Real Cedar boasts greater beauty and more versatility than man-made materials, but looks alone don’t tell the entire story. There are many other benefits to this sustainable building product.

When homeowners choose natural wood over synthetic substitutes, they’re doing the planet and their wallets a huge favor. Independent studies have determined that wood outperforms steel, concrete and composites in the following categories:

Energy expenditure: Wood products require much less energy to produce than concrete or steel. Additionally, wood possesses naturally occurring thermal properties, saving even more energy and money to heat and cool homes.

Recycling: Wood is the world’s only renewable building material. Not only can it be recycled, but it can also be regenerated. Lumber producers have been replacing harvested trees so diligently in that last few decades North American forests have actually grown 20% since 1970. Man-made materials, on the other hand, cannot be broken down or renewed and the only things they help grow are landfills and ozone holes.

Environmental impact: Wood-product manufacturing produces far fewer toxins and greenhouse gases than the leading man-made materials, resulting in the lowest impact on air and water quality. This is especially true when compared to the manufacture of recycled steel. Additionally, forest regeneration creates more trees, benefitting the environment while they grow by taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

Please visit the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association website to read and download the many resources about installing, finishing, safety, design and other aspects of working with cedar.

We’re always happy to answer your questions! Please email sales or call 604-359-9930.