Depending on your home’s style and the look you hope to achieve, some types of wood should be higher on your list than others.

Today, discover more about ponderosa pine, which is a popular choice among homeowners and constructionists.

What is Ponderosa Pine?

Ponderosa pine is the largest western pine species, growing in semi-arid plateaus and slopes. It has straight grains and is non-porous. It has a light color, ranging from cream yellow to reddish-brown.

Ponderosa pine is a widespread species in the southern interior of British Columbia but also grows in some regions of the United States. The coastline along the Pacific Ocean is ripe with this type of tree, ranging from northwest Washington to the Mexican border. There are also several ponderosa pine reserves in the Plain States, including Nebraska and Oklahoma to the West Coast.

Applications for Ponderosa Pine

Ponderosa Pine is a lightweight softwood often used in furniture making. The natural grains make it a top option for rustic-looking pieces.

Bookshelves, tables, desks, dressers, and other pieces of furniture lend themselves to ponderosa pine. Many interior designers also use this wood for doorframes, window frames, and interior trim.

Even though it’s a soft, lightweight wood, ponderosa pine has some exterior applications, including siding and shutters.

You can use this wood on larger exterior projects, as well. Decking, rails, picnic tables, storage sheds, and other yard fixtures lend themselves to ponderosa pine.

Benefits of Using Ponderosa Pine

When choosing the best lumber to use on and in your home, pricing plays an important role. When there isn’t a lot of a particular species available, prices go up. Since there is no shortage of ponderosa pine, it is an affordable choice. In contrast, cedars and Douglas firs are very expensive. 

Ease of installation is another benefit of this wood. Its soft nature makes it easy to attach, allowing a contractor to move quickly when installing it. 

Versatility is another reason to choose ponderosa pine for the inside or outside of your home. You can leave it bare, paint, or stain it.

Even though it’s soft lumber, ponderosa pine is durable. Because of the areas in which it grows, it faces exposure to the elements, allowing it to build a natural resistance to water and extreme temperatures.

How to Maintain Ponderosa Pine

To maximize the lifespan of your ponderosa pine, plan on having it sealed from time to time. (Unless you are using it inside your home where it won’t face the elements.) For decking, add a sealant at least every three years.

Having the right type of lumber is an integral part of improving the functionality and style of your home. When discussing the type of lumber you want with your contractor, make sure to discuss the use of ponderosa pine. 

Hemlock fir sometimes referred to as Hem-Fir, is a hybrid species of lumber. Produced by a combination of Western Hemlock and true firs, this type of wood is durable and versatile, making it a popular choice for framing and other construction applications.

The phrase “true firs” describes a group of tree species, including California Red Fir, Noble Fir, Grand Fir, White Fir, and Pacific Silver Fir. When combined with Western Hemlock, the result is strong lumber with numerous uses. 

How is Hemlock Fir Manufactured?

Before it makes its way to the hardware store or lumber yard, manufacturers apply a layer of preservatives to hemlock fir. It also undergoes an intense pressure treatment process, making it even more durable.

Depending on how you use hemlock fir, you may need to have this process repeated after a few years. While durable, its status as soft lumber creates the need for occasional pressure treatment.

What is Hemlock Fir Used For?

One of the most appealing aspects of Hem-Fir is its resilience. 

It’s popular for outdoor projects such as decking and landscaping. It provides natural resistance to warping and twisting, ideal for use on a porch, deck, or patio.

Hemlock fir also has uses inside of your home, such as framing and trim work around doors and windows.

When studs in your walls and joists in your roof can resist moisture and warping due to temperature changes, your home becomes more structurally sound.

Benefits of Hemlock Fir

Hemlock fir is one of the most popular types of lumber among homebuilders and has been in use since the 1940s.

The biggest benefit is its natural weather resistance.

Hemlock fir grows in the Pacific Northwest, which faces heavy rains and fluctuating temperatures. High heat in the summer and bitter temperatures in the winter, combined with lots of rainfall, make hemlock resistant to extreme weather fluctuations.

Hemlock fir is customizable.

Its light color makes it a customizable lumber. Once milled, hemlock fir falls between white and straw-colored. You can leave it bare, paint, or stain it.

It’s budget-friendly.

Affordability is a massive benefit of hemlock fir, as it is one of the cheapest lumbers on the market. It costs somewhere between $5 and $10 per ton.

Hemlock fir is easy to install.

As a soft lumber, hemlock fir is easy for professionals to install and a great DIY lumber. Since professional contractors pass along hourly labor rates to you, easy-to-install lumber cuts down on costs.

The post What is Hemlock Fir: Uses and Benefits appeared first on Homedit.

Sometimes referred to as Tsuga, Hemlock wood comes from a plant called poison hemlock – medium to large evergreen trees with scaly bark.

These trees adapt to cool temperatures and are popular among horticulturalists.

For years, hemlock wood provided uses in the leather tanning and fur industries due to its acidic nature. For homeowners, hemlock wood has multiple uses inside and outside the home.

Other Uses for Hemlock Wood

Hemlock wood is thick and durable, making it an excellent option for flooring. Since hemlock grows in damp areas, it provides a natural level of moisture resistance. Manufacturers add other products to it, furthering hemlock’s ability to resist water.

Hemlock is also a great choice for subfloors. No matter how well-insulated your floors are, your subfloors must provide resistance to moisture. 

In the world of roofing, hemlock wood is a popular product. Not only does it lend itself to the joists that determine your roof’s steepness (sometimes referred to as “pitch”), but hemlock wood provides a great sheathing option. Sheathing refers to the layer of wood that lays flat against the joists. The sheathing (sometimes called “decking”) gives the underlayment, roof finish, and other parts of your roof a smooth, flat surface to attach to.

Thanks to its natural grains and pliable nature, Hemlock fir also has uses in the furniture-making industry. In addition to furniture, many carpenters use hemlock for door frames, window frames, and staircase banisters.

Benefits of Hemlock Lumber

The greatest benefit of hemlock is its strength. While you should avoid hemlock that contains knots, smooth-grain hemlock is one of the strongest lumber choices on the market.

Even though pine is popular for the studs that serve as your walls’ framing, pine is a soft wood that sometimes warps. Hemlock rarely twists or warps, which is important for the structural soundness of your home.

Another benefit is that Hemlock’s natural, light color allows it to take on paints and stains. Turning the wood finishes in your home into what you want is an integral part of achieving your ideal home décor.

When choosing the materials to use on and in your home, you probably wonder about affordability. While recent price increases have impacted hemlock, it still costs less than many types of lumber.

Once you choose the constructionist, who will work on your home, discuss using hemlock wood. Its variety of uses and a long list of benefits.

A quality, single-ply membrane roof is a must-have for any commercial, retail, or manufacturing building. The two most common types are EPDM and TPO roofing.

Understanding which roof is best for your commercial building is an important part of managing your business. Quality roofing not only protects the interior of your facility but also boosts your space’s energy efficiency. 

What is:

TPO Roofing

Thermoplastic Polyolefin roofing, also known as TPO roofing, is one of the most popular choices for commercial roofs. According to industry insiders, TPO roofing currently takes up 40% of the market, which is impressive considering how new it is.

A single layer of synthetics and reinforcing scrim allows TPO roofing to provide an even, durable cover for flat roofs. 

EPDM Roofing

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, also referred to as EPDM, is one of the longest-tenured roofing materials. EPDM roofing dates back to the 1960s, making it a tried-and-true material. It’s estimated that 60% of new commercial roofs are EPDM.

EPDM is popular due to its flexibility, thickness, and color choices. It’s available in 45, 60, and 90 mils (a measure of thickness). You can also choose between black and white when you opt for an EPDM roof.

How Are TPO Roofs Installed?

There are a few ways roofing contractors can install a TPO roof. The first is mechanical attachment, a method using plates and screws. Mechanical attachment is best suited for areas that experience high winds.

Roofing contractors can also install a TPO roof using a liquid adhesive, tar mopping, or a fleece-backed system with a two-part foam.

How Are EPDM Roofs Installed?

Roofing contractors can install EPDM roofs through the use of plates and screws or a liquid adhesive. Roofing contractors can also use a ballast installation method, such as the type used on tar and gravel roofs.

No matter which type of single-ply membrane roof you choose, the roofing contractor will use specialized tape to cover the seams.

What Are Some Benefits of:

TPO Roofing:

Since TPO adheres directly to the roof, its durability is one of its biggest benefits. The attachment method protects it from wind damage, and it lasts between 15 and 20 years with little maintenance.

The installation process is much quicker and more affordable than comparable products. 

EPDM Roofing:

Business owners look at their bottom line, which is why EPDM remains the most popular – it’s the cheapest option.

EPDM roofing is also durable, lasting between 20 and 25 years. In addition, EPDM roofing is both environmentally friendly and energy efficient. 

Both EPDM and TPO roofs are great choices for business owners. You should speak to a roofing contractor in your area about which type of single-ply membrane roof is the right choice for your commercial facility.
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Scandinavian houses, both the interior and exterior, are designed with regard to the natural environment. Scandinavia, the northern European countries of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, have a distinct architectural style that is common throughout this area.

These countries share a similar natural environment which has produced a similar aesthetic style. While Finland and Iceland are not Scandinavia in a technical sense, their homes also reflect this distinct Scandinavian style.

According to Modlar, Scandinavian architecture is known for its clean lines and simple color palette. Yet, Scandinavian style houses are built with more than this in mind. They are built to respond to their location and climate to keep the inhabitants comfortable and able to live well within their natural environment.

Scandinavian Houses: Exterior and Interior Style

Scandinavian houses have a timeless quality that is attractive in today’s ever-changing world. We have gathered some examples of Scandinavian style homes, both interior and exterior spaces to help you understand what creates this classic look.

Exterior Style Elements

• Natural Materials – Scandinavian architects build Scandinavian homes to blend in with the natural environment both as an aesthetic choice and to allow the gorgeous landscape to stand out. Therefore, they use materials that are common to the natural world and local in specific areas including wood, stone, and brick for exterior cladding.
• Simple and Innovative Shapes – Scandinavian home shapes vary between innovative and simple. Scandinavian style came of age in the modernist era of the 1950s, so there is always an element of innovation that they cherish. Yet, traditional Scandinavian houses have simple shapes that blend into the natural environment.
• Simple Color Palette – A Scandinavian style house has a simple color palette, though not always neutral. Many Scandinavian homes utilize whites, gray, and natural wood cladding to blend into the natural environment. But there are Scandinavian homes, like traditional Swedish style houses that are painted vibrant red, blue, and yellow.
• Natural Light – Because of long winters and gray skies, Scandinavian homes are built to bring in all available natural light. Most home styles have large windows, glass doors, and perhaps skylights to this end.
• Pitched Roofs – Many Scandinavian homes, though not all, are built with snow and harsh weather in mind. If someone builds a home where they must deal with snow, a steep pitched roof helps to shed snow.
• Porch or Overhang – Dealing with snow is common in the northern countries of Europe, so having a porch or overhang to remove snow gear and muddy clothes is essential.
• Minimalist – Modern Scandinavian house designs have few superfluous decorations and a simplicity of line and form.
• Eco-Conscious Construction – Modern Scandinavian house style exteriors use eco-conscious and sustainable products as these countries have stricter environmental laws and consumers who value this quality in design.

Scandinavian House Exterior Examples

Here are some Nordic-style house designs so you can see these elements in real-world examples.

Savukvartsi – Finland

This is a modern ecological log home that Honka designed for a city environment. They utilized a non-settling fusion log to frame the house and clad it with spruce. This home has a simple yet architectural shape with a high-sloping roof and multiple windows types to bring in bright natural light.

Hoghult House – Karlsburg, Sweden

Fabel Arkitektur designed the Hoghult House as part of a large estate in Sweden that contains old farms, large fields, and views of a green forest. The architects designed this magnificent yet restrained home using traditional woodcraft techniques. The wood construction uses no nails or screws in the construction.

Casa Sand – Aarhus, Denmark

Casa Sand is a project of Christoffersen & Weiling Architects. Their design imperative was to keep the design of these private beach villas in keeping with the coastal environment.

The horizontal lines of the coast and the idea of simplicity were the guiding light in the design of these simple homes. They used a sand-colored brick to blend with the natural environment. The long linear form and weight of the brick accentuates the coastal lines and settles the home into the dunes to protect it from the wind.

Summer House – Denmark

GinnerupArkitekter built this simple summer home on a Danish island right next to a coastline and meadow behind. They used a stone cladding so that it would blend in with its natural environment. The large glass windows ensure that the owners can soak in every bit of sunlight and teeming wildlife on the island.

Farmhouse – Halsingland, Sweden

Deep in the Swedish countryside, it is not uncommon to see vibrant red farmhouses. Red was a common home color for traditional Swedish houses in the country as it was a status symbol. Exterior decorations are more common in traditional than modern Scandinavian houses.

Mambo House – Finland

Honko designed this modern Scandinavian style home. They clad it with black siding to disappear into the background of the pine forest. The large windows and sharp mono-pitched roof remind the owners of the forest trips and wind shelters common in Finnish heritage and history.

Interior Style Elements

• Open Floor Plan – Scandinavian home design favors simple clean lines without visual separation of spaces. This open floor plan facilitates time spent together with those that you love.
• Natural Materials – Scandinavian houses feature natural materials both in the outside and the inside of the home. This means the use of exposed wood-clad walls, stone facades, and the use of natural materials like wool and leather in home decor.
• Natural and Artificial Lighting – Natural light sources like large windows are important in Scandinavian architecture as is the use of layered ambient and task lighting inside to keep the home comfortable and efficient through the dark winter.
• Neutral Color Palette – A modern Scandinavian home will decorate using a neutral color palette that reflects the neutral tones of the landscape. These colors include white, cream, beige, gray, black, and brown. You will also notice brighter accent colors in earth tones of blue, green, orange, and yellow.
• Energy Efficient Systems – Scandinavian environmental building laws are more strict in countries like Denmark and Sweden than in other countries. Therefore, Scandinavian homes and consumers require but also prefer green energy systems when possible. This also means the use of materials that ensure better energy usage.
• Comfort – Creating a comfortable environment to enjoy with your family is a vital design initiative. This includes warm and cozy spaces like reading nooks and the use of natural materials to promote serenity.
• Wood Stoves/Fireplaces – A cozy fireplace or wood-burning stove is a traditional element of interior Scandinavian design. This provides a warm focal point and gives the family a natural place to gather on cold evenings.

Scandinavian House Interior Examples

These Scandinavian interiors will give you an idea of how these ideals are put into practice.

Open Floor Plan

This Scandinavian style home reflects the traditional open floor plan. In this home, the kitchen, dining room, and living room are contained in one long room. They have a common color theme of light wood and black to tie the design together. The large windows provide fresh color and light in the design.

Natural Textures

Notice how many natural textures the interior designer uses in this Scandi-style living room including wood cladding and furniture, wool, metal, and natural greenery. The large windows provide all the decor needed. The white walls and lofted ceilings reflect bright sunlight throughout the room.

Neutral Color Palette

This kitchen has a neutral color palette, but it looks anything but boring. The designer has used bold color tones to create the look of contrast. The upper paneling and cabinets are painted a gorgeous black with a cool undertone. The marble countertops and textured wood cabinets give the kitchen a look of earthy sophistication.

Layered Lighting

This bedroom design utilizes layered lighting techniques to give the user the most control over light levels. The large windows provide ample light during the day. The lighting plan also includes the overhead ambient light that spreads a soft glow in the evening when the sun has gone down. The lights beside the bed allow quiet reading before bed without having to get up to turn off the light to sleep.

Comfort

Traditional Scandinavian homes like rural farmhouses are more colorful than their modern counterparts. But there are many areas where these designs share similarities. One of these is that they both value comfort in their interior spaces. The comfort of this traditional kitchen includes the ample use of warm wood furnishings, cozy pillows, rugs to keep bare feet warm, and natural accents like fresh cut flowers.

The timelessness of Scandinavian House Style

There are no design styles that stay static over time, but Scandinavian style is one that is as close to timeless as we have. You can see this as you look across the landscape of Scandinavian design from traditional to modern.

While there are differences, Scandinavian houses are still designed with the same attention to detail, quality craftsmanship, the use of natural materials, and a desire to fit into the natural environment.

This will ensure that Scandinavian-style houses are a classic look for our lifetime.

Two of the most popular types of plywood, CDX and OSB both provide your home with the protection that it needs. It is important that you know which type of plywood you need to use and where to use it. 

To the untrained eye, every piece of plywood looks the same. However, different types of plywood have their own unique benefits and applications. Discover more about OSB and CDX plywood today.

What is CDX Plywood?

In order to understand what CDX plywood is, we need to break down what the three letters in the name mean. The C stands for the veneer grade of one strip of plywood, and the D stands for the same thing. The X refers to the glue used to attach both veneers. A single sheet of CDX plywood has two strips of plywood, one a C and one a D, glued together.

Every sheet of plywood comes with a grade. Plywood bearing a C-grade is not sanded and contains defects and knots under 2″ in diameter. When installing C-grade plywood in your subfloor, these knots and defects do not matter. D-grade plywood is not sanded and contains defects and knots above 2” in diameter.

The “X” in CDX refers to the type of glue used to attach the two different types of plywood. Some types of plywood rely on a standard adhesive. CDX plywood uses a specialized adhesive that makes CDX plywood a great choice for use inside and outside your home.

What is OSB?

OSB stands for Oriented Strand Board. Made from wood strands that are between 3” and 6” in length, OSB is an engineered wood panel that provides plenty of versatility.

OSB manufacturing allows manufacturers to use the entire tree during the milling process. Framing lumber, lumber used for finishes, and other pieces of wood cannot contain knots and other defects. That’s not the case for OSB.

During the manufacturing process, the manufacturer takes the strands and mixes them with a waterproof resin. Once the mixing process is complete, the strands go through the bonding process under immense heat and high pressure. This creates the large sheets of plywood that you see when you walk down the aisle at your local hardware store or lumber yard.

What Are the Differences Between CDX and OSB?

While many people think that all types of plywood are interchangeable, that’s not the case. OSB and CDX each come with a unique set of benefits that make them great choices.

However, it is important to understand that these benefits lend themselves to specific uses for these types of wood.

For instance, OSB is more water-resistant than CDX. CDX absorbs and loses water easily, allowing it to go back to its normal shape. Thanks to the resin used at the beginning of the OSB manufacturing process, it does not absorb water easily. However, that same resin makes it harder for OSB to lose the water that is absorbed.

CDX plywood is more expensive than OSB. As is the case with any type of lumber, different sizing results in different prices. Thinner sheets of CDX cost around $20.99 per sheet while thicker sheets can run upwards of $40.99 per sheet.

OSB plywood pricing starts closer to $15.80 per sheet while thicker sheets can cost as much as $32.99 per sheet.

The most important difference between OSB and CDX involves their applications. In the same way that you wouldn’t use the same type of lumber used for framing to build a large deck on your home, it’s important to use the right type of plywood for the job.

Since subflooring doesn’t face exposure to moisture, CDX is a great choice. It’s thickness and durability make it an excellent option for reinforcing floors. If you live in an area that doesn’t experience a lot of rainfall, CDX also has roofing applications.

OSB is a more popular option for sheathing, the base layer of your roof. Thanks to its water-resistant nature, OSB is a great option when looking for something to install under shingles, roofing metal, or the roof finish that you choose.

Both OSB and CDX provide plenty of benefits and practical applications. In fact, it is virtually impossible to build a home without using at least one of these types of plywood.

Understanding the benefits of each and their most common applications ensures that you choose the right type of lumber to protect your home from the elements.

When meeting with your contractor, make sure to let him or her know about the type of plywood that you want to use.

OSB, a form of lumber, is a popular option for roof sheathing, subflooring, and more. Whether you want to have a new home constructed, your current home remodeled, or you need repairs performed on your property, OSB is an excellent choice.

What is OSB?

OSB is a widely used, engineered wood product. If you go to your local hardware store or lumber yard, there will be several different types of plywood available. Some of those options, such as CDX plywood, are also excellent choices, but usually carry heftier price tags.

Oriented Strand Board, also referred to as OSB, contains strands of wood turned in different directions to provide greater strength. This type of wood resists warping, distortion, and deflection.

How is OSB Made?

Oriented strand board manufacturing begins by collecting rectangular strands of wood between 3” and 6” in length. Manufacturers use pieces of wood that are knotty and have other flaws to create OSB, allowing them to better use every part of the tree.

Once collected, manufacturers mix these strands with a waterproof resin before interleaving them together into thick mats. After completing the interleaving process, the strands go through a bonding process that includes immense heat and pressure. This high-pressure heating process, along with the presence of the resin, allows the strands to fully bond together creating the large sheets of OSB that you see when you look at the finished product.

What is OSB Used For?

Since OSB involves the use of knotty, unattractive strands of wood, it is only used in construction projects in which other layers go over it. For instance, the subfloors in your home probably have a layer of OSB. This durable material allows you to attach the flooring that you chose to it.

In addition to flooring, OSB also provides uses on your roof. The resin applied to the strands of wood that make up OSB create a layer of moisture resistance. Your roof has multiple layers, each of which play an important role in protecting you, your family, and your belongings.

A series of joists create the pitch, or steepness, of your roof. Once in place, those joists must have a layer of flat pieces of wood placed over it. This layer is often referred to as sheathing. OSB is an excellent choice for sheathing. The sheathing provides a smooth, even finish for the underlayment, ice guard, and roof finish to adhere to.

The exterior walls of your home also require a layer of sheathing. When you stand in your yard and look at your home, you only see the exterior finish, whether it be brick, vinyl siding, stucco, or another finish. Under that finish, a layer of sheathing provides it with a surface to adhere to. In many cases, this sheathing is OSB.

Every part of your home can benefit from the use of OSB.

Benefits of Using OSB

When looking for materials to build, remodel, or repair a home, most people consider the cost. When a contractor provides you with a cost estimate of performing any job, materials are the most important part of the equation. OSB provides a much more affordable option than some other types of wood.

OSB prices do vary based on your location and the thickness of the OSB that you choose. OSB ranges in price from $17.00 per sheet for thinner sheets to $32.99 for larger, more durable sheets. Depending on the area in which you plan to use the sheets of OSB, thicker sheets are a better choice.

The resin applied to OSB during the manufacturing process creates a layer of moisture resistance, which is another big benefit of using this type of wood. When any type of building material possesses a level of moisture resistance, it becomes resistant to mold and other bacterial growth, as well.

In addition to being resistant to moisture, OSB is durable. Many OSB manufacturers provide a 50-year guarantee on their products. This type of warranty makes OSB one of the most long-lasting building materials on the market.

OSB provides a litany of benefits and applications, which is why it is such a popular choice in the construction industry. When having a new home constructed, repairs performed, or remodeling jobs completed, it is important that you make yourself aware of all the options you have available to you. Talk to the contractor of your choice about the use of OSB and how it can help improve your home.

Western red cedar is one of the most versatile and durable types of lumber contractors use when building a home. In addition to providing a weather-resistant exterior, western red cedar provides a beautiful, rustic touch to the inside of your home.

If you’re looking for the right type of lumber to use while building your home, you must know about the benefits, features, and cost of different types of lumber. Discover more about western red cedar and how it can play a pivotal role in your home today.

What is Western Red Cedar?

Western red cedar is a type of cedar that grows in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. This type of lumber also grows in Alaska, the coastal region of British Columbia, and east into Montana. While there are some western red cedar reserves in other parts of the US, this type of lumber grows in areas with a mild, damp climate.

The root system of the western red cedar is shallow. To make up for their shallowness, western red cedar’s roots spread out very wide, providing the layer of strength they need.

Western Red Cedar Applications

One of the most appealing aspects of the western red cedar is its versatility. Since western red cedar is so resistant to decay, it is a perfect option for the outside of a home. Its unique coloring allows it to provide a rustic-chic look for the inside of your home.

One of the most common uses for western red cedar is roofing. Cedar shake shingles provide a dimensional look for your roof that goes beyond the look you can get from traditional asphalt shingles. Not only are these cedar shingles easy to install, but their durability allows you to enjoy your roof for decades.

In addition to roofing, western red cedar is a great choice for siding. While you can stain or paint western red cedar, its natural beauty adds an elegant touch to the outside of any home.

Additionally, western red cedar is popular for decking, fencing, portable buildings, poles, and weatherboarding. Unlike many “soft” lumber types, western red cedar is strong enough to be useful in many areas of your property’s exterior.

Door frames, window frames, wall paneling, ceiling paneling, and furniture applications make western red cedar popular. In recent years, interior designers have started implementing rustic, farmhouse design elements into their work. Western red cedar is a great choice for the inside of your home if that’s the type of design that you are going for.

Benefits of Using Western Red Cedar

One of the best benefits of western red cedar is its durability. Since western red cedar grows in damp areas, it is resistant to mold and water damage. This makes it a great choice if you’re looking for the right type of lumber to use on the outside of your home. Your home’s siding and roof experience non-stop exposure to the elements, so choosing a type of lumber that is mold-resistant is paramount.

In addition to being resistant to mold, western red cedar is also resistant to termites. Depending on the type of lumber you use on your home, whether inside or out, you may need to work with an exterminator to prevent termite damage. Western red cedar is one of the few types of lumber resistant to termites, protecting the structural stability of your home.

Western red cedar is also one of the most fire-resistant types of lumber on the market. This is important not only for the viability of your home, but also for your finances. Many insurance companies determine the fire resistance of your property before quoting a price for your insurance. When your property has fire-resistant materials, your insurance rates will be lower.

Drawbacks of Western Red Cedar

The only real downside of using western red cedar in and on your home is its cost. Cedar costs more than other types of wood. Since western red cedar is an even smaller subset of cedar, it is more expensive than other cedar types.

All the features that make western red cedar such a good choice make it expensive. In the world of lumber, you get what you pay for. When you choose a beautiful, durable, fire-resistant type of lumber, you will have to pay more for it.

The fact that so much western red cedar comes out of Canada makes it more expensive in the United States. Companies that produce and sell western red cedar must increase the price to cover their own costs of procuring the wood.

Western red cedar is popular among architects, designers, and constructionists. If you’re looking for the right choice of lumber for your property, you should consider western red cedar.

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One of the most popular types of wood is mass timber. Mass timber manufacturing relies on cutting-edge technology to nail, glue, or dowel wood products together in multiple layers. Once completed, the manufacturing process results in beautiful wood panels, beams, and posts. Today, discover more about the applications and benefits of using mass timber on and in your home.

Different Types of Mass Timber

Mass timber is a term that encompasses multiple types of wood products. Some types of lumber members of the mass timber family include:

• cross-laminated timber
• glue-laminated timber
• dowel laminated timber
• laminated strained lumber
• parallel strand lumber
• nail laminated timber
• laminated veneer lumber

These different types of mass timber each have their own typical applications and benefits. Different types of mass timber provide their own looks and have their own unique set of applications.

How is Mass Timber Made?

Since there are different types of mass timber, there is no uniform method of manufacturing. However, the mass timber is typically formed through lamination, fasteners, or adhesives.

At the onset of the mass timber manufacturing method, the manufacturer chooses pieces of lumber to use. If the manufacturer finds any imperfections in the lumber, they cut them out. Once the lumber is perfect, they cut the pieces to size based on the order. Different types of mass lumber require the manufacturer to use certain numbers of pieces of wood.

Once the manufacturer has the right number of pieces cut to size, the adhesive application process begins. Again, depending on the type of mass timber manufactured, the manufacturer uses a particular type of adhesive. Mass timber relies on glue, dowels, or nails to attach all the layers together. Once the adhesive process is complete, you have a beautiful, multi-layered wall, beam, or post.

Mass Timber Applications

One of the most popular uses for mass timber involves using it on the outside of a building. In contrast to light timber construction, mass timber construction has high strength ratings that rival that of concrete. Mass timber is an excellent choice if you are looking for a unique design element for the outside of your home or commercial space. It has the strength of concrete while providing a look that strikes a balance between industrial and rustic.

Mass timber is also a good choice for the inside of your home or commercial space. Again, thanks to its strength, mass timber is an excellent choice for load-bearing walls inside your home or office space. Mass timber is a popular option for floors and ceilings, especially those that bear the weight of an upstairs space.

Benefits of Using Mass Timber

The biggest benefit of mass timber is its durability and strength. The manufacturing process involves attaching multiple pieces of high-quality lumber together, making mass timber strong. This strength allows you to use mass timber outside or inside your space.

If you’re looking for something to use on the outside of a building, mass timber is a much more affordable option than steel or concrete. In today’s economy, where the cost of building materials is soaring, it’s crucial to find a cost-effective option without sacrificing quality. Mass timber is much cheaper than steel and concrete. Some types of mass timber cost as little as $20 per square foot, while more expensive options run closer to $50 per square foot. The specific type of mass timber that you choose will dictate how much you pay.

Since most types of mass timber have some sort of coating, they are also weather-resistant. This makes them a great choice if you’re looking for a long-lasting type of wood siding for your home. Since mass timber is weather-resistant, it is also resistant to mold.

Finally, most types of mass timber char when exposed to flames, making it one of the most fire-resistant construction options in the industry. When you choose a fire-resistant type of wood, you not only protect your space from complete destruction by fire, but it also results in lower insurance rates.

Mass timber is one of the most popular options in the world of construction and experts expect it to continue growing in popularity. Thanks to its affordability and durability, many people choose this type of lumber for their home or commercial spaces. When you have a new building of any kind constructed, you should consider all your options. Mass timber should be at the top of your list of considerations.

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Cross-laminated timber(CLT) is a type of engineered wood that is made by bonding together layers of lumber. The resulting panels are strong and dimensionally stable, making them well-suited for use in construction.

Fabricators glue multiple layers of cross-laminated timber together, usually in groups of three, five, seven, or nine sheets to create the finished product.

Unlike solid wood, which can warp and shrink over time, cross laminated timber will retain its shape and size even when exposed to moisture or extreme temperature changes.

This engineered wood product which consists of layers of kiln-dried lumber is both durable and aesthetically pleasing.

How is Cross Laminated Timber Made?

The process of fabricating cross-laminated timber, also referred to as CLT, begins by choosing the right pieces of lumber and cutting out any defects found. A single finished piece of cross-laminated timber has multiple pieces of wood in it.

Manufacturers create the finished product by combining several individual layers together. Each panel gets cut to size, so it matches up with the other pieces of lumber in its group. Once the fabricator has the best pieces of lumber, they begin applying the adhesive. The adhesive process is exhaustive, as the manufacturer must ensure there are no cracks between the layers.

One of the most appealing aspects of cross-laminated timber is the fact that it is custom-made for every application. Regulations ensure that CLT manufacturing meets the most rigorous standards possible.

Cross Laminated Timber Applications

Different types of lumber lend themselves to different uses within any type of building project. For example, the type of cedar used on roofs would not work on the exterior walls of a commercial building. Another of the benefits associated with CLT use is its versatility. While many types of limber have very few possible applications, cross-laminated timber comes with a host of practical applications.

One of the most popular uses for cross-laminated timber is to use it instead of concrete when building form walls on the outside of a structure. Concrete is a traditional option for form walls but using CLT provides a more attractive exterior finish. Since it takes multiple pieces of lumber to make CLT, the different grains and colors come together to create an aesthetically pleasing finish instead of drab concrete.

Cross-laminated timber also provides uses for the inside of your home. Pre-insulated walls, which are a popular choice among homeowners and interior designers, lend themselves to the use of cross-laminated timber.

Depending on the design aesthetic that you want for your home, installing cross-laminated timber on your walls and ceilings is a great idea. The combination of different grains and shades of wood provide a rustic-chic look that many homeowners look for.

Cross-laminated timber is resistant to weather, thanks in large part to the lamination. This means that you can also use it on outside of your home. For instance, CLT provides a beautiful look for balconies and cantilevered floors.

Advantages of Cross-Laminated Timber

Cheaper

One of the most popular questions about any type of building material involves its cost. If you only look at the cost per square foot of cross-laminated timber, you may assume that it is more expensive than other building materials. Based only on that metric, you are correct. However, according to studies, the CLT takes much less time to install than other types of lumber. This decreased installation time leads to a reduction in cost. While you will pay more for the material, you will pay less for the labor which allows the cost to offset.

Fire-resistant

Cross-laminated timber is fire-resistant. Due to the manufacturing process, CLT chars when exposed to flames. The biggest benefit of this fire resistance is the fact areas of your home with cross-laminated timber won’t face total destruction in the event of a fire. There are also financial benefits associated with CLT’s fire resistance. When you use fire-resistant materials in and on your home, your homeowner’s insurance premiums decrease.

Mold resistance

Cross-laminated timber also provides mold resistance, which is great news if you live in an area prone to flooding. Traditional drywall begins growing mold within 24 hours of exposure to water. When installed the right way, cross-laminated timber resists mold growth.

Low maintance

Cross-laminated timber is one of the most popular options among homeowners and construction professionals. Its fire-resistant and mold-resistant nature allows cross-laminated timber to last for decades if maintained.

The maintenance process is simple, as you only need to apply wood-preserving oil to the exterior of the timber to maintain it. If you are looking for an attractive, durable, affordable finish for your walls, floors, or exterior, cross-laminated timber is a wonderful option.

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