Cedar timber has been used as timber of choice because of the natural antibacterial properties that it possesses. It can be very resistant to rotting, cracking, warping, and insect infestation. Moreover, it adds a touch of beauty to any setting, whether indoors or out. However, not many people know how cedar works and how it is beneficial for the environment.
In order to understand how cedar works, it is important to first understand what cedar is. It is actually an evergreen shrub that grows up to about 30 feet high in the forests of North America. During the winter when the temperature drops at the lowest, the needles of the cedar tree dry and harden. This makes it more brittle and in order to keep its shape, it bends into the shape of needle-like branches. The oil within the tree acts as a natural preservative, so when these branches are felled, they leave behind small cones of oil that stick to the tree and maintain its shape.
This unique ability to form intricate shapes allows cedar to make furniture items and other products last for years. Cedar wood is very strong, and is the perfect wood for making outdoor furniture due to its flexibility and pliability. It can be carved into any shape imaginable and is often used in house plans as well as commercial projects. Due to its durability, it is also used for building homes, buildings, and bridges. In fact, cedar is commonly used in the construction of buildings due to the ability of its oil to resist decay and warping.
Cedar timber possesses some particular characteristics that set it apart from other kinds of timber. For instance, cedar can be used to make furniture items that are lighter in weight, but strong enough to withstand harsh weather conditions. Moreover, cedar grows faster than most trees, allowing it to produce more lumber in less time. Cedar can even withstand the changing weather conditions like wind, rain, and snow if it is properly preserved. In addition to its resistance to change, cedar timber has its own distinctive scent that appeals to many people.
The distinctive scent of cedarwood comes from the essential oils produced by the tree. These oils when distilled into a solution is used for making aromatic candles, incense, and other products. However, cedarwood has a very earthy smell due to the presence of cellulose particles in its saponified pulp. These particles are insoluble in water, making the oil hard to evaporate.
To preserve cedar, it must be kept in a low moisture environment. Otherwise, the cellulose particles will not break down and the oil will begin to evaporate. Wood is usually left on open places to dry out completely. Wood is also wrapped in burlap or cloths to absorb moisture and prevent it from evaporating.
There are two main types of cedar timber flooring. One type is un-seasoned cedar timber, while the other type is pre-seasoned cedar timber. Un-seasoned cedar timber is available in strips and therefore requires building up gradually with an interlocking nail system. This system of building up the cedar strips will result in a more stable product. Pre-seasoned cedar timber is already prepared and is ready for use. It is important that the strip is fastened properly to the floor of the building or it will not last long.
As you can see, cedar timber is a great addition to any home. Its unique aroma, aesthetic appeal, and stability make cedar one of the most popular timbers for flooring. Cedar timber flooring is available in many different styles and colors. When you combine its beauty, practicality and affordability it makes for a good investment in your home as well as a long lasting floor covering.
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