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The
Benefits of White Cedar versus Pine
One
of the most frequently asked questions we hear is: Why do
you use white cedar in your log home construction, when most
of your competitors are offering pine? Simply put, white
cedar has many architectural advantages over pine.
Northern White Cedar, recognized universally as a superior
species for use in log homes, is one of nature's small
miracles. This recognition is due in part to the
natural beauty and insulating qualities this species
possesses. It is naturally insect, and rot resistant,
it naturally regenerates. northern White cedar is not
prone to splintering. If Left unfinished, it ages to a
silvery gray, silky surface. This species is excellent
for indoor, outdoor, and ground contact applications.
It is nontoxic, safe to handle, and can be safely burned.
There are no chemicals added, so none can leach out. |
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Northern White
Cedar |
vs. |
The Competition
(White Pine, Yellow Pine, Etc.) |
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Blessed with natural
preservatives, that make it one of the most decay/rot
resistant and insect tolerant woods available. Minimal
cracking/checking. Cracks will not penetrate the heartwood. |
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Not naturally resistant to rot
or insects Kiln drying typically used to kill existing
insects in wood. Requires preservative treatments to prevent
future rot and insect damage However, these treatments lose
their abilities once the logs crack, opening up unprotected
areas. Large cracks are common, often penetrating the
heartwood.
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According to a University of
Maine study, initiated to determine the natural durability
of various species of commonly used woods, untreated white
cedar was found to possess a high natural durability, even
under ground contact conditions, as attested by the
existence of surveyor's corner posts and rail fences still
serviceable after 50 to 60 years or more.
Source:
UMO-Forest Products Laboratory
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The life expectancy of
untreated wood species, (other than cedar) commonly used in
log home construction, with ground contact, range from 3 to
7 years.
Source:
Forest Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture |
Has less moisture when green
(3500 lbs. per cord), making it easier to reach desired
moisture content levels. Cedar can be naturally air-dried to
a 14-16% moisture level in a fairly short time. Air drying
allows the wood to acclimate itself to the new moisture
level without harming its’ molecular structure.
Source:
UMO-Forest Products Laboratory
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Pine averages 4700 lbs. per
cord immediately harvest The natural character of the specks
is to retain moisture and in turn, release it very slowly it
is “forced out” unnaturally, risking possible cell rupture. |
White cedar has the highest
“R” value of any of the wood species used in log home
production. A rating of 1.41 “R”/inch of thickness.
Source:
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture — Wood Handbook
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The “R” value of various Pine
species used in log production averages 1.12 “R”/inch of
thickness |
According to the ASHRAE
Handbook, the “R”
Factor /Thermal Mass Factor of White cedar is 3.78.
Source:
ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and
Air-conditioning Engineers) Handbook of Fundamentals |
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According to the ASHRAE
Handbook, the “R” Factor/Thermal Mass Factor of Pine is
2.76. |
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Authorized
Dealer
Authorized Applicator |
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