Ourdoor living builds on cedcrr

1f\NE of the hottest trends among \-lhomeowners is to extend a home's living space to the outdoorsand time-tested western red cedar remains a top choice for making it happen.

The trend makes sense. Homes are more crowded than ever, and many homeowners want a refuge from the hectic pace of daily life. Decks can provide a place to relax and enjoy the outdoor setting.

And using westem red cedar adds an all-natural look, aroma and character. "Western red cedar comes in a variety of hues and grades that can add a mark of distinction to a home," said Paul Mackie, the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association's "Mr. Cedar."

The different grades of western red cedar-from knotty to clear - can be combined to create artistic patterns in a space. Combining different grades can also lessen the cost of materials.

"Western red cedar offers endless choices to fit the style of any house," agrees Loren Sinner, LS Cedar, Seattle, Wa.

WRC's outstanding performance and ease of maintenance are added advantages. "The durability of fwestern red cedar] is outstanding," said Mike Woods, Sound Cedar, Mount Vernon, Wa.

WRC is one of the world's most durable woods because it contains natural preservatives that resist moisture, decay and insect damage. It is free from pitch and resin, making it ideal for a wide range of finishes. Toned finishes can be used to enhance the natural hues of the wood. Clear finishes can also be applied to add an extra level of protection without altering the naturally elegant appearance of the wood.

"When properly installed and maintained, western red cedar can provide a lifetime of service," related Sinner.

It is also easy to build with and maintain. The even grain and relatively consistent density make WRC less likely to swell, warp, cup or twist than any other soft or hardwood. As a result, it retains a distinguished appearance that lends a mark of quality to any home. Low density and consistency make it an ideal wood to cut, saw, nail and glue-even a handsaw can easily go through the wood.

Building with western red cedar can also lessen a home's environmental footprint, or total impact on the environment. That's especially true when it's compared with synthetic or mineral building products like metal, cement, stucco or plastic that must be extracted from the ground and are not renewable or manufactured.

"Western red cedar is one of the most environmentally friendly building products you can use," said Mackie. In addition, "no man-made material can duplicate the depth of western red cedar's natural luster or aroma."

Western red cedar is recyclable, biodegradable and even reusable. It also has a sustainable lifecycle, unlike other products that must be mined or chemically manufactured. Such materials do not decompose naturally and potentially spend hundreds of years in landfills. As a wood product, WRC decomposes naturally.

Western red cedar's natural preservatives also mean that it needs minimal chemical treatments, unlike the preservatives used in pressure-treated woods.

WRC provides unmatched elegance, durability and versatilityqualities that make it one of the most valued of the woods for backyard amenities.

- For more information on creating outdoor living spaces from western red cedar, go to www.realcedar.org.