The Benefits Of Cedar Cladding
Cedar cladding is great for building projects. It has many properties that make it a fantastic material. There are many different types of cedar, but Western red cedar is the popular choice for the building trade.
Most Western red cedar comes from North America and Canada but it can also be grown in the UK. It has a beautiful amber colour and contains many attractive dark knots. When left untreated, it weathers to a lovely silvery grey.
Because of the fact that the wood doesn’t contain any resin, it can easily take oils, stains and paints, so can be given any colour finish that is required.
Cedar cladding is a hit with both home-owners and architects. It is attractive, versatile and can be used on almost any project, from the traditional to the contemporary, and from small scale project to grand design.
Because of its stability, durability and volume to weight ratio, Western red is the most popular choice for untreated timber cladding. The stability is a benefit because the wood doesn’t tend to warp, twist or shrink and it can be easily screwed or nailed without splitting. The light weight helps with transportation and it is also a very good sound proofer and insulator. It is easy to see why it is so popular.
A building clad in cedar will also benefit from the wood being stable in fire. Added to that, it is also environmentally friendly because it comes from a renewable source and because its thermal properties help keep heating bills down.
Cedar has a natural resistance to insect damage, moisture and decay, making it excellent for the exterior of buildings. The natural oils create a wonderful woody aroma but have a corrosive effect on iron, so stainless-steel or galvanised fixings should be used.
Cedar is a wonderful natural material that is environmentally friendly and long lasting, so for a finish to a building that is more than just beautiful, cedar cladding is the natural choice.
Not only that but cedar is also good inside the home as furniture, or as flooring. Your hardwood flooring supplier may also be able to supply you with cladding if they are a timber specialist such as Vastern Timber in Wiltshire. Whatever cedar you decide to put in or on your home, you won’t be disappointed.


