Cedar house

Cedar — unique construction material

Siberian cedar has alway been a subject of much admiration and,  prior to that, even veneration due to the magnificence of its mighty trunk, lush dense crown, mysterious shadows of its groves. The cultivation of Siberian cedar in the European part of Russia dates back to the second half of the 16th century.

Cedar wood is easy to treat and process, and it exhibits excellent waterproofing and thermal insulation properties. Its qualities are similar to pinewood. As a natural antiseptic, cedar wood is resistant to rot. Houses made of cedar wood are sturdy and will serve their owners for hundreds of years. Built from a natural material, they are seemingly “alive”; they “breath” and fill the air in the room with phytoncides. Resins and essential oils produced by cedar wood positively influence the health of the house inhabitants.

Physical and mechanical properties of cedar

Cedar is a type of heartwood with resin canals. Its physical properties and strength resemble those of a pine tree. Cedar has light, soft and easily-treated wood. It is widely spread in Western Siberia and to the north of the Urals up to the Timan Ridge. In Central Altai the upper bound of cedar trees lies on the height of 1900-2000m above sea level, while in the southern regions it reaches the height of 2400m. Siberian cedar also grows on the territory of Mongolia and Northern China, and can be found in Sikhote-Alin mountains (along with a Korean cedar).

Cedar log shell

Wood

Cedar wood possesses unique qualities, which led to its extensive use in wooden architecture, furniture making and applied arts. 

• Colour — the wood of all types of genuine cedar is similar in colour. Light-brown and yellow-brown core, which under atmospheric conditions turns to even brown, differs from the narrow, whitish colouring of sapwood.
• Texture — the wood is resinous (oleiferous), with a strong cedar smell. Growth layers are very distinct due to the contrast between areas of early and late wood. Texture is of medium size. It is representative of genuine cedars to have pockets (in-growths) of bark in the wood.
• Density — the average density of all sorts of cedar wood is around 580 kg/m³ in dry condition.
• Hardness — cedar is equal to steel in hardness, but it by far surpasses it in heat-insulating qualities and natural resistance to changes in weather conditions, temperature, corrosion and chemicals.

Together these qualities make cedar a highly valuable and undemanding construction material.

Elements of cedar log shell

Manufacturing properties

Cedar wood is easily treated and processed, with virtually no influence on cutting edges of tools. It produces a smooth, slightly oleiferous finishing surface. It is possible to attain a high quality finishing, although some difficulties may occur due to small branches and ingrown bark. Cedar wood easily absorbs paint and varnish and is excellent for working with nails.

Studies have shown that cedar possesses high mechanical, ecological and aesthetic qualities in comparison to other types of wood.

One of its most distinguishable qualities that sets it apart from other softwood is a signature delicate woody scent, which reappears in the cedar house and fills the rooms with pleasant and healthy air.

Cedar also exhibits a higher adaptability to temperature changes and weather conditions than a pine tree. It is less dense, it has more liquids. A pine tree, unlike cedar, does not have sedative qualities. At the same time a pine scent is lighter than a balmy cedar fragrance.

Timber for tools and furniture (excerpt from Johanna Paungger's book)

The wood stays firm, does not warp or get dry and fall apart, it maintains its volume - an important feature for instance of skirting boards and edging strips. Wood that is cut in the first eight days after the December new moon in Aquarius or Pisces acquires this quality. 

"Straight-wood" refers to wood that is used to make tools and implements (broom handles, axe shafts, etc.); it has to be light and easy to handle. "Making-wood" is wood from which things are made - furniture, cabinets, cupboards, and the like.

Wood cut when the new moon falls in Scorpio (usually in November) has the desired characteristics. However, it should have its bark removed immediately: for bark beetles, wood that has been cut in Scorpio or uprooted before a storm is a signal to attack.

An equally good alternative date: February 26, provided it falls during the waning moon (which is not always the case), and especially if the moon is in the sign of Cancer at the same time.

Building log houses from cedar is a complicated process that requires expertise and professionalism of craftsmen. A turnkey cedar house built in line with construction methods will delight its owners for many decades. Cedar possesses excellent characteristics, which make the building sturdy and durable. It is also valued for its aesthetic qualities - the colour and the texture of cedar wood look superb in the interiors, whose design is based on naturalness and eco-friendliness.

If you want to build a house from cedar at an optimal price, then you are in the right place! We offer only the best materials and the most qualified experts - order a project of a cedar house and its construction from us!