Top 5 Reasons to Choose Yellow Cedar for Doors and Windows
Yellow cedar (Cupressus Nootkatensis) grows in the coastal mountains of British Columbia (B.C.), on the west coast of Canada. The species is unique to that region of the world and grows so slowly that it needs 200 years to grow to a marketable size. It is a truly remarkable tree.
While many species of tropical and coniferous woods are ideal for doors and windows, yellow cedar has some very specific advantages that make it worth considering over others. It is widely used around the world for external applications, and in India is being increasingly specified for making door jambs and windows. Like all Canadian Wood species, yellow cedar lumber is certified and available in standard grades and sizes. It forms an essential component of green buildings.
Specifically for doors and windows, here are the 5 top reasons yellow cedar stands apart from the rest:
It is naturally durable
Yellow cedar is tough, solid and durable. Its natural oily extractives make it highly termite, decay and rot resistant. It is therefore ideal for windows and external doors that are constantly exposed to moisture and extreme weather conditions.
Seasoned yellow cedar lumber
Excellent workability
Yellow –cedar has exceptional workability and can be easily machined and finished. It has a smooth, fine-grained texture that results in a beautiful end product. It is one of the most popular wood species for carvings and mouldings, so if you are looking for ornately carved exterior doors, yellow cedar is the perfect material to use.
Intricately carved & centre-piece in yellow cedar
Good nail and screw holding properties
Fittings and fixtures can loosen and wear-off due to prolonged active use if the wood is not chosen wisely. Yellow cedar has good nail and screw holding properties ensuring longevity despite heavy usage.
Windows in yellow- cedar
Dimensionally stable & secure
Yellow cedar from B.C., Canada is kiln dried (KD) and heat treated (HT) which makes it dimensionally stable with no warping or bending over the period of use. The wood is strong with a tight grain and an average density of 431 kgs/cubic meter resulting in strong doors with enhanced security. It is an ideal material for door jambs (referred to as chaukhats in India).
Solid wood door and sliding panel door in yellow cedar
Versatility & aesthetics
Yellow cedar is a beautiful looking wood with a unique yellow color which can instantly lend a plush look to any door or window. It is one of the easiest ways to make a lasting first impression on visitors. It can be used with a clear polish or with a range of stains and finishes. Yellow cedar also works beautifully with other materials like glass and steel, which can be used in combination to produce a variety of designs.
Plush exterior door in yellow cedar with metal detailing
Solid wood interior door in yellow cedar
FII India, funded by the government of British Columbia (B.C.), Canada represents Canadian wood in India for all its five species viz. Western Hemlock, Douglas Fir, Yellow Cedar, Western Red Cedar and Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF). FII works closely with architects, manufacturers, importers and real estate developers to provide technical and procurement assistance for their requirements free of any cost