Design Excellence: Your guide to Western Red Cedar Cladding
Written in collaboration with Western Forest Products
28th June 2024
When it comes to timber cladding, there are many options available to homeowners and specifiers, but few match the long-standing appeal of Western Red Cedar. At Millworks, Western Red Cedar is one of our flagship products, backed by extensive stock holdings and our commitment to sustainable forestry practices. Celebrated for its distinctive characteristics and environmentally responsible sourcing, Western Red Cedar cladding provides a superior solution for a variety of applications. Here’s why Western Red Cedar stands out as a premium choice for timber cladding.
Unmatched Physical Properties
Western Red Cedar is one of the lightest commercial softwoods, with a density of approximately 390kgs per cubic metre. This low density translates to easier handling and installation compared to denser wood species, without compromising strength or stability. Its low thermal conductivity makes Western Red Cedar an exceptional insulator, ideal for maintaining interior temperatures and enhancing energy efficiency; an especially important characteristic for projects designed in line with Passivhaus standards.
Its hygroscopic nature allows Western Red Cedar to absorb or release moisture, achieving equilibrium with the surrounding atmosphere. Classed as a small movement timber, this property minimizes shrinkage and swelling, crucial for maintaining the integrity of cladding over time. Its low shrinkage factor further enhances its dimensional stability, reducing the risk of warping, twisting, and checking.
Versatile Applications
Western Red Cedar has a high level of natural resistance to moisture, decay, and insect damage, without the need for chemical treatments. This makes it an excellent choice for a broad range of applications, from external cedar cladding to cedar fencing and decking. Fitting both contemporary and traditional designs, the timbers natural oils (Thujaplicins) act as a preservative, offering a maintenance free service life and ensuring longevity even in harsh climates.
The natural hues of Western Red Cedar can be further enhanced with MillCoat® factory coatings.
Weathered Western Red Cedar Cladding | Left uncoated Western Red Cedar will develop a natural silver-grey patina.
Custom-Cut to Your Specifications
At Millworks, we select the best raw timber for its inherent durability and quality. By custom cutting PEFC™ certified Western Red Cedar cladding to grade, we cater to all aesthetic preferences by regrading in-house, ensuring that every piece meets the most exacting standards. This double grading process guarantees that your specifications guide our selection process. Whether you require specific dimensions, grade characteristics, or finishing qualities, we choose the best material to deliver exceptional value. This customer-focused approach ensures that only the finest timber reaches your project, reflecting Millworks’ dedication to precision and quality.
Aesthetics and Finishing
Western Red Cedar’s rich, natural hues range from pale honey to deep brown, adding warmth and elegance to any design. This aesthetic appeal is further enhanced by its ability to accept stains and finishes uniformly, allowing for custom finishes. Whether left untreated to age into a silver-grey patina or finished to maintain its vibrant colour, Western Red Cedar provides a visual impact that enhances any project. Its low pitch and resin content contribute to improved coating durability, extending the service life of MillCoat® factory coatings with no risk of resin leach.
Sustainable and Responsible Sourcing
Western Red Cedar’s sustainability is as impressive as its physical properties. Millworks partner with Western Forest Products (WFP) a leading supplier of Western Red Cedar. Timber is harvested from Canadian forests managed according to some of the world’s most stringent environmental standards, following a 250-year cycle of reforestation and habitat conservation.
WFP ensures continuous forest regeneration, reforesting every hectare harvested. This practice maintains biodiversity and ecological balance, supporting a variety of tree species and forest types. WFP’s forest management strategy includes climate change adaptation, carbon management, biodiversity conservation, and public engagement. By retaining exceptionally large trees and adhering to science-based principles, WFP not only meets but often exceeds regulatory requirements.
In addition to governmental mandates, WFP voluntarily certifies its forests, continually refining its practices to enhance environmental outcomes. This dedication ensures that the timber we source is not only high-quality but also contributes positively to environmental stewardship.
For those seeking timber cladding that combines beauty, performance, and sustainability, Western Red Cedar is the premier choice. Its natural properties, rich aesthetic appeal, and Millworks’ commitment to custom-cut quality make Western Red Cedar a trusted solution for a wide range of applications.
Western Red Cedar Cladding | Durable and low movement, Millworks Western Red Cedar is available in a wide range of profiles and sizes.
Frequently asked questions
To discuss your project specifications with our team of timber experts, contact us on 01223 967733 or info@millworks.co.uk, or explore our case studies for inspiration.
