Building with natural wood, particularly cedar, has a long and rich history that spans thousands of years.
Cedar species specifically has been prized for its beauty, durability, and natural resistance to decay, making it a popular choice for everything from homes and furniture to boats and musical instruments. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the history of building with natural wood, with a focus on cedar. We’ll explore the properties of cedar that make it such a desirable building material, as well as the history of its use in various cultures and applications. We’ll also examine some of the challenges and opportunities associated with building with cedar in the modern era.
Section 1: Properties of Cedar
Before diving into the history of building with cedar, it’s important to understand the properties of this unique wood species. Cedar is known for its light weight, straight grain, and resistance to decay and insects. It also has a distinctive aroma and color that makes it highly desirable for decorative applications.
Cedar’s natural resistance to decay and insects is due in part to its high levels of natural oils and resins, which act as a natural preservative. This makes it a popular choice for outdoor applications like siding, decking, and fencing, as well as indoor applications like furniture and flooring.
Section 2: Early Use of Cedar in Building
Cedar has been used in building for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and the Greeks. The Egyptians used cedar in the construction of their boats and temples, while the Greeks used it for everything from furniture and chests to roofing and siding.
In North America, indigenous peoples like the Haida and the Tlingit used cedar for everything from canoes and totem poles to longhouses and baskets. The natural resistance of cedar to decay and insects made it an ideal material for these applications, as it could withstand the harsh coastal climate.
Section 3: Cedar in the Modern Era
In the modern era, cedar has continued to be a popular choice for building materials, particularly in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and Canada. Cedar is still used for everything from homes and furniture to boats and musical instruments.
One of the key challenges associated with building with cedar in the modern era is sustainability. Cedar forests have been heavily harvested over the years, and there are concerns about overharvesting and habitat destruction. As a result, there has been a growing interest in sustainable forestry practices and certification programs like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to ensure that cedar and other wood species are harvested responsibly.
Section 4: The Future of Building with Cedar
Looking ahead, it’s likely that cedar will continue to be a popular choice for building materials, particularly for outdoor applications. However, as concerns about sustainability and environmental impact grow, there will be a greater emphasis on using cedar and other wood species in a responsible and sustainable manner.
This may involve a greater focus on certification programs like FSC, as well as the use of alternative materials like composite decking and siding that mimic the look and feel of natural cedar without the environmental impact.
Building with natural wood, particularly cedar, has a long and rich history that spans thousands of years. Cedar’s natural beauty, durability, and resistance to decay and insects have made it a popular choice for everything from homes and furniture to boats and musical instruments.
As we look to the future, there will be a greater emphasis on using cedar and other wood species in a responsible and sustainable manner. This may involve certification programs like FSC, as well as the use of alternative materials that mimic the look and feel of natural cedar without the environmental impact.
Ultimately, the history of building with cedar is a testament to the enduring appeal of this remarkable wood species, and its continued use and preservation will be essential for future generations
