Western red cedar rates a 10

F AN architect or builder were to sit down and make a list of all the desirable characteristics he would like to have incorporated in a lumber product for siding, trim work and interior finish applications, it would be difficult to arrive at a set of specifications which would not be met or exceeded by western red cedar.

tive which makes it highly resistant to insect attack and decay. The tree produces a high percentage of heartwood and is free of pitch and resin.

SWEET MUSIC comes lrom orchestra shell using a variety ol western red cedar. Good acoustical qualities are another plus for this extremely adaptable wood which shines in both commercial and residential applications.

This unique wood is grown in abundance from the Columbia River in Washington through British Columbia on up to southern Alaska. It shares the advantage of redwood in that there is a natural built-in phenol preserva-

When properly dried, western red cedar is lightweight, easy to work and exhibits very low swelling and shrinking characteristics. Paint and stain holding capabilities are among the best for any wood because of its uniform cellular structure, which also contributes to excellent insulating values. Since the product is easy to cut, nail and fit into difficult areas, it offers a large potential for the do-it- yourself and remodeling markets as well as new construction.

One wholesaler who has had excellent results with western red cedar is Ed Fountain Lumber Company, Los Angeles, Ca. The company normally stocks from l-l/2 to 3 million feet in various grades and patterns. Over the past several years, Fountain has developed many techniques for drying, milling and processing the lumber to minimize downfall and provide customers with economical specified widths and lengths.

Story at a Glance

Western red cedar meets building specifications for many applications. ..natural preseruative resistsinsect attack & decay. .handsome appearance is an added sales feature.

Among the highest demand items is Totem siding, or bevel siding, which is having a renaissance in many regions. This product is supplied in 4" through 12" widths with a standard butt of l-l /4" and tul of | /4 " A new pattern of Totem, which is rapidly gaining acceptance to compete with hardboard, has a 7/8" butt with a 3/8' tail. Most applications utilize the tightknot grade which is reversible with a saw texture on one face and smooth surface on the reverse side. Grading is done from the specified face.

Because of its excellent paint and stain holding characteristics, western red cedar can be finished on the resawn side, to provide a rustic look, with transparent stains which let the grain show through, or painted on the smooth face for a continuous monotone appearance, preferred on traditional type structures. Western red cedar is also popular for vertical siding with tongue and groove, ship-lap or board and batten joints. The siding can also be left exposed without any finish which results in the color mel- lowing to a soft, silver grey over the years.

The clear grades may be used for siding too. However, they are generally reserved for soffits, facia, trim, ceilings, intemal paneling and cabinetry. Grades within the clear family include vertical, flat or mixed grains, heartwood and specific manufacturing characteristics. It is possible to specify virtually any appffuance required to precisely reflect the image desired by the designer.

Other uses include interior and exterior planters, walkways, decks and fencing to complement surrounding architecture. Western red cedar is equally at home in a rustic mountain setting or the most sophisticated residential development.