\(/estern Red Cedar

By Robert E. Mahaffay, Trade Extension Director \West Coast Lumbermen's Association

The Western red cedar is among the largest and finest of the cedars produced anywhere in the world, its heartwood being famed for extraordinary resistance to decay. This tree is one of the foremost species of the Pacific Northwest forests, and reaches its peak development in the moister regions of Oregon and Washington.

' Western red cedar is a distinct species, possessing virtually all the desirable qualities of the other cedars, and additional advantages besides. Its wood is of exceptionally light weight --one of ,the lightest of all commercial species----of soft texture and closC, even, straight grain. It is very easily worked, can be finished to a smooth, silky surface with little effort; is free from pitch, takes and holds stains, paints and enamels excellently, and has superior gluing qualities. Its coloring is particularly attractive, varying from the almost pure white of the narrow sapwood to the light straw shade or dark reddishbrown of the heartwood.

The wood contains a natural preservative oil which renders its heartwood virtually immune to decay and gives it extreme durability without artificial preservative treatment. Painting cedar to preserve it is unnecessary since it does not deteriorate appreciably even under severe climatic changes. When left in its natural state, it weathers to a beautiful soft driftwood gray-

Western red cedar is a wood particularly adapted for home building. It is highly regarded for all exterior uses. For interior purposes its beautiful grain, varied color, smooth surface, freedom from pitch and the attractive figures of its flat grain finish, will add charm to any room. This lumber may be left in its natural finish or stained, bleached or painted in any shade, tone or color desired.

Bungalow and bevel siding of this wood is very extensively used. It is sold in every state in the lJnion, its desirability being traced to such characteristics as freedom from pitch, unusual insutrating properties, extreme durability and paintability. It is justly celebrated among owners of both large and small homes and among architects, dealers, contractors and carpenters, and is regarded as the Nation's No. 1 siding material.

Western red cedar also has a similar appeal to the informed user of moldings, lattice, pickets, frames, and screen, storm door and window stock. Another item which is becoming increasingly popular is knotty cedar worked to panel stockusually run with tongue and groove. This may be applietl either horizontally or vertically, and is used both outside and in.

Where a combination of greater durability and ample strength are requisites the construction grades of Western red cedar are superior to most other species of framing lumber. Most of the "clear type" characteristics-its freedom from splitting and warping, its ease of working and nailing, its insulating properties and light weight-are equally effec- tive in the construction grades. The combination of these characteristics, plus its ample strength for general construction purposes, recommend it for use as boards, dimension, plank and posts. Of particular value for economical construction are No. 2 and No. 3 Western red cedar boards.

Service records for this species, where used in damp places as is often the case with mud sills, barn boards, tanks, feed platforms and troughs constantly exposed to changing wet and dry conditions supply abundant proof of its extreme serviceability in general construction work.

The splendid insulating qualities of this lumber when used for sheathing, siding, sub-flooring, roof boards or shingled roof, help to keep the home cool in summer and warm in winter. The wood's soft texture and light weight make it easy to work, handle and install, insuring rninimum labor costs. ft can be easily nailed and has good nail-holding power. It fits smoothly and because of its very low shrinkage ratio the joints stay tight.

Western red cedar also meets the stringent requirements of lawn or garden furniture and equipment, as well as of pergolas, lattice enclosures, fences, gates and similar structures. It is a preferred wood for greenhouses, hot-beds and all kinds of nursery equipment because of its demonstrated ability to resist the most punishing decay-producing conditions

The list of uses to which this species is eminently suited is very nearly endless. On farms it is sought after, in addition to the home building purposes already mentioned, for barn construction, sills, battens, feed and water troughs, and like uses in which its durability particularly adapts it to the farmer's needs.

It is valuable for silo doors, gutter, irrigation flumes, stop gates, boxes, and light portable sluices, as well as for fence posts, well-curbing and beehives. It is excellent as insulating roof planking and as plank flooring.

This lumber is recognized as the world's premier wood for boat building, and large quantities are used annually for this purpose as well as for floats and other marine structures. It has gained national recognition as the material selected and continuously used for several generations of college and professional rowing men the country over. It is extensively used in all types of pleasure craft from the skiff to the large cruiser.

It is a first rate industrial wood, and because of its light weight and workability is distinctly desirable for luggage stock, toy manufacture, and core stock, as well as for boxes and crates.

Western red cedar mills carry in stock many standard sizes and items of lumber for prompt shipment to the yard and factory trade. However, the cedar manufacturers are glad to confer with wood-using plants regarding their specific needs.in order to produce the exact sizes, dimensions and grades of lumber or cuttings the buyers require.