Published: 02/04/25 By: Mike Bekin
Cedar is widely known for its beautiful scent and as a feature in wintery woodland landscapes. In the timber industry, it is also renowned for being one of the most sustainable and in-demand choices for modern exteriors. From its natural durability to its unique colouring, learn more about this wonderful timber species in this guide, including why it could be the most eco-friendly choice for your project.
What is Cedar?
Cedar is a softwood timber species. This means that it is sourced from coniferous trees, otherwise known as evergreens. Despite its classification, it is not at all soft and is actually one of the most durable, hardy and strong softwoods on the market.
There are a few varieties of Cedar out there. At EcoChoice, we typically recommend Canadian Western Red Cedar to our construction clients. It is beautiful, durable and dimensionally stable, making it ideal for external cladding applications.
There is also UK-grown Cedar, a much cheaper, faster-growing and knotty species for those on a budget or producing less prestigious projects,such as a garden shed or fencing.
Why is Cedar a Sustainable Timber Choice?
Cedar is a widely available timber which grows in many parts of the world, including right here in the UK. It is not endangered or protected, and it does not necessarily have to be travelled halfway around the world to get to your construction site, earning it some major environmental points.
As it is an evergreen, Cedar trees also grow remarkably fast. Western Red Cedar grows between 30cm and 60cm every year, compared to Oak, which grows only a couple of centimetres a year. This makes it far easier to replenish the woodland after a Cedar tree is felled, creating a sustainable system of growth and supply.
At EcoChoice, we have connections with wonderfully managed woodlands for our Cedar timber. In these certified forests, biodiversity and conservation are always prioritised, helping reduce the harmful effects of deforestation.
Cedar: The Contemporary Aesthetic Choice
From cladding and decking to footbridges and fencing, Cedar is a hit amongst contemporary designers.
Alongside its sustainable credentials, the light red-golden hue of Cedar timber lends itself well to modern design, bringing a natural warmth and character which compliments contemporary buildings. It also has a uniform and even grain, which is a feature particularly loved amongst minimalist designers.
Cedar also ticks the boxes for sustainable, biophilic design without bringing a huge cost increase to construction projects. In other words? It is an all-around winner.
Find Sustainable Timber at EcoChoice
If you are searching for sustainable Cedar timber for your next exterior project, make sure it is officially certified by an independent organisation you can trust. This is where we come in. At EcoChoice, we work with world-renowned, responsible forestry professionals to ensure each board of Cedar timber we supply comes with a reliably certified seal of approval for sustainability you can rely on.
Ready to choose sustainable Cedar? Start an order by getting in touch with our team.
Tags: Cedar, Cladding, exterior timber
Categories: Insights
