Points to Keep in Mind When Buying Cedar Wood in the USA

Known for its distinct aroma, soft red-brown hue, and its straight and tight grain, cedar wood timber is one of the most popularly used types of wood today. It is ideal for outdoor construction applications because of its naturally high resistance to decay. In fact, cedar is widely used in the USA as decking, shingles, posts, and siding.

Cedar is also popular used for the Longwood and framing in lighter-weight kayaks and sail boats. In heavier boats, cedar is useful for sandwich construction between layers of fiberglass and epoxy resin (or similar products). Cedar is 390 to 400 kg/m3 dried, which means it is 30% lighter than mahogany and other woods typically used for boat building.

Cedar is likewise used to line chests and closets because its aromatic oils discourage the growth of bugs like carpet beetle larvae and moth, which damage wool and similar fibers. A well-sealed and properly constructed red cedar chest can retain its distinct odor for decades. This lightweight but strong wood also produces a dark, warm sound, making it a popular material for guitar soundboards.

Buying Cedar Wood in the USA

If you need construction grade cedar for building (instead of furniture), then you need to find a supplier that offers  a large selection cedar products including timbers, beans, boards, flooring, shingles, and decking. You want a one-stop shop where you will find all the cedar you need for your construction application.

Make sure that the retailer carries only the best cedar timber grades and offers them at competitive prices. Do they deliver to your area? Be sure to check, too. Some of the best cedar wood suppliers in the US use their flatbed service trucks to cater to clients in their service areas. Smaller orders may be shipped via freight carriers to your home or your job site.

Finally, ask if their cedar woods are responsibly harvested. The best suppliers get their cedar from professionally managed and renewable forests in the British Columbia area. By convention, only a third of 1% of BC Cedar can be harvested annually.