RESISTANCE TO WOOD DECAY
Western Red Cedar heartwood is known for its resistance to decay. This natural resistance is attributed to the presence of phenolic extractives, especially thujaplicins, and to a lesser extent, the water-soluble phenolics, which are toxic to a number of wood-decaying fungi. Western Red Cedar has Class 2 durability in Europe and Australia, which is the highest durability category for softwoods.
DIMENSIONAL STABILITY
Western Red Cedar has excellent dimensional stability, which is due to its low density and low shrinkage factor. The main reason for this stability is the fact that its moisture content at the fiber saturation point ranges from 18% to 23%, compared to 25% to 30% in most softwoods. As a result, Western Red Cedar shrinks and swells minimally, displaying only small dimensional changes with changes in humidity. Lower water absorption is the result of a high extractive content which blocks the absorption possibilities. These properties predetermine the use of Western Red Cedar for siding, molding and other applications, such as saunas, where dimensional stability and water-repellency are important factors.
- EXTRAORDINARY RESISTANCE TO WOOD-DECAYING FUNGI AND INSECTS
Redcedar is exceptionally suitable for outdoor wooden constructions due to its dimensional stability. It is exceptionally suitable for various types of sun shading, pergolas, sidings, etc.
- LOW WEIGHT
It is a softwood with low weight, which is about 350 kg/m3.
- THERMAL INSULATION PROPERTIES
Redcedar helps to effectively reduce heating costs. The low wood density makes it an excellent thermal insulator, as it contains a small volume of bound water.
- DIMENSIONAL STABILITY
Western Red Cedar stands out in dimensional stability and workability. The material is characterized by small deformations, warping, expansion, cupping and twisting.
