Natural Characteristics of Western Red Cedar

Dimensional Stability

Western Red Cedar has twice the stability of most commonly available softwoods. Cedar offers low density and shrinkage factors, and exceptional thermal insulation value. The stability is a result of its low density and shrinkage factors. It lies flat, stays straight, and holds fastenings tightly. This makes cedar an ideal medium for signs.

Workability

Western Red Cedar is easy to cut, form, glue, carve, sandblast and finish. Cedar produces long, lightweight lengths of timber with a fine, straight grain and uniform texture that make it easy to cut, saw and nail with common tools. These features also contribute to its ability to be planed to a smooth surface or machined to any pattern.

Natural Preservative

Western Red Cedar is one of the world's most durable woods. Natural resistance to moisture, decay and insect damage has long made it the premier choice for either interior or exterior home use. Cedar fibres in the heartwood contain natural preservatives that are toxic to decay-causing fungi. The two principal extractives that are responsible for the decay resistance are Thujaplicans and water-soluble phenolics. The tree's ability to produce these extractives increases with age, making the outer regions of heartwood the most durable.

All-Weather

Western Red Cedar is naturally at home in the sun, rain, heat and cold all year round. Cedar is one of the few wood species that are naturally at home in the outdoors. Its natural resistance to moisture, decay and insect damage make it the ideal choice for a surface that is exposed to sun, rain, heat and cold all year round. This means that your investment in a properly finished Warren Langley Sign, could last fore more than a decade, even in harsh environments.

Beauty

For centuries builders and artisans have valued Western Red Cedar for its natural beauty and durability. Unfinished cedar has richly textured grain with colours ranging from mellow ambers, reddish cinnamons and rich sienna browns. Its warm colouring is complimented by a uniform, fine-grained texture with a satin lustre. It is these characteristics that make Warrens signs so visually stunning.

Easy finishing

Because cedar is virtually pitch and resin free, the wood easily accepts a range of finishes, from fine oils and stains, to solid coatings and paint. Annual cleaning with soap and water will help preserve your sign.

Aroma

Cedar's unique aroma comes from naturally occurring thujaplicins in its heartwood. These compounds resist moisture and are toxic to decay-causing fungi and insects and preserve the wood to give it long lasting appeal.