Northern White Cedar Logs Compared to Pine Logs

Upon reviewing this information, why would you build your dream log home with any wood other than Northern White Cedar? This information is based on scientific research conducted by leading educational institutions and U.S. government agencies including the University of Maine, the United States Department of Agriculture, the Forest Products Laboratory, and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers.

Here’s one simple question to ask yourself before you buy a Pine log home…Why would you build your dream home from a wood that you are not even allowed to use for an exterior deck unless it is chemically treated such as pressure-treated lumber? As stated in the International Residential Code, “Exterior decks must be constructed of either a naturally decay-resistance lumber or a pressure-treated lumber (ACQ)…” such as Cedar, Cypress, or Redwood. We at Mountain Creations Log Homes are unsure why building codes will permit you to build an entire house from untreated white pine but they WILL NOT allow you to construct an exterior deck from the same wood unless chemically treated for decay and rot resistance. You be the judge.

DON’T SETTLE FOR PINE!

References

American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-conditioning Engineers. (2007). ASHRAE Handbook. Atlanta: ASHRAE.

Haataja, B. A., & Laks, P. E. (1995). Properties of Flakeboard Made From Northern White Cedar. Forest Products Journal , 45 (1), 68-70.

Hofmeyer, P. V., Kenefic, L. S., & Seymour, R. S. (2007). Northern White Cedar. Orono, ME: Cooperative Forestry Research Unit.

National Association of Home Builders. (2006). International Residential Codes. Washington D.C.: International Code Council.

USDA Forest Service. (1999). WOOD HANDBOOK Wood as an Engineering Material. Washington D.C.: Forest Products Laboratory.