Cedar Shake Re-Roof at Mule Peak Fire Lookout

After the Great Fire of 1910 that burned millions of acres of forest land in Washington, Idaho, and Montana, the U.S. Forest Service began to create policies regarding fire suppression, as well explore better ways to detect fires, including the construction of fire lookouts. In 1933 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt formed the Civilian Conservation Corps, the U.S. Forest Service was able to take advantage of the CCC workforce and initiated a massive program of construction projects, including fire lookout towers.

Due to the abundance of material, as well as low maintenance, and natural resistance to rot and insect attack, fire lookouts through out the Pacific Northwest were originally constructed using Western Red Cedar building materials. An especially popular choice for these structures was Western Red Cedar shake roofing.

We recently had the pleasure of providing 24″ #1 Medium Western Red Cedar Shakes for the restoration of the fire look out on Mule Peak, located in Oregon. Accessible only by foot or pack animal, our friends at Kaplan Homes Unlimited, mounted horses and made the 4,000 foot elevation gain up to the lookout to complete the roof restoration. Please enjoy these photos of their trip.

Accessible only by foot or pack animal, Kaplan Homes mounted horses and carried the Western Red Cedar shakes needed to re-roof the fire lookout at Mule Peak
Western Red Cedar shakes are being installed to preserve the fire lookout at Mule Peak
The fire lookout at Mule Peak with a new Western Red Cedar shake roof

What an adventure!

Because of our unique business model, we are often contacted to help with historical restorations, such as this.  We also provide high quality Western Red Cedar, Alaska Yellow Cedar, and other soft and hardwood building materials for residential, commercial, government, and municipal projects throughout the United States. We go the extra mile to make sure our customers get exactly what they need. Before your next project, be sure to visit us! We ship nationwide!

360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

www.ccLumber.com

Cedar and Fir for a Cabin in the Woods

One of the greatest joys of helping people with specialty building materials is working with our customers and guiding them to products that help them build their dream home.  Located on scenic Guemes Island in the San Juan Islands of Washington state, this Pacific Northwest style custom home is nearing completion.

Clad with our hand-split Western Red Cedar shakes, this “cabin in the woods” shows excellent craftsmanship with thoughtful and creative touches, inside as well as out.  Used for many years in the Pacific Northwest, our Western Red Cedar shakes will provide many years of carefree service for this home’s exterior.

western red cedar shakes and knotty cedar soffit

Western Red cedar shakes and soffit

western red cedar shakes used as exterior cladding is perfect for any cabin in the woods

The interior is clad with Douglas Fir tongue and groove, which adds to the feeling of being right at home in the trees on this secluded island, which is only accessible by boat or ferry.

clear vertical grain douglas fir for interior paneling and trim

douglas fir interior paneling is perfect for this cabin in the woods

Douglas Fir Interior wood paneling

A special “Thank You” to the Casey family for allowing us to participate in your project and for sharing these fantastic photos!  So beautiful!

customer testimonial from Jim Casey about Cedar Country Lumber

Before your next project, be sure to visit us! We specialize in providing customers all over the United States with Pacific Northwest, coastal grown Western Red Cedar, Alaska Yellow Cedar, and Douglas Fir building materials.

We ship nationwide!

360.757.6343

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

Alaska Yellow Cedar Shingles for Roofing

Grown only in the Pacific Northwest coastal areas of Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington State, Alaska Yellow Cedar is not a true “cedar” and belongs in the cypress family. This species goes by many common names, including: Nootka cypress, yellow cypress, Alaska cypress, Nootka cedar, yellow cedar, Alaska cedar, and Alaska yellow cedar.

Due to the short growing season along the Pacific coast, the growth rings of Yellow Cedar trees are tight, making them heavier, denser, and stronger than either Western Red Cedar or White Cedar.  Naturally resistant to rot and decay, Alaska Yellow Cedar shrinks very little over time, making it an ideal choice for roofing.

Alaska Yellow Cedar roofing shingles

100% Edge Grain Alaska Yellow Cedar Shingles lay flat

We are pleased to offer top-grade 18” Alaska Yellow Cedar shingles that are 100% clear heartwood and 100% edge grain.  These are perfect for either sidewall or roofing applications.  100% edge grain shingles and shakes outperform grades that allow flat grain.  This is because of the way the cedar cants are split (or sawn) to achieve a more dimensionally stable product.  Edge grain shingles and shakes will have vertical lines on the exposed face.  When looking at the butt end of an edge grain shingle, you will see the tight annual growth rings perpendicular to the surface.  Edge grain shingles will lay flatter and are less likely to curl or cup.

certigrade yellow cedar shingles

Alaska Yellow Cedar Shingles for sale for roofing and siding

Whether our Alaska Yellow Cedar shingles are installed as siding or roofing, they are best left to weather naturally and turn into a uniform silver-gray. The wood’s integrity and unique properties are intact and will perform admirably for years with little maintenance.  These many unique characteristics of Alaska Yellow Cedar make it a precious and sought-after specialty building material by contractors, architects, and designers, for both residential and commercial use.

Alaska Yellow Cedar shingles left to weather into a silver gray

Yellow Cedar Shingle Roof left to weather into a beautiful gray

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

360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

Ribbon Coursing of Cedar Sidewall Shingles

The natural beauty, longevity, and durability of Western Red Cedar have made it a popular choice for exterior siding since man began building structures.  It is light, easy to work with, and comes in a variety of patterns and textures that allow designers, architects, builders, and homeowners to customize an exterior that is perfect for their particular project.

Because of the many grades and sizes and ways that they can be installed to create a custom look, Cedar Shingles are an especially popular siding choice.  In this photo, the pre-primed #1 R&R (re-edged and re-jointed) Western Red Cedar Shingles we provided for this historical restoration were installed using a method called “Ribbon Coursing”.

Pre primed ribbon coursed Western Red Cedar Shingles

When applying ribbon coursing, the double shadow line is created by raising the outer course of cedar shingles approximately 1″ above the under coursing.  It is recommended that only #1 shingles be used in this application.

Ribbon Coursing installation guidelines for Western Red Cedar Shingles

Butt nail all double coursed cedar shingles that are installed with more than their maximum single course recommended exposure.  For our 18″ #1 Western Red Cedar shingles, 7″ is the maximum recommended exposure for a single course.  When installing any Western Red Cedar building materials, be sure to use corrosion-resistant fasteners.

# 1 Western Red Cedar shingle installation exposure guide

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

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

Western Red Cedar Supplied for National Park Service at Stehekin

Thuja plicata, commonly called western red cedar or Pacific red cedar, giant arborvitae or western arborvitae, giant cedar, or shinglewood, is a species of Thuja, an evergreen coniferous tree in the cypress family native to western North America. It is not a true cedar of the genus Cedrus.

Western Red Cedar trees produce their own thujaplicin, a chemical substance that is known to have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It’s also said to be an anti-oxidant. Long before it was used in modern construction, Western Red Cedar played a large role in the lives of Native Americans. So much that they called it “the Tree of Life”.

Native to the Pacific Northwest, where Cedar Country Lumber is located, we are proud suppliers of Western Red Cedar building materials for new construction, as well as historical restorations. Over the years, we have had the pleasure of working with the North Cascades National Park staff on many of their projects, including some at Stehekin.

Accessible only by foot, boat, or plane, Stehekin is located on the Northern shores of Lake Chelan in Eastern Washington and offers many outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and kayaking. For visitors wishing to spend the night with amenities, there are cabins, a house, and rooms for rent, as well as a restaurant and general store.

Western Red Cedar supplied for National Park Service at Stehekin

Special “thanks” to our friends, the Roberts, for capturing these photos on their recent trip to Stehekin!

Knotty Western Red Cedar Siding

Knotty Western Red Cedar Siding

Hand Split Western Red Cedar Shakes

Hand Split Western Red Cedar Shakes

Western Red Cedar Board and Batten Siding

Western Red Cedar Board and Batten Siding

Select Tight Knot Western Red Cedar

Select Tight Knot Western Red Cedar

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

360.757.6343

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

CCA Pressure Treated Cedar Shingles and Shakes

While naturally resistant to rot and decay, Western Red Cedar shingles and shakes that have been treated with Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) will add years to the life of your roof or siding.

To add longevity to this cedar roof, the cedar shakes were treated with CCA pressure treatment

Invented in the early 1930s, CCA treatments protect wood against insect attack and fungal decay and is expected to give life to the wood in excess of forty years.  This can be extremely helpful in areas with high humidity to provide longevity to cedar roofing, utility, highway, marine, agricultural and heavy construction.  CCA preservative treatments render the wood useless as a food substance for insects and fungi yet keeps the natural look of the wood.  As a matter of fact, it is almost impossible to tell that the wood has even been treated when finished.

Since CCA pressure treatments have been around for so long, many studies have been done to ensure its safety by both private and public research institutions.  At no time have any special risks been found, and it is not toxic to plants.  However, it should not be used in direct contact with food, nor should it be burned.  As with any wood, a dust mask should be worn when sawing or working with CCA-treated cedar shingles and shakes.

CCA Pressure Treated Cedar Shake Roof will last approximately 40 years

If you are interested in pricing on Western Red Cedar shingles or shakes with CCA preservative treatments, please give us a call or send an email to sales@cclumber.com

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

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

360.757.6343

Western Red Cedar roofing shakes

18″ R&R Value Priced Western Red Cedar Sidewall Shingles

We are pleased to be stocking 18″ Western Red Cedar Value Priced Rebutted and Rejointed, Kiln Dried Sidewall Shingles produced by the only shake & shingle producer that owns its own timber supply, Teal Cedar of British Columbia, Canada.

Get More for Your Money With

We distribute Teal Cedar Sidewall Shingles and Shakes to homeowners and contractors

Sourced from the most sustainably managed forests in the world, we are pleased to provide homeowners and contractors nationwide with Teal Cedar‘s Western Red Cedar Sidewall Shingles and Shakes.  New to our product line up are two grades of 18″ rebutted and rejoined*, kiln-dried, sidewall shingles with sanded faces.  Inspected by a third party for quality control, our A Extra’s and B Clear’s are every bit as beautiful as you would expect and provide the durability and longevity that only coastal grown Canadian Western Red Cedar can provide. All this at a GREAT price!

A grade clear, Western Red Cedar Rebutted and Rejoined Sidewall Shingles by Teal Jones

Manufactured with 100% heartwood, A Extra’s are clear up to a minimum of 8″ from the butt of each shingle with no decay, holes, or knots.  Grade A Western Red Cedar sidewall shingles are 18″ long and can be installed with a maximum exposure of 7″.   Each carton of A Extras will cover 25 square feet, when installed at a 5″ exposure.  Available now in their natural state and pre-stained with a Western Red Cedar tone penetrating oil, called “Teal Tone”.  Other colors and primed A Extras are available by special order.

Value priced B Clear 18" Western Red Cedar Shingles by Teal Jones

While some knots and holes may be present, Grade B Western Red Cedar shingles are clear and are 100% heartwood up 6″ from the butt.  Eighteen inches in length, Grade B Clear sidewall shingles can be installed with a maximum exposure of 5.5″.   Each carton will cover 25 square feet when installed at a 5″ exposure.   Currently offering natural shingles in stock, but primed and stained B Clears are available by special order.

Western Red Cedar R&R Sidewall Shingles manufactured by Teal Cedar, distributed by Cedar Country Lumber

A Extra and B Clear Western Red Cedar Sidewall Shingles should be installed sanded face out, at no more than the maximum exposure rated for each grade.  Space shingles slightly apart 1/4″ to allow for expansion and to prevent buckling.  Because of Western Red Cedar’s natural properties, fasteners that are corrosion resistant (such as Stainless Steel) are recommended and should be applied approximately 1″ above the butt line of the succeeding course.  As with all sidewall shingles, the first course on the wall should be doubled.  Outside corners should either be laced, butted against corner boards, or mitered.  Inside corners should be butted against a wood strip.

Sidewall Shingle Square Foot Coverage Per Carton Chart

Please call for pricing and availability!

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

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington, WA  98233

Canadian grown and milled, our Teal Cedar A Extras and B Clears will provide many years of service at a great price!

*Rebutted and rejointed (R&R) shingles have parallel edges at right angles to the butt and are of uniform thickness.  The butts and one face shall be reasonably smooth.  Mills producing these products shall use an independent inspection or certification agency to oversee quality control of products labeled as such.

Why Your Custom Home Deserves High Quality Western Red Cedar

When it comes to choosing building materials for a remodel or your new custom home, it is hard to beat the natural beauty, versatility, and reliability of Western Red Cedar.

Available in many different grades, Western Red Cedar can be used to customize your home’s exterior with a wide variety of siding patterns, shingles and shakes, as well trim and soffit materials.   Because it is pitch and resin-free, it is able to accept a wide range of finishes, from semi-transparent stains that allow the natural wood beauty to shine through to darker stains that show the character (or add a “beachy feel”), as well as traditional solid colors.  No matter your unique style, you can be sure when you choose Western Red Cedar, you will be able to create the custom look for your home that is just right for you.

Please enjoy these photos of two custom homes in Anacortes, WA, that we supplied all the exterior Western Red Cedar for.  Each house was designed and built by different custom home builders; however, both homeowners choose similar cedar products, including custom stained Western Red Cedar shingles as exterior cladding with painted Cedar trim.  By choosing totally different stains for the cedar shingles, along with the other unique details of each home, including the Western Red Cedar fences, you can see how versatile and beautiful Western Red Cedar truly is.

Custom Cedar Fences and Stained Western Red Cedar Shingles

Western Red Cedar shingles used as exterior cladding and custom cedar fencing

Before your next project, be sure to visit us!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

 

**Pricing Update** Cedar Shingles and Shakes imported from Canada

Things are still being sorted out regarding the softwood agreement and imposed tariffs by the US on Canadian softwood imports.  The last softwood agreement between our two countries was signed in 2006, and as of date, a new agreement has not been put in place.

Initially, it appeared that coniferous shingles and shakes were not part of the expired agreement, and pricing has stayed somewhat stable.  However, just days ago, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection have determined that coniferous shingles and shakes were part of this agreement and are now subject to the increased tariffs.

Today we received notice that all of the Western Red Cedar and Alaskan Yellow Cedar Shingles and Shakes we import from Canada have increased in price 20 – 25%.  Due to this, we are unable to honor any previous quotes on Cedar Shingles or Shakes.

For current pricing, please contact our sales staff

We can be reached at 360.757.6343 or by emailing sales@cedarcountrylumber.com

Western Red Cedar Shingles subject to new duties and tariffs

Canada has submitted a request for a meeting with the World Trade Organization to assist in the dispute with the US and Canada lumber softwood exports.  However, due to the strong demand from the rise in new housing in the US and tight supply, Canadian softwood lumber producers don’t appear to be concerned too much, and prices are expected to be high on all Canadian grown coastal Cedar and other imported softwoods throughout 2018.

For more information, please see the latest developments by clicking HERE

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA  98233

Red Cedar Royal Shingles

Grown only in the Pacific Northwest, Western Red Cedar is a top choice for exterior wall cladding, roofing, and interior accents.   Prized for its fine even grain, natural properties against rot and decay, and low maintenance needs, Western Red Cedar Shingles and Shakes are a very popular choice for exterior siding and roofing around the world.

We recently made a quick trip down to California and had the opportunity to visit a shopping center in La Jolla, CA, that we have been supplying our 24” Royal Western Red Cedar Shingles to for a re-siding project.  Since this a working job site and there is limited storage for building materials, we ship them one to two pallets at a time.

Western Red Cedar Royal Shingles

Owners Tom & Kym Kelly at the La Jolla shopping center

Royals are our longest “off the shelf” Western Red Cedar shingles and can be installed with a maximum exposure of 7.5” on either walls or roofs with a 3:12 pitch or steeper.  The individual shingles will range in width from 4” to 14”.  There are approximately 60 to 85 random width shingles per bundle.  To learn more about the various grades and sizes of cedar shingles available, please click HERE.

24" Western Red Cedar Shingles "Royals"

Quality Craftsmanship!

Red Cedar Exterior Shingles by the pallet

Red Cedar Shingles

Used for centuries, Western Red Cedar Shingles and Shakes are an ideal building material

crabby bloody mary

If ever in the La Jolla area, we highly recommend grabbing a bite to eat the Crab Catcher!  And, before your next project, be sure to visit us!  We ship nationwide!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

866.757.6343