Ways to make more selling cedar

States are finding it profitable to encourage reforestation and utilize the young growth timber in quality specialty products and service oriented markets.

Ideally, only properly seasoned cedar is used for these products. To achieve the uniform l2o/o MC, a fourth method has been added to the three customary drying techniques (air seasoning, dehumidification and steam kiln drying). Steam conditioning added to steam kiln drying can achieve a lower. more uniform moisture content without drying the wood excessively. In this process, the water is brought out of the wood slowly to a predetermined dryness. Then live steam is injected into the kiln to stabilize the wood at l2% MC. This eliminates stress by relaxing the wood fiber, thus reducing cupping, splits, checking and other drying defects. In addition, it helps ensure the dimensional stability of the product in use, probably the ultimate consumer benefit.

The drying process is considered critical to producing appearance

Story at a Glance

Appearance cedar products hold higher margins, valueforboth re taifer and customer ...1P/o MC ensures performance as well as appearance. products fit market niche, utilize young growth timber.

grade knotty cedar siding since end checks, splits, surface splits and star checked knots, often the result of drying the wood too quickly and creating tension and compression, are unacceptable. Drying also reduces the weight of the product to cut shipping costs for customers.

By targeting a product mix compatible with the cedar log mix available in their region, cedar manufacturers are able to maximize the western red cedar supply available and create products which bring higher margins for retailers. Retailers can learn more about these products from their distributors.