Author Archives: Cedar Country Lumber

Half Moon Bay Custom Home

Hot in the building market right now, Clear Western Red Cedar T&G for both interiors and exteriors!  Check out this stunning unique, contemporary home being built in California’s bay area.  We worked closely with the builder to ensure the siding specs were an exact match to the architect’s design. 

clear vertical grain western red cedar siding

After we milled the 1×6 clear, vertical grain Western Red Cedar Fine Line Tongue and Groove to the specified pattern, we had a factory flood coat of Penofin Red Label “Cedar” penetrating oil applied to the T&G siding.  Coated on all four sides and dried in a temperature-controlled environment, the quality of finish that is achieved by this process just can’t be duplicated on the job site.  No waiting for perfect weather!

custom milled clear vertical grain T&g for exterior siding

We specialize in working with customers with unique building materials needs all over the US.  Because we are located in the “heart of cedar country,” the only place in the world where Western Red Cedar and Alaska Yellow Cedar are grown natively, we can offer top-quality materials and great prices.

custom cut western red cedar siding being installed on a home in california

Before your next project, be sure to visit us!

http://www.CedarCountryLumber.com

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

350.757.6343

Wood Timbers and Beams – Cracks and Checking

Nothing beats the look and feel of real wood products.  They bring warmth, beauty, and charm that just can’t be duplicated with synthetic building materials.  As natural wood lovers, when larger timbers and beams crack and “check” (as they always do), we believe it only adds to the special character and appeal that only natural wood can provide.

When a tree is harvested, about half of its weight is water.  Soon after, it begins to dry and shrink about twice as fast along the growth rings than across them.

Western Red Cedar Timbers and Beams

After it is milled, smaller lumber pieces will dry faster than wood manufactured into larger timbers, beams, or heavier boards.  As the outer layers of the bigger pieces dry and shrink, the center of the timbers will stay moist longer.  All these changes cause the lumber to move, check and crack.  The larger the timber or beam, the larger the cracks, as well.

This is NOT a bad thing!

Checking normally begins on the exterior surface of a timber and is not a structural concern.  In fact, because it releases the tension that has built up, it actually makes the wood stronger.

Western Red Cedar Timber Checks

All wood species will check differently.  Denser exotic woods check more readily than softer woods, such as Douglas Fir and Cedar. However, checks in harder woods are generally smaller.

Ways to help minimize checking:

  • Generally speaking, higher grades of materials will have more stability. Especially when choosing “free of heart center” instead of “boxed heart” grade (as applicable)
  • When building with Douglas Fir, and some other hardwood species, some larger timbers and beams can be kiln-dried.
  • Use proper acclimation techniques. Store your wood off the ground, out of direct sunlight, and allow the ends to breathe prior to installation
  • Seal cut ends of hardwood timbers immediately after cutting.

Please note all wood timbers and beams will continue to move; take on moisture, and shrink, especially those installed in exterior applications.  Checking on large timbers and beams, in many cases, does not occur until well after it is installed.  On a loose rule of thumb, softwood timbers (such as Cedar and Doug Fir) dry about 1” per year.  This means it can take 6 years for a 12×12” beam to reach equilibrium to its surroundings, and there will be movement and change throughout the whole process.

Large Western Red Cedar timbers and beams crate a covered portico and stylish pergola

                  Photo and craftsmanship by Minnesota Pergola

Our team of Wood Building Material Specialists are happy to discuss options on timbers and beams with you that are grown in the Pacific Northwest, including Western Red Cedar, Alaska Yellow Cedar, and Douglas Fir.

We ship nationwide!

360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

Clear Western Red Cedar Custom Milled Rail Cap

If you can dream it up, we can have it made!  We specialize in working with customers with unique building materials needs all over the US.

Because we are located in the heart of Cedar Country, the only place in the world Western Red Cedar and Alaskan Yellow Cedar are natively grown, we can offer superior quality Cedar building materials with exceptional pricing.  Whatever you are looking for, if we don’t stock it, chances are we can find a mill to custom make it for you.

We are currently working with a home builder in Half Moon Bay, CA, on an exquisite custom home and are getting ready to ship out this custom milled, clear vertical grain Western Red Cedar rail cap along with more clear cedar T&G cladding for the project.

custom milled clear western red cedar rail cap

Starting with the architect’s specs, we had a line drawing created with the customer’s exact measurements to review before starting production.

custom milled western red cedar building materials start with a line drawing

Once the clear, vertical grain Western Red Cedar rail cap was milled, a filler piece of wood was attached to the bottom to help protect the “legs” during pre-stain and shipment.

Tight Grain, Clear Vertical Grain Western Red Cedar milled into a custom rail cap

Next, the rail cap was pre-stained with Penofin Ultra Premium Red Label in “Cedar”.  This will help protect the custom milled Cedar rail cap during shipment, on the job site, and during installation.

c

A second field coat is recommended before installation on all four sides.

Stay tuned for more amazing photos of this project!  And before your next project, be sure to visit us!  We ship nationwide!

clear western red cedar siding

architect spec'd clear western red cedar tongue and groove siding

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

Pre-Finished Knotty Pine Wall and Ceiling T&G Paneling

Nothing compares to the natural warmth and feel natural wood brings to interiors and exteriors of commercial and residential buildings. Manufactured from knotty, appearance grade (SPF) Pine, our wall and ceiling paneling was developed for ease of installation.  Available in two different profiles and factory coated for increased consistency and protection, this natural wood wall and ceiling paneling comes backed with a 15-year manufacturer’s warranty provided by Woodtone.

Canadian Ice Lager Pine T&G

Canadian Ice Lager Pine T&G ~ Craftsmanship by Atlas Woodworks

Ease of Installation

  • Each board is end-matched, therefore it does not need to end on a stud. This saves time, as well as money during installation.
  • Available in 12, 14, and 16’ lengths in two different profiles: square edge or v-grooved
  • Each board is already coated with high-quality, water-based semi-transparent or solid stain on all four sides.  This will save money and time on the job site, as well as helps to protect the wood and prevent damage and dirt pick-up.

Applications

  • Exterior porch ceilings
  • Exterior soffits
  • Interior ceilings
  • Interior accent walls

FineLine Tongue & Groove Profile

Prefinished Pine Wall and Ceiling Paneling

Our FineLine Pre-Finished Pine T&G is end matched with a square edge “penny gap” profile and is available in seven unique semi-transparent or solid colors.

  • White Rum
  • Irish Cream
  • Crystal Gin
  • Smokey Bourbon
  • Single Malt
  • Reserve Cognac
  • Vintage Port

Prefinished Pine Penny Gap Paneling

Traditional Tongue & Groove Profile

pine v-grooved tongue and groove paneling

Our Traditional Pre-finished Pine T&G is end matched with a v-groove profile and is available in six unique semi-transparent or solid colors.

  • Belgian White Ale
  • Canadian Ice Lager
  • English Porter
  • American Nut Brown
  • Irish Stout
  • Texas Honey Brown

Pre-primed v groove pine paneling

Important Notes

  • SPF is an acronym, which stands for spruce, pine, and fir. Sold under the general term “Pine,” it may be a combination of any of the three trees.  All produce a high-grade timber with relatively sound, small tight knots. If a blemish-free appearance is desired, we recommend filling knots with putty and finishing with a solid color topcoat.
  • This is a natural wood product. Warranty does not cover natural occurrences such as extractive bleeding, variations in grain and color, knots, mineral streaks and/or pitch pockets.  Sorry, we are unable to provide an exact match on any previous order or sample.
  • All material must be viewed and allowed to acclimate 5-7 days before installation. We consider the installation of the product as final acceptance.
  • This product is not recommended for, or warranted for, exterior siding applications.

Please contact us for brochures or samples, and before your next project, be sure to visit us! We provide high-quality specialty building materials to homeowners and contractors nationwide.

360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

Atlas Pine T&G

Custom Milled Clear, Vertical Grain Alaska Yellow Cedar

Prized for both interior and exterior use due to its pale yellow color, workability, and longevity, Alaska Yellow Cedar was the chosen wood for this unique, modern home on Fidalgo Island in Washington state.  

custom milled 1x6 Clear Vertical Grain Yellow Cedar Cladding

Designed by local architect Brooks Middleton, whom we have had the pleasure to work with on several local projects, designed this project to have it built using clear, vertical grain Yellow Cedar for accent walls inside the home and for some of the exterior cladding.  Since what he was looking for was not an “off the shelf” product, we worked with our mill to manufacture the custom spec’d 6″ clear vertical grain (also referred to as VG) Yellow Cedar for the exterior siding, as well as the 8″ clear VG Yellow Cedar for the interior of the home.

Clear, vertical grain is the highest grade of Cedar, and as you might guess, the most expensive.   The wood is sawn specifically so that all the growth rings are parallel to each other on the face of the board.  All pieces milled will have a smooth face of decay-resistant heartwood and will be free from most growth characteristics that affect appearance. Please note that even in all the clear grades, including VG, some knots may be present, as well as other less-than-perfect characteristics.  Every tree, as well as every piece of lumber, will have natural individual characteristics, including variance in color.

Clear Alaska Yellow Cedar custom milled for Interior Use

When installing any natural wood product, regardless of grade, the trick is to install the best pieces in the areas with the highest visibility and always allow for some waste, especially in lower grades of clear and knotty Cedar products.

And before your next project, be sure to visit us! We specialize in working with customers with unique needs!

We ship nationwide!

360.757.6343

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

Trending Now – Natural Exterior Wood Cladding

Whether it is new construction or updating the look of a commercial or residential building, using natural wood siding to add a more modern look and feel is gaining popularity.  With so many options in Western Red Cedar, Alaskan Yellow Cedar, and other domestic hard and softwoods, the possibilities are endless to create a more natural, welcoming appearance for any building with wood cladding.

A true example of crafted modernism, this rustic home located in eastern Washington is cladded with a mix of our knotty Western Red Cedar and metal, along with concrete and steel elements to create an appealing façade that blends in with the natural surroundings, as well as help to protect the home against wildfires.  See more photos of this project by visiting the builder’s website, Impel Construction.

Knotty Western Red Cedar and Metal Siding protect this home against wildfires

architecture by Designs Northwest Architects, photo courtesy of Colin Sands

When paired with a medium or dark color, natural wood siding instantly modernizes an existing building.  In these photos, our friends at La Conner Dental replaced portions of the existing siding on their commercial building with our 1×4” clear Western Red Cedar tongue and groove paneling to create an upscale, yet charming exterior.

cedar siding accent using 1x4 clear Western Red Cedar TG

clear 1x4 western red cedar tongue and groove

Totally on-trend, and only getting hotter, is creating entrances to both homes and businesses that are inviting with depth and dimension. Used to accentuate the front porch and entry, our clear, vertical grain engineered veneer Western Red Cedar T&G extends a warm welcome to the homeowners and guests alike.

clear engineered western red cedar t&g

craftsmanship by Dihedral Builders

Adding natural wood timbers and beams and natural wood paneling to the underside of porches and overhangs provides guests with shelter against the weather. Our Douglas Fir timbers and natural Western Red Cedar T&G create visual interest to this new home’s covered entry in this photo.

Doug Fir Timbers and Clear Cedar Soffit entryway

built by Brown and Sons, Inc

By mixing warm, organic-looking clear, mixed grain, Western Red Cedar with cool metal, the Craft Stove building entrance in Mount Vernon, WA, draws customers into their new showroom.

clear Western Red Cedar and metal siding warm this commercial building

craftsmanship by Chad Fisher Construction

Used to draw the outdoors in and keep the momentum of a seamless design, real Western Red Cedar is used on the interior walls and ceiling, as well as the exterior of this custom home in Malibu, CA.  The clear, vertical grain Cedar T&G used on the exterior of the home was pre-treated for fire resistance.  Learn more about the process for this by clicking HERE

clear western red cedar installed on interior ceiling and carried through to the home's exterior

clear western red cedar was fire treated for this homes exterior

We are so pleased to see this trend that includes natural wood and earthier elements and would be happy to discuss adding our natural wood products to your next project!  We ship nationwide!

360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

Your Next Outdoor Project:  Why Hiring a Contractor Might be Your Best Bet

Drive through almost any neighborhood these days, and you’ll see that outdoor living is on the top of everyone’s minds.  From simple decks to massive outdoor structures, including patio covers and pergolas, with so many options in materials, as well as installation methods and tools needed to get the job done right, hiring a contractor might just be your best bet.  And money well spent.

Western Red Cedar Patio Cover

Here are some reasons to think about getting some professional help with your next outdoor project:

Design – while Pinterest and magazines have many pictures of beautiful outdoor living spaces, will it actually work in your yard?  A professional can help you design a space that will work well with your property’s size while taking things into consideration, such as the natural slope and other factors, and make recommendations that can turn a basic deck or outdoor living room into a masterpiece.

Custom Pergola made from Azek PVC materials

design, craftsmanship, and photo by Skagit Custom Decks

Engineering and Complexity – Each outdoor project is as unique as the person dreaming about it, and each project brings its own set of things that need to be considered, such as weight-bearing requirements (for example, if a hot tub will be placed on your new deck), electrical needs, and attachment points.  If a new deck or pergola will be attached to any existing structures, an expert knows how to properly attach a ledger board to your home’s exterior to ensure both your new structure, and your home, are safely connected and protected.

Mahogany decking and outdoor fire place

design, craftsmanship, and photo by Washington Deck and Fence

Material Selection – with so many options from natural wood to composites and other manufactured decking projects, stainless steel, and more, a professional has spent the time researching and working with a variety of materials and can help you select the ones that will work best for your project and budget.  With tons of experience, they know how to correctly purchase the right amount of materials from the best suppliers with the best support.

Western Red Cedar Pergola Materials

design, craftsmanship, and photo by Hillman’s Tranquil Hardscapes

Permitting – a professional has the experience and will be able to interpret your city, county, and state building codes, as well as navigate the permitting process seamlessly.   This expertise can help save you lots of time and money.

Hiring a Contractor for Outdoor Living Projects

design, craftsmanship, and photo by Minnesota Pergolas

How to find a good contractor?  Always check to make sure anyone who will be doing work on your property is properly licensed and bonded.  Your local building association is a great resource to find one in your area who is experienced in the type of project you want, and you can always be assured that they are properly licensed and bonded, as that is a requirement of membership.  For help in Skagit and Island Counties, please visit www.Sicba.org for assistance.  Outside our area, you can search the database of the National Association of Home Builders to find your local association by simply entering your zip code.

Before your next project, be sure to visit us!  We ship nationwide!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

360.757.6343

Custom Cedar Pergola

We supplied the full, rough sawn appearance grade Western Red Cedar 4×6″, 8×8″, and 8×12″s for this custom Cedar Pergola and Dexperts of Bellingham, WA, provided the design, craftsmanship, and brawn to get the job done!  Before installation, the cedar beams were given a coat of Ultra Premium Red Label Penofin “Sable”.

Ultra Premium Red Label Penofin exterior wood stain is made from a Brazilian Rosewood Oil base, which penetrates deeply to protect and nourish the wood’s fibers.  With extra protection against mildew and pigments that provide ultraviolet protection against fading, Ultra Premium Red Label Penofin will help preserve and give longer life to any outdoor wood project.

Easy to apply, simple to maintain, with pigments that won’t fade, turn chalky or wash off.

Western Red Cedar Pergola

Western Red Cedar Pergola stained with Penofin penetration oil

With shipments of cedar lumber, siding, shingles, shakes, timbers, and other specialty building materials leaving our warehouse daily to all over the US, our customers value the quality of our products and our honest business practices, combined with excellent customer service and superior product knowledge.  Before your next project, be sure to visit us!

We provide delivery service throughout northwest Washington, including the San Juan Islands, and ship nationwide!

360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

Custom Cut Western Red Cedar for Outdoor Cross

Western Red Cedar is an ideal wood choice for outdoor structures due to its natural resistance to rot and decay, and workability.  Grown natively in the Pacific Northwest, where Cedar Country Lumber is located, we can source top-quality Cedar timbers and beams in nearly any size and length, including beams over 20′ long, and ship them directly to consumers anywhere in the US.

Likely one of the most photographed projects we have had the pleasure of participating in, we provided the full dimension, 8×12″ Western Red Cedar timbers for this cross several years ago.  Located in Centerport, NY, on the north shore of Long Island, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs R.C. Church was kind enough to send us these photos, along with a note from Father John.

“Tom,

Great stories with the cross – the man who put it together, a master carpenter, builds high-end houses and said it was the most meaningful thing he has ever done!! So many working on it – hope the pictures capture the meaning.”  Father John

Western Red Cedar Timbers used for exterior crucifix

Full dimensional Western Red Cedar was used for this outdoor crucifix on Long Island

Check out more photos of this project on Facebook and Instagram!

Before your next project, be sure to visit us! We ship nationwide!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

Custom Milled Knotty Cedar Rail Cap

We specialize in working with customers with unique needs all over the US! If you can design it, we can have it made!  When a company that specializes in multi-family construction remodels contacted us to help him manufacture a cedar rail cap to an exact profile to match what was used on a property previously, we were able to have it made from this full, rough cut Western Red Cedar lumber.

Full Rough Cut Western Red Cedar Lumber

2x6 Western Red Cedar rough cut lumber

Made from high-quality Select Tight Knot Western Red Cedar, this rail cap will be installed at a condominium complex in Idaho after we have it sent out for a factory pre-prime with oil-based primer, so that it is ready to install when it arrives on the job site.  Our factory pre-stain process saves money and time on the job, helps to protect your material on the job site, as well as during installation.

Custom Milled Knotty Western Red Cedar Rail Cap

Custom milled 2x8 knotty Western Red Cedar Rail cap

With shipments of high-quality Western Red Cedar, Alaskan Yellow Cedar lumber, siding, shingles, shakes, timbers, (as well as other specialty building materials in various hard and softwoods), leaving our warehouse daily to all over the US, our customers value the quality of our products and our honest business practices, combined with excellent customer service and superior product knowledge.

​Before your next project, be sure to visit us!  We ship nationwide!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA