What Is Cedar?



What is Cedar?

About the tree
Cedar is actually a member of the pine family. These trees are naturally found in North America, and they are native to the mountainous regions of Asia and North Africa. The Western red cedar is known as the Thunja plicata.

Cedar trees have needle-like leaves and are cone bearing, just like all conifers. The cedar tree has four-angled leaves on short side branches. This tree produces an aromatic red colored wood that is used in construction, and furniture industries. These beautiful trees can reach a height of nearly 100 feet tall. Instead of having one main trunk, the cedar can have branches that split off. It also has leaves that can be very deep dark green, or extremely light green.

First Use of Cedar
The Aborigines referred to these cedar trees as "trees of life". The cedar tree was monumental in their history.

The Aboriginal people used these gigantic trees in many aspects of their culture. The trees were felled and used as wood for their homes, and their coffins. Canoes were constructed by digging out the trunk. The most sacred function of the cedars was when it was carved into a totem pole, and held a magical place in their tribal ceremonies. It is no wonder that the cedar tree became known as the tree of life, for they used it in every aspect of their lives.

Cedar trees produce fragrant, durable wood

As Outdoor Furniture
Cedar is highly resistant to weathering, and will last many decades outdoors without being susceptible to rotting and decay. Cedar can be left unfinished and untreated. The natural weathering process will transform this beautiful wood into a pleasant gray color. To maintain the original rich color of the wood, it is necessary to us a protective coating.