A highly prized wood species, Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) is renowned for its beauty, toughness, and adaptability. Western Red Cedar finger joint paneling provides a sophisticated, organic look that elevates any area, whether it is utilized in residential or commercial settings. It is a popular option for paneling in rooms, workplaces, and other interior uses because of its rich color changes, beautiful texture, and exceptional resilience. The qualities of Western Red Cedar, its history, the sizes of flooring that are available, suggested installation techniques, regular upkeep, and top U.S. suppliers are all covered in this article.
Western Red Cedar‘s Beauty and Advantages
Native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, specifically Canada and the United States, is the Western Red Cedar, a softwood species. Due to its inherent resistance to moisture, decay, and insect damage, it is among the most resilient softwoods on the market. Because of this, it‘s a great option for interior applications where durability and beauty are important considerations.
Western Red Cedar is known for its wide range of colors, which range from light amber to deep reddish-brown. The wood is perfect for paneling applications because it has a smooth texture and fine, straight grain. Its delicate, pleasant scent enhances its allure in interior settings.
By employing interlocking finger joints to link shorter pieces of wood together, finger joint paneling improves the performance of Western Red Cedar. In addition to making the most use of the material, this technique produces longer boards with increased strength and stability. As a result, the paneling method reduces warping and improves the installation‘s overall visual coherence.
Origin Country and Source
Western Red Cedar is mostly collected in the northwest U.S., including Washington and Oregon, and Canada, especially in British Columbia. To guarantee resource availability over the long term, the wood is managed sustainably under stringent forestry rules. Canadian and American mills produce high-quality Western Red Cedar paneling, adhering to industry standards for grading, processing, and finishing.
When selecting Western Red Cedar finger joint paneling, it is beneficial to source from suppliers who follow responsible forestry practices, such as those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). This ensures that the wood is collected in an environmentally responsible manner while keeping excellent product quality.
Available Sizes and Profiles
Western Red Cedar finger joint paneling is available in a variety of sizes and profiles to fit varied design preferences and installation needs. Common dimensions include:
Thickness: Typically ranges from 5/16" to 3/4" Width: Common variations include 3", 5", 6", and 8" Length: Finger joint paneling enables for larger lengths, often available in 8‘, 10‘, 12‘, and beyond
Various profiles can be selected based on the desired aesthetic, including:
Shiplap: Subtle shadow lines and a neat, consistent appearance are produced by overlapping edges.
Tongue and Groove (T&G): A smooth, snug fit is achieved by interlocking edges.
Beaded paneling adds volume and texture with its ornamental grooves.
Suggested Method of Installation
For Western Red Cedar paneling to have a perfect and durable finish, proper installation is necessary. For best outcomes, adhere to these crucial steps:
Acclimate the Wood: Give the paneling at least 72 hours to adjust to the humidity and temperature of the space before installing it. The boards should be kept flat and in a location with good ventilation.
Get the Surface Ready: Make sure the wall‘s surface is clean, level, and dry. Furring strips can help with ventilation by creating an air pocket behind the paneling when placed over plaster or drywall.
Select the Proper Fasteners: To avoid rust or discoloration, use coated nails or stainless steel. Make sure the screws are made for wood paneling if you plan to use them.
Commence on One Side: Installing the wall should start at one end and proceed across. In order to hide fasteners, if tongue and groove paneling is being used, place the tongue into the groove and nail each board through the tongue.
Keep Your Spacing Consistent: For natural wood movement, leave a tiny expansion gap (usually 1/8" to 1/4") around the margins.
Finishing Touches: Western Red Cedar can be treated with a clear sealer, stain, or oil to improve its color and longevity, or it can be left unfinished for a more natural appearance. Use a high-quality primer before the last layer if you‘re painting.
Continual Upkeep for Durable Beauty
Paneling made of Western Red Cedar needs little upkeep to maintain its aesthetic appeal and functionality. Observe these easy maintenance guidelines:
Dust and Clean Frequently: To get rid of dust and surface debris, use a soft brush or a microfiber cloth. Steer clear of aggressive chemicals that could harm the wood.
Regulate the humidity inside: Keep the relative humidity between 35 and 55 percent to avoid too much expansion or contraction.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Extended exposure to UV radiation can result in fading. Think about applying UV-protective coatings or window coverings.
Refresh the Finish When Necessary: Apply a new layer of oil or sealer if the wood begins to appear worn or dry. Reapply as needed to painted or stained surfaces to preserve the intended look.
top suppliers in the United States.
Western Red Cedar finger joint paneling of superior quality is available in the US from a number of reliable suppliers. Among the best sources are:
A renowned provider of high-end cedar products with a strong dedication to sustainability is Western Forest Products.
Bear Creek Lumber: Provides a large assortment of solid wood and finger joint cedar paneling.
Western Red Cedar paneling in a variety of shapes and treatments is the specialty of Cedarwood Products.
Buffalo Lumber: Offers cedar paneling that is specially milled to meet the requirements of particular projects.
Finger joint paneling by G&R Cedar Ltd. is renowned for its superior quality, constant color, and texture.
These vendors may fulfill custom orders to satisfy particular design specifications and provide nationwide shipping.
Finger joint paneling made of Western Red Cedar is a great option for interior applications because of its simplicity of installation, durability, and natural beauty. It offers a classic and sophisticated way to improve both home and business interiors when properly cared for and sourced from reliable providers.
