Tag Archives: Green Building

Thermally Modified Hemlock T&G

This all natural, American-made natural wood product does not absorb moisture, expand, contract, warp, or become a food source for insects. By using high heat to remove the organic compounds from the Hemlock, this beautiful wood can be used indoors or out without the worry of rot, decay, insect attack, or harmful chemicals.

Using high heat, Hemlock is thermally modified to last longer

Naturally light and uniform in color, this thermally modified Hemlock will accept any stain, which makes it totally customizable for both interior or exterior use. And because the thermal modification process reduces cupping and warping, this product is a dream to install and lays straight and flat.

~~All at a price that is less than similar grade (C&Btr VG) Western Red Cedar~~

By thermally modifying this Hemlock, it is extremely stable and impervious to insects

Readily Available by Special Order ~ Thermally Modified Hemlock T&G

  • 1×4″ and 1×6″ Tongue and Groove
  • C&Btr, vertical grain
  • Kiln dried
  • Reversible re-sawn, 1/8″ fine-line face / finish ready texture 1/8″
  • 6′ to 20′ random length, odd and evens
  • Stainless steel fasteners are recommended for installation
  • Generally available within one week

Also Available for Special Order ~ Thermally Modified Hemlock

  • Lead times vary
  • C&BTR Vertical Grain, Kiln Dried
  • 1×4″ and 1×6″, 2×4″ and 2×6″ S1S2E for Trim
  • 2×4″ and 2×6″ Tongue and Groove
  • Shiplap and Custom Patterns

Contact us for samples and pricing. We ship nationwide!

360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington, WA

www.cclumber.com

Zometek – Bamboo Composite Decking offered by Cedar Country Lumber

ZomeTek/Apollo Composite Decking is made from 100% recycled content by mixing natural bamboo fiber and recycled plastics, along with additives to prevent mold and mildew; this decking line will provide years of service with minimal maintenance. Backed with a 25-year residential limited warranty (10-year when used on commercial properties), this decking is strong, resists stains, mold, mildew, and moisture, and can withstand high traffic, rain, snow, ice, salt, and sand, and never requires painting, staining or sealing.

Zometek Color Options

Zometek Color Options

ZomeTek’s xBEAM bamboo composite deck planks are extruded from unique, high-pressure, and temperature machines, which results in each piece being consistent in size and length each and every time.  The xBEAM deck planks’ interior has 6 hollow chambers that reduce the weight of each plank. In addition, the hollow channels mean there is less expansion and contraction.  Each board is 5×5” wide and 1” tall, and all 5 beautiful colors are available in 12, 16, or 20-foot lengths.  The ZomeTek xBeam deck planks can be installed by face screwing the boards or with a hidden fastener system and installed using either surface (Ridged or Brushed).

Zometek finish options

Complimenting Fascia, Stair Treads, Trim, Post Sleeves, Base Collars, and Post Caps are available in all the same colors as the deck planks.  Please note ~ like most manufactured products, ZomeTek xBeam deck boards and their accessories may have slight color variations from piece to piece.  This is due to naturally occurring variations in the bamboo and recycled plastic.  Therefore, we recommend purchasing all the decking materials at the same time as manufacturing runs can produce slightly different colors.

Zometek xBeam Product Specifications

Plank Dimensions

  • 5.5 inches wide, 1 inches thick, (12′, 16′, or 20′ lengths available)

Surface Effect

  • Ridged (side 1) / Brushed (side 2)

Installation Options

  • Face screw or hidden fastener system

Low Maintenance

  • No sealing, painting, or refinishing required

Environmental

  • 100% recycled content

Construction

  • 96% recycled fibers and HDPE plastic
  • 4% additives for color and durability

LEED v3 credit

  • Qualifies for MR 6: Rapidly Renewable Materials

IEQ 4.3

  • Qualifies for Low Emitting Materials: Flooring Systems

Warranty

  • 25 yr residential warranty
  • 10 yr commercial warranty

General ZomeTek xBeam Deck Plank Installation Directions

ZomeTek deck planks cut and work just like real wood, so special tools are not required for cutting or installation.  ZomeTek does recommend using a 60-tooth carbide-tipped blade.

Before installing, be sure all existing framing is sound and meets your local building codes.  To comply with the manufacturer’s recommendations and maintain warranties, the decking joists must be a maximum of 16” on center, and proper slope for drainage must be maintained.

xBeam deck planks can be installed by face-screwing or with a blind screw.  CAMO is an approved installation method, as well ~ please follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

All materials do expand and contract as temperatures rise and fall.  Always leave an appropriate gap between deck planks, which do vary based on the length of the plank being installed.  Please print the zometek_installation_guide for specifics, as well as more detailed installation instructions.

General ZomeTek xBeam Deck Plank Maintenance

For general cleaning, the deck can be sprayed off with a hose to remove surface debris.  A mild dish soap mixed with warm water and a soft-bristle brush may be used to remove dirt and/or debris from the grooves or texture, then thoroughly rinsed with water.  A thorough cleaning using an approved cleaner is recommended twice per year.  For a list of approved cleaners, please visit www.zometek.com.

To remove light stains caused by food, grease, or oil, if mild dish soap and warm water do not remove the stain, try using Simple Green.  The sooner the spill is cleaned up, the easier it will be to remove.

Pressure washers may be used with a maximum of 1500 PSI.  Use a fan tip and keep a distance of at least 8-10” from the deck surface.

Please print the zometek_maintenance_guide for more information

Zometek Bamboo Composite Decking

With so many options on the market for manufactured decking, we are certain you will find ZomeTek to be an eco-friendly manufactured decking product that is easy to fall in love with.

If you need some help designing YOUR dream deck, please visit our “Tips for Designing Your Dream Deck” blog by clicking HERE.

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

1.360.757.6343

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

950 B Fountain Street ~ Burlington, WA  98233

Why You Should Buy Your Pressure Treated Materials from a Specialty Wood Retailer

Building a quality project starts from the ground up. That’s why we only purchase the best quality Pressure Treated building materials approved for ground contact with good quality retention ratings.

buy the best from the ground up

What does this mean?

Like any product, there are various Pressure Treated building materials that are manufactured with different quality standards. And, while you may find Pressure Treated products for less money at mass retailers or other lumber yards, be sure when comparing pricing, you also compare quality.

Retention

Retention level refers to the amount of preservative remaining in the wood after the pressure treatment process is complete. It is measured on a weight basis and is typically expressed as pounds of preservative per cubic foot (PCF) of wood. There are several typical retention levels available. Generally, the harsher the condition the wood is exposed to, the higher the retention level must be.

There are many types of Pressure Treatments for building materials; however, the three types traditionally we provide for our customers are:

ACQ ~ ACQ stands for Alkaline Copper Quaternary. The ACQ preservative system is based on the well-established effectiveness of copper combined with a co-biocide. ACQ Pressure Treated building products are usually used for sill plates, patios, deck substructures, fence posts, and landscaping structures. The minimum retention level for ACQ Treated Wood for ground contact purposes is 0.40 PCF.

ACQ Treated Wood is generally backed with a Limited Warranty by the manufacturer against structural damage caused by decay and termites. ACQ Treated Wood meets American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) standards as well as all major model building code requirements.

ACQ Treated lumber is also approved by the NAHB Research Center and certified by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) as environmentally preferable. Approved products are now eligible to receive points towards a building being certified under the National Green Building Standard.

CA-C ~ CA-C stands for Copper Azole; type C. Copper Azole preservative renders wood useless as a food source for termites and fungi. CA-C incorporates a combination of synergistic azoles; the type C formulation is the most advanced version available commercially. Common uses for CA-C for ground contact applications include: poles and posts, wood foundations, utility poles, and guardrails. The minimum retention for level for CA-C treated wood is 0.14 PCF.

CA-C Treated Wood meets the requirements of model building codes for many applications; it is also listed in the standards of the American Wood Protection Association (AWPA). In addition, a code evaluation report (ICC-ESR-1721) has been issued for this product.

Generally, a limited warranty against rot and insect damage is provided by the manufacturer on CA-C Treated lumber.

CCA – CCA stands for Chromated Copper Arsenate. CCA is a chemical wood preservative containing chromium, copper, and arsenic. CCA is used in Pressure Treated building materials to protect them from rotting due to insects and microbial agents. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified CCA as a restricted-use product for industrial and agricultural applications only. It is not approved for residential use.

Special considerations and caution should be taken when using any lumber that has been treated with a preservative. It should not be used in any circumstance where it may come into contact with drinking water or where the preservatives could come in contact with food, animal feed, or beehives.

good projects start with quality products from the ground up

photo and craftsmanship by Soundecks of Anacortes, WA

When working with Pressure Treated lumber, gloves should be worn. In the event direct contact is made, all exposed skin should be washed thoroughly. It is advised that you wear a dust mask and goggles during cutting. Never burn preserved wood.

Because of the corrosive nature of all types of Pressure Treating, high-quality corrosion-resistant nails, screws, fasteners, and hardware must be used.

Before Your Next Project, Be Sure to Visit Us!

We Ship Nationwide!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

Toll-Free 866.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

Why Choose Wood Building Materials?

Environmental Benefits of Using Wood in Construction 

GO GREEN……..USE WOOD
“One of the best ways to address climate change is to use more wood, not less. Every wood substitute – including steel, plastic, and cement – requires far
more energy to produce than lumber.”
– Dr. Patrick Moore, co-founder of Greenpeace.

Western Red Cedar Blocks

  • Wood is the only 100% renewable resource in the manufacturing of building materials.
  • Wood is the only naturally recyclable and biodegradable building material.
  • Wood has the lowest environmental impact compared to other building products such as steel, concrete, tile, vinyl siding, fiber cement siding, and stucco.
  • Wood products require less embodied energy. This is the energy used in the extraction, production, and transportation of the resource.
  • Wood products require little to no fossil fuels (a non-renewable resource) to produce.
  • Wood products produce less air pollution.
  • Wood products produce less water pollution.
  • Wood products generate fewer greenhouse gases.
  • Wood reduces carbon emissions, while concrete and steel increase carbon emissions.Western Red Cedar Trees Being Harvested
  • Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is considered a contributor to Global Warming – young and mature trees reduce CO2 from the atmosphere.
  • Wood products are better insulators in homes and buildings, which reduces the energy consumption in both heating and cooling, making it the most energy-efficient material.
  • Wood building materials are 400 times better at insulating than steel and 15 times better than concrete.
  • Wood products produce less solid waste – both in the manufacturing of the products and at construction sites. There is virtually no waste in manufacturing wood products.
  • Wood products generate fewer greenhouse gases. Wood reduces carbon emissions, while concrete and steel increase carbon emissions.
  • Wood products have the lowest ecological resource use index. This means that while trees are harvested, the effects are only short-term as reforestation follows. Other products have long-term effects as their resources are non-renewable, i.e., petroleum for plastic and ore used in steel and aluminum siding. Once these non-renewable resources are gone, they cannot be replaced. The trees themselves are produced naturally through solar energy.
  • Wood can be reused and recycled with very little additional energy. Concrete cannot be re-used in the same form but can be downcycled to aggregate with a lot of additional energy expended.

Old Growth Western Red Cedar stumps being harvested

  • No other building product is more environmentally friendly than wood, as demonstrated in “ATHENA’s life cycle assessment” research and study. From the growing of the tree to the disposal of the wood products, wood has a minimal environmental footprint.  Non-renewable products such as steel, aluminum, and concrete use up to 250% more fossil fuel energy from the production to disposal vs. wood.

Before Your Next Project, Be Sure to Visit Us!

We Ship Nationwide!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

360.757.6343

Western Red Cedar cants being transported for milling

We want to acknowledge and thank the following sources for the information provided:

Teal Jones Group

Coast Forest and Lumber Association

Canadian Lumbermen’s Association

The Athena Institute

The Wood Users Guide to Green Building