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Western Red Cedar - A highly stable wood whose color varies from a dark
redish brown to a nearly white sapwood. The wood is very straight grained and appealing. Known for its insect and weather
resisting capabilities as well as its distinctive aroma, this wood is available in long lengths. Western Red Cedar is grown
exclusively in the Pacific Northwest. The cellular composition of Western Red Cedar, millions of tiny air-filled cells per
cubic inch, provides a high degree of thermal insulation for both roof and wall applications. Western Red Cedar;s slow growth
and natural oily extractives are responsible for its decay resistance and its rich coloring, which ranges from a light straw
color in the sapwood to a reddish pink in the heartwood. It is a stable wood that seasons easily and quickly, with a very
low shinkage factor. It is free of pitch, and has excellent finishing qualities.
Douglas Fir - Douglas Fir is commonly used for log homes. It has a harder
bark, which results in less marking during logging. Douglas Fir has a good heartwood decay resistancy and is unique among
all softwood species in that is naturally dimensionally stable, having the ability to season well in position.
Engleman Spruce - Closely related to Pines, Spruces are generally a Northern
tree. Most abundant in Canada, Spruce is generally light in color with straight grain with even texture and minimal taper.
A very important factor to consider is that Engleman Spruce does have a resistancy to heartwood decay, although in a somewhat
lesser degree than Western Red Cedar.
Ponderosa Pine - Grown in the Pacific Northwest and the Canadian Rockies,
these trees average 100' to 160' in height, with some exceeding 180'. Ponderosa Pine has a minimalamount of reddish
- brown heartwood and an exceptionally wide sapwood which is a honey - toned or straw like color. It has a straight and uniform
grain. All woods shrink and swell to some degree as thier moisture content fluctuates with atmospheric conditions. However,
unlike its cousin the Eastern White Pine, The Ponderosa Pine is relatively unaffected by changes in humidity, making it valuable
for work that requires close - fitting joints.
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