Steel, concrete and composites all have their place, but wood remains one of the most versatile and rewarding materials an architect or homeowner can choose. Here are ten reasons it keeps earning its place on the building.
1. It is renewable
Wood is grown. In British Columbia, reforestation after harvesting is a legal obligation, according to the Province of B.C.
2. It stores carbon
Trees absorb carbon as they grow, and wood products continue to store that carbon over their lifetime, according to naturally:wood.
3. It insulates
Western Red Cedar is one of the best thermal insulators among commonly available softwoods, thanks to its low density and air-filled cell structure (Real Cedar).
4. It softens sound
Wood’s cellular structure dampens vibration. Real Cedar notes Western Red Cedar is particularly effective for sound absorption in walls, floors and ceilings.
5. It is strong for its weight
Western Hemlock’s strength and stiffness make it a preferred material for horizontal components and longer spans (naturally:wood).
6. It can be naturally durable
Western Red Cedar heartwood contains natural extractives, including thujaplicin, that help it resist decay and insects (naturally:wood). Thermally modified wood such as Lunawood gains durability through heat and steam alone.
7. It stays true
Western Red Cedar is among the most dimensionally stable softwoods, resisting warping, twisting and checking (Real Cedar), and thermal modification improves the stability of Lunawood.
8. It is easy to work
Western Red Cedar is easy to work with tools and sands and glues well (naturally:wood), which keeps installation and site adjustments straightforward.
9. It goes everywhere
The same wood can run from exterior cladding and soffits to interior walls and ceilings, tying inside and outside together.
10. It can be renewed
Wood cladding can be washed and re-sealed rather than replaced. Sealed on all six faces and cared for with a simple maintenance program, it keeps its look for years.
Choosing wood for your project
The Crisp program covers Western Red Cedar, Western Hemlock and Lunawood in twenty-seven colours, with custom species, profiles and sizes available. Explore the collections or order samples.
Sources: Province of B.C., Reforestation; naturally:wood, Carbon and climate, Western red cedar and Western hemlock species pages; Real Cedar, Characteristics and Properties of Western Red Cedar.