There are many natural wood products that you can choose for your home build, and many contractors today are moving toward these products in increasing numbers.
There are a bunch of reasons that this is the case, and we will explore them here.
Natural wood materials, and cedar in particular, are some of the best products that you can use both inside your home and on the exterior surfaces.
There are sometimes costs associated with these wood products that are not part of the picture when you use synthetic products or other materials.
However, there are frequently benefits that make the added cost worth it, which is why contractors are leaning toward choosing natural woods like cedar more and more often.
Reasons That Cedar is Chosen so Often by Today’s Contractors
There are lots of reasons that cedar is a great choice for building and design projects.
However, one of the things that many people ask when they are talking about using cedar for their build is, “Why is cedar so expensive?”
Cedar can cost more in some areas than others due to costs associated with shipping to areas where cedar is non-native and also due to global supply chain issues.
There has also been increased demand for cedar accents wood lately, which is depleting the supplies around the country, driving up costs.
All of that being said, cedar offers so many benefits that contractors are working with it in spite of the costs that sometimes have to be factored into the equation of picking it for their construction jobs.
Let’s talk about the benefits of this kind of wood material for a home or office space.
· Highly Durable and Long-Lasting
There are few products that are made of natural wood that are as durable as cedar.
Cedar contains natural oils that act as fungicides and make it unpalatable to pests.
This can allow cedar to last much longer than other woods, especially in areas like forested parts of the country where pests are far more common.
Cedar also handles wet weather really well and can be trusted to weather evenly over time.
· Dimensional Stability
This kind of wood resists warping, twisting, and also checking.
This means that you will be able to count on the structural strength of cedar even in areas where harsh weather is common.
If you have tough wet, harsh cold, or dry heat where you live, cedar might be a great choice for your needs.
· Easy Handling and Installation Work
Cedar is really easy to handle because it is really lightweight.
It is also very simple to install, making it a cost-saving alternative to woods that are harder to deal with and less consistent in weight or quality.
This reduces your labor costs on jobs of all shapes and sizes that use cedar wood as a building or construction material.
· Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Cedar is a renewable resource, and it is often categorized as a sustainable resource as well.
Many builders are working toward reducing their environmental footprint in a host of ways, and making sure not to use products that are harmful or that are not sustainable is often the first big step toward this goal.
Cedar can be grown in the US and sustainably harvested, which makes it fit with green building standards.
· Beautiful and Versatile
Cedar is known for its rich and warm colors, the straightness of its grain, and its ability to be painted or stained in nearly any color.
This wood can be used for modern buildings and rustic cabins, and can be perfect for siding, decking, and interior projects.
There really isn’t much that cedar can’t do, and anything that you build from cedar will look amazing, even as it ages.
· Long-Term Value
Cedar is something that can improve the value of your home.
Not only is it beautiful to look at, but it is also easy to care for, and it can improve the value of your home from the moment that it is added to the interior or exterior of your property.
There is a clear association between quality and cedar wood finishes and exterior products, so you will be elevating the value of your home.
Many buyers in higher-end markets are looking for this kind of finishing product when they shop for homes.
· Easy to Care For
Cedar is simple to care for. Most people allow the exterior cedar surfaces of their home to age naturally.
You shouldn’t pressure wash this kind of wood, as you can damage it this way. Instead, just hose down areas that are dirty or stained.
You can also scrub areas that need attention with a soft brush and mild soap and water.
Cedar will turn silver over time if you don’t seal it, but you can sand it down lightly and stain or seal it if you wish.
This process only needs to be completed every two years.
Contractors Love Cedar Wood Because it is Versatile and Beautiful
There is no reason to consider a bunch of other wood products if you can access cedar in your area.
This is one of the most beautiful and well-loved wood finishing choices for any kind of building.
Remember that you will probably have to budget for some increased cost for this kind of siding or interior material in some cases.
However, the beauty and longevity of the cedar wood that you are installing in your home or around your property will be worth every penny.
Contractors love materials that hold up to lots of years of hard work, and they also care about sustainability in the work that they are doing.
This means that cedar is at the top of the natural wood products list.
You might have had your eye set on other materials for your home or business, but you should consider cedar before you move on to less desirable options.
You won’t regret investing in this quality wood product when you see how amazing it looks and find out how durable it truly is.
