods.
Moisture resistant. Though resistant to moisture, Doug Fir lacks the natural oils of other wood products, such as Western Red Cedar, that keep it completely moisture resistant. Doug Fir still does well in wet areas but will need to be treated first and may require more maintenance. This is why you find Doug Fir used for structural purposes that are not directly exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. Consumers often use Doug Fir for applications like beams, trusses and poles.
Pine
Light-weight and durable, Pine is easily workable with both hand and machine tools. It comes at a lower price-point than most other woods but is not as versatile as other species. Pine is most suitable for indoor applications, or in areas where moisture won’t be an issue.
Pine as Ceiling, Trim & Walls
Pine paneling can be used on virtually any surface in your home such as ceilings and walls. The knotty wood grain look creates a rustic atmosphere that replicates a cozy cabin in the woods or ski lodge in the mountains.
Due to its easy workability, pine is often used as trim and floorboards around doors, windows, and ceilings. A clear coat is often the only finishing needed when used indoors so that the natural knotty look remains dominant. However, when used with a wood conditioner pine takes to other stains and paints well, giving you the option to customize your look.
Pine Furniture
Many pieces of furniture that have been passed down from generation to generation are made from pine. Woodworkers find it easy to work with when making pieces such as dressers, chairs, tables, and cabinets.
Pine furniture is best suited for use indoors as it is susceptible to rot from moisture. In addition, pine can easily be damaged by heat and UV rays. If your furniture will be used outdoors, it’s best to keep it covered under a sunshade or awning and use a waterproof sealant.
Flooring
The colors present in unfinished pine boards can vary from yellows and reds to lighter brown tones. These hues add rich warmth and color to your home. In addition, the darker knots add character and dimension. Over time, the wood will darken as it ages, bringing out different variations of colors.
Because pine is a softwood, it will show more dents and dings more easily than hardwood flooring. If used as flooring, a sealant should be used to protect the boards.
Japanese Cedar
Japanese Cedar is the national Tree of Japan. According to legend, in the 1600s a Japanese lord was too poor to donate a stone or bronze lantern to honor a deceased shogun. Instead, he offered to plant a row of Sugi trees (the Japanese name for Japanese Cedar) along the temple where the shogun was buried to protect him from the sun. These trees still stand today and many more are found near temples and shrines all over Japan.
Like Western Red Cedar, Japanese Cedar is known for its aromatic properties as well as being both rot and insect resistant. It is also used in many construction applications for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio which allows contractors to easily haul the lumber around the job site and trust it will hold up in their projects. Common uses of Japanese Cedar are ceiling panels, furniture, pillars, fences, and boats. Finishing options are limitless as Japanese Cedar takes well to stains and paints of all kinds or can be left to weather naturally over time.
Consumers tend to choose Japanese Cedar over Western Red Cedar due to its cheaper price, the fact that it is more uniform in color, and it has smaller knots. At Sound Cedar, we stock Japanese Cedar 1×6 fence boards in a 5/8″ or 3/4″ thickness.
Alaskan Yellow Cedar
Alaska yellow cedar, also known as Nootka Cypress, is highly sought after. Like it’s Western Red and Japanese counterparts, Yellow Cedar is resistant to weather, insects and rot. This makes it a top choice for use outdoors like decks and railings, exterior trim, and other architectural details. Alaskan yellow cedar is harder than some other types of cedars.
How is Alaskan Yellow Cedar Used?
Common uses of yellow cedar are in boat building, sauna manufacturing, cabinetry and millwork. The strength, hardness and wearing properties of Alaskan yellow cedar also make it idea for projects such as decking, docks, fences and outdoor structures.
Maintaining Your Alaskan Yellow Cedar
Like other types of cedar, AYC will eventually fade to a silver gray color when exposed to UV rays. For those who prefer to maintain the natural golden color of the cedar, AYC is easily maintained with deck stain.
*Due to availability, we do not currently stock Alaskan yellow cedar. However, we have the option of getting AYC timbers and boards from various suppliers.*
We have recently begun working with Denali Cedar out of Springfield, OR for orders of Alaskan yellow cedar decking, trim, siding and patterns. To see the sizes and grades they have available, feel free to browse their website, or reach out to any of our salesmen.
To learn more about Alaskan Yellow Cedar, we also recommend visiting the Real Cedar website.
Pressure Treated Hem-Fir
Pressure Treated Hemlock Fir is a more budget-friendly option. By infusing the lumber with preservatives, the material becomes resistant to rot and insect damage. This wood can be used in many construction projects both indoor and outdoor, especially ones where water or moisture may be an issue such as decks and fencing.
What is Pressure Treated?
Pressure treated Hem-Fir is infused with preservatives to prevent rot and insect damage to lumber that may otherwise be susceptible. Different products may use different chemicals, but the overall process is usually the same. Lumber is immersed in a water-based chemical bath of the preservatives, then naturally or kiln-dried to evaporate the water, which leaves the preservatives
Uses for PT Hem-Fir
Pacific Hem-Fir has a natural durability and strength that is increased once pressure treated. Using this pressure treated lumber in high-traffic areas like decking, bridges and other outdoor spaces increases their lifespan. The lumber can also be stained or sealed to increase the protection of the product and enhance natural colors.
The natural stiffness of Pacific Hem-Fir makes it an excellent choice for projects that have load bearing requirements. Many consumers prefer using this material in horizontal applications that require longer lengths. When pressure treated, these timbers work great in bridges, and exposed outdoor beams. Pressure treated lumber can also be used indoors, especially in areas that may see more moisture or heat like kitchens and bathrooms.
Ready to order, or have other questions? Feel free to reach out to our sales representatives for help!