Log Home Construction Using Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar trees are indigenous to North America’s Pacific Northwest region. The Western Red Cedar is also the “official” tree of British Columbia, Canada, which recently welcomed the world at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

For centuries the Pacific Northwest Coast First Nations people have revered the Western Red Cedar as the “Tree of Life” utilizing Red Cedar to make everything from totem poles, canoes and longhouses to baskets and clothing.

The Aesthetics of Western Red Cedar

The base of Western Red Cedar logs are often irregularly flared and may be utilized in the construction of Handcrafted Cedar Log Homes to create unique log accents in support beams and posts for living areas.

Properties of Western Red Cedar Logs

The distinctive chemical properties of Western Red Cedar are what elevate this remarkable softwood above other softwoods used in Handcrafted Log Home Construction.

The heartwood of slow growth Western Red Cedar logs; 

• Are naturally resistant to moisture, wood rot and decay
• Are less susceptible to insect damage
• Have less moisture content which reduces checking and settling issues.  Log cabins made from cedar will shrink 2% radially in comparison to Douglas fir which shrink 6%.
• Provide the best R-value or U-value with exceptional thermal insulating properties
• Are outstandingly stable over great lengths

Benefits of Western Red Cedar

 Cedar log homes;

• Age gracefully and naturally when properly finished and maintained
• Are easily stained and finished (cedar wood is naturally free of pitch)
• Will last indefinitely when constructed under “Good Building Practices”
• Do not need to be kiln dried or heat treated for import to Europe

Western Red Cedar Facts

Cedar Log Homes Are Generational Homes

Cedar log homes provide the home owner with a lifetime of low maintenance, luxurious log home living. For many, their Western Red Cedar log home has become a part of their family heritage; destined to be passed on from generation to generation.

Ask Us About Handcrafted Western Red Cedar Log Homes