Cedar or pine: which species to choose for a wooden house

Cedar wood is expensive, prestigious and beautiful. Largely due to the fact that this tree was mentioned in the Bible and expensive products have been made from it from time immemorial, cedar is often called any coniferous wood. The Mediterranean countries are considered the birthplace of this tree, whose height does not exceed 50 meters. In Russia, cedar of various types grows on the southern coast of Crimea, as well as in Siberia. In our country, its wood is used in construction, as well as in furniture production.

Description of cedar wood

Cedar pine, which is the second name for cedar, has a light core with a yellow or pink tint. It is practically no different from sapwood. The resin passages of cedar are smaller than those of pine. But at the same time they are more clearly expressed.

GOST 20022. 2-80 classifies cedar as a resistant species that very rarely rots. But at the same time, cedar wood is very soft and can be processed perfectly in all directions.

In Siberia, houses are still built from cedar. Moreover, as practice shows, they can last more than a hundred years.

They also make from cedar:

• pencils;
• plywood;
• veneer;
• furniture;
• racks for mining production;
• hives;
• musical instruments;

The life expectancy of cedar is quite high. So, it can exist up to 4 centuries. In the Baltics there is a long-lived cedar, which is 1,500 years old. Therefore, it is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of how many years a cedar tree lives.

It is worth mentioning the beneficial properties of cedar:

Advantages of cedar profiled timber

For a long time, adherents of wooden house construction had only two options for wall materials - hand-cut logs and machine-processed logs, rounded. The main disadvantage of rounded logs is its susceptibility to putrefactive processes associated with the removal of the protective natural layer, but when it comes to cedar, this problem does not arise. However, in recent years, log houses have given way to houses made of profiled timber. And this is due both to the greater manufacturability of this material and the assembly method itself, and to the visual component. No matter how hard you try, it is impossible to assemble a house in a modern style from a log. Even with an attic, even on one floor, even with extensions under the chalet - a hut, it is a hut, even with beautiful architecture. In this regard, timber is universal; it is used to build both conventional cottages and cube houses with flat usable or inverted roofs. The popularity of timber is also evidenced by the fact that one of the most popular finishing facade and interior materials is its imitation. And not only from thinner wood itself, but also from polymers, metal and even fiber cement.

Profiled timber is more technologically advanced than regular planed timber, and more affordable and natural than glued timber. This is the optimal wall material for wooden houses, both for seasonal use and for permanent residence all year round. Naturally, provided that the cross-section is selected correctly and the assembly of the house kit is carried out in compliance with the technology. Due to minimal thermal conductivity, cedar profiled timber with a cross-section of 200×200 mm can be used without additional insulation even in cold regions, not to mention the middle zone or warm, southern climate. And walls made of profiled timber do not require caulking, since the specialized thermal insulation material laid between the crowns, coupled with a grooved fixation system, is enough to ensure the tightness of the box. And since the groove system and insulation block the access of cold air and prevent blowing, then a modern “warm seam” after shrinkage is also not needed.

Cedar timber, among other advantages, is also practically not susceptible to cracking, even if we are talking about a material with natural moisture, which allows us to minimize finishing work inside and on the facade. As home owners note, where the pine is twisted with a “helicopter”, the cedar remains smooth and does not create problems. And given its ideal geometry, chic color and stunning texture, it is enough to cover the walls with transparent oil or wax to highlight their beauty. That is, you can safely do without sealing defects, and rough finishing comes down to grinding. And this is a real opportunity to save on materials, performers, and interior design. The walls themselves look like decoration and do not need an abundance of decor; properly selected textiles, necessary furnishings, and the house is ready to move in.

Varieties

In total, 2 types of cedar form 9 subspecies. All trees do not grow very quickly, but their wood is very valuable, largely due to the fact that it is resistant to decay. It is surprising that cedar grows in Asia, Africa, Siberia, Crimea, and Transcaucasia. It is believed that this tree is heat-loving. Nevertheless, Siberian cedar tolerates harsh winters well.

Siberian

Some experts still claim that there is no Siberian cedar, there is pine, which is similar to cedar. Therefore, this tree is classified as a pine species. However, Siberian pine pine is a frost-resistant evergreen tree.

It grows successfully in the Moscow region, Leningrad and Voronezh regions, as well as throughout Siberia, Altai (Altai) and the Urals. The lifespan of a tree reaches 800 years. In size, Siberian cedar is second only to sequoia. The diameter of its trunk reaches 2 meters.

The growing season of cedar is only 45 days; the rest of the time the tree remains dormant. The most valuable product of cedar is its nuts. They are rich in vitamins, healthy fats and minerals. Nuts are eaten raw and oil is made from them. Siberian cedar is a very beautiful tree, valuable to humans.

Photo of Siberian cedar

Siberian cedar

Siberian cedar cones

Lebanese

An evergreen coniferous tree with a trunk up to 2.5 meters. This cedar grows slowly. It can withstand temperatures down to -30°C. Its bark is dark gray with small scales. This type of cedar is a symbol of Lebanon, where it comes from. It feels best at an altitude of 1,000 to 2,000 meters above sea level. In Russia, Lebanese cedar grows on the Black Sea coast.

Cedar propagates by seeds. In youth it has a conical crown, in old age it has the shape of an umbrella. The cones are shaped like a barrel. By the way, earlier essential oils were obtained from pine needles, but now from Lebanese cedar wood. This tree is depicted on the state symbols of Lebanon. And Lebanese cedar is often mistakenly called Libyan.

Photo of Lebanese cedar

Lebanese cedar cones

Lebanese cedar

Canadian

The oldest Canadian red cedar grows in Washington's Olympic Park. Its age is 1,200 years. An ordinary Canadian cedar reaches a height of 75 meters, and the diameter of its trunk can be up to 6.5 meters. The tree has very soft, pliable wood.

Despite its name, Canadian red cedar has wood that ranges in color from light beige to brownish-red. When heated, Canadian cedar wood does not release resin. The wood does not crack during processing.

Photo of Canadian cedar tree

Himalayan

This cedar grows up to 50 meters, the maximum width of its trunk is no more than 3 meters. Its needles are soft and light green in color. It lives up to 1,000 years, but under favorable conditions it can live up to 3,000. The cones ripen within a year and a half. Himalayan cedar tolerates darkness well.

The cedar crown is conical, but very wide. It loves high humidity, including soil, so it feels great in the conditions of the southern coast of Crimea. Although this species is frost-resistant, which means it may well exist in the conditions of central Russia.

Photo of Himalayan cedar

Deodar

Himalayan cedar cones

Far Eastern

This is the most frost-resistant cedar. Its lifespan reaches 600 years. Far Eastern cedar grows in a mixed forest. Next to him there is always a linden, birch, and fir tree. Its cones, like those of the Siberian cedar, have edible nuts. The cedar begins to bear fruit after its twentieth birthday.

The tree respects moderate watering and dry soil. Where Far Eastern cedars grow, there are always healthy trees and shrubs, and the air is fresh and even healing. Turpentine and rosin are obtained from cedar resin.

Photo of Far Eastern cedar

European

Scientists classify the tree as a member of the pine family. This cedar likes to grow on south-facing slopes at altitudes of 1,500 to 2,500 meters above sea level in Central Europe and Russia. The maximum tree height is 25 meters. European cedar is very similar to Siberian pine. Only its growth is lower and the trunk is thinner, and the bark is more beautiful and stronger.

And this is what a European cedar tree with cones looks like in the photo

Korean

The tree can grow up to 40 - 50 meters with a trunk diameter of up to 1.5 meters. Scientists also classify this species as a pine tree. The bark has a reddish tint, in youth it is gray, and in more mature age it is brown. Young cedar has large cones of red color with a purple tint, but there are few of them. The old one has many times more, but the size is small.

The tree grows in Korea and the adjacent Russian territory. Korean cedar is a monoecious tree. Male spikelets are yellow. But the needles are bluish-green.

Photo of Korean cedar

Kernels (seeds)

The nuts of an evergreen tree are a depot of useful microelements and vitamins; they are useful for adults, children, and women during pregnancy and lactation. Cedar seeds are healthy and high in calories, 100 g contains 673 Kcal. Contents of useful elements:

• 65-70% natural oil, completely absorbed by the body;
• carbohydrates, proteins, 19% nitrogen compounds;
• 4% fiber, 2% ash, pentosans;
• amino acids, minerals;
• potassium, sodium, cobalt, iodine;
• manganese, phosphorus, potassium, molybdenum;
• iron, copper, zinc;
• lecithin, vitamin complex.

What are the benefits of cedar kernels? They are considered to be a depot of nutrients beneficial to the body. Regular use improves the composition and quality of blood, stimulates the functions of the thyroid gland, normalizes the functioning of internal organs and endocrine glands. They have a beneficial effect on the heart muscle, increase elasticity and strength of blood vessels, and strengthen the immune system. Nuts are good for children, teenagers, and adults; they promote quick satiety, normalize metabolism, and have a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora and digestive system.

• relieve symptoms and the course of colds, help with vitamin deficiency, loss of strength;
• strengthen joints, ligaments, connective and bone tissues, regulate the processes of salt deposition;
• activate regeneration processes, promote rapid healing of ulcers and wounds;
• will help with hormonal imbalance, uterine bleeding, menstrual irregularities, impotence;
• ease the course of allergies, asthma, have a beneficial effect on the body in case of anemia, diabetes;
• improve the functioning of the organs of vision, will be a good prevention and treatment for ailments of the hearing aid;
• improve the condition of the nervous system, have a calming, relaxing effect, and help normalize sleep.

The milk of cedar kernels is an indispensable medicine for tuberculosis and genitourinary diseases. You can use it to make butter that tastes just like butter, but has great nutritional value.

Physical properties of cedar wood

Cedar is a core tree species. It resembles pine in texture, but has more pronounced lines. The physical properties of cedar allow the tree to be classified as elite and therefore all products made from its wood have a high price.

Density

The higher the humidity, the higher the density of the wood. The density of cedar in a completely dried state is 410 kg/m3. At a standard humidity of 12%, the density is 435 kg/m3, and the conditional density (the ratio of the mass of absolutely dry wood to the mass of the same volume of wood at the hygroscopicity stage) does not exceed 350 kg/m3.

Strength

Such an indicator as the strength of each wood is standard, and its increase or decrease depends on the humidity of the environment and the defects of the tree.

The tensile strength of cedar can be as follows:

• Compression along the fibers ranges from 33 to 40.6 MPa.
• Static bending - 54.1 to 79.9 MPa.
• Tension along the fibers is 90.2 MPa.
• Chip along the fibers - 5.64 - 6.39 MPa.
• Along the radial or tangential plane it ranges from 5.64 to 7.15 MPa.

For different types of cedar, these indicators differ slightly from each other and, in general, only Altai cedar has higher figures for physical and mechanical parameters.

Humidity

In a freshly felled cedar, the humidity exceeds 100%, and with maximum water absorption it can double and reach 220%. The humidity of absolutely dry cedar is 420%. A distinctive feature of any type of cedar is that it is not afraid of moisture and therefore can be used where the humidity is quite high.

Cedar wood weight

The structure of the cellular tissue, as well as its quantity in its pure form, plus the water level and the content of organic and inorganic substances, are responsible for the weight of the wood. Roots weigh the least, branches and twigs weigh more. The specific gravity of wood always depends on the type of tree. And these average figures for cedar vary in different reference books from 360 to 570 kg/m3.

The generally accepted indicators of the volumetric weight of 1 m3 of cedar are as follows:

Chemical composition

Cedar phytoncides disinfect the air, while its needles contain a lot of vitamin C and provitamin A. The cedar kernel contains 17% protein; 12% starch; 4% fiber; up to 20% carbohydrates; at least 60% oils. Wood contains organic acids, hydrocarbons, stilbenes, and flavonoids. In aromatherapy, cedar oils have a special place. Assessment of the chemical characteristics of wood 5.

Color and texture

All types of cedar wood are very similar in color. They have a light core with a brown or yellow tint. The wood has a pronounced cedar aroma and an oily surface. The contrast between the early and late zones is clearly visible.

The grain of cedar wood is medium in size. Middle-aged cedar has straight grain. Himalayan cedar has brown lines on a longitudinal section. The appearance of cedar wood has distinctive features that make it extremely interesting and beautiful.

An example of cedar wood texture

Sap

Resin is the resin of a plant, which is extracted during active sap flow. Known for its powerful antibacterial and wound-healing properties, it creates a natural barrier to viruses, fungi, and microbes. The composition of resin is unique and contains:

• resin components – resinols, ether resins, resinous compounds;
• volatile carbohydrates monoterpenes - phellandrene, pinene, camphrene, limonene, used for the production of turpentine;
• sesquiterpenes, diterpenes - neutral components, the basis of the resinous secretions of the plant;
• higher fatty acids, including linoleic acid.

Cedar resin restores, heals, is considered a natural immunomodulator, and relieves neuroses and depression. Resin is actively used in aromatherapy for the common cold, flu, acute respiratory infections, to facilitate the removal of sputum, and improve respiratory function. Cedar essential oil is used with aroma lamps, aroma pendants, and added to inhalers for a speedy recovery from colds.

Its properties and power of influence are extensive. Resin based products are considered:

• antioxidants that normalize metabolism, remove toxins, carcinogens, waste;
• anti-ulcers, normalizing microflora and activity of the gastrointestinal tract;
• anti-sclerotic, activating brain activity;
• wound-healing, removing inflammation, swelling, quickly relieving any abscesses, wounds, acne, any problems of the epidermis.

Cedar resin is effective when the following problems occur:

• blindness, glaucoma, intraocular pressure, any eye diseases;
• inflammatory processes of any etiology, duration;
• diseases of the oral cavity, including periodontal disease, stomatitis, caries;
• muscle spasms, joint pain;
• loss of strength, anemia, weakened immunity after surgery, illness;
• thrombosis, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, angina pectoris, other vascular and heart problems;
• gastrointestinal diseases: stomach and intestinal ulcers, gastritis, inflammation, obstruction of the bile ducts;
• bone fractures, chronic, severe damage to soft and hard tissues, up to gangrene;
• prevention, treatment of cancer of various origins and duration.

Mechanical properties of cedar wood

According to its physical and mechanical properties, cedar wood occupies a place between fir and spruce. Although it is more resistant to the processes of suppuration. Although soft, cedar wood is at the same time very durable.

Hardness

The hardness of the side surface of cedar is 40% lower than the end surface. According to the Brinell scale, this wood is classified as soft and its hardness is 4 HB. Although its strength is rated quite highly.

Due to its softness but strength in carpentry, cedar wood is used to make products that will be subject to significant loads in the future. The cedar is rated 5 for these properties.

Combustion temperature and calorific value of cedar

Cedar does not make the best firewood. They don't produce much heat, and their resinous nature can also ruin the chimney. But at the same time, cedar firewood takes a very long time to smolder. Although they have a low calorific value and its indicator is 4.3 kW/hour.

In terms of flammability, cedar belongs to the category of unstable wood. The fire resistance index does not exceed 1.1 - 1.5. The specific calorific value of cedar is close to that of pine. The more moisture there is in the wood, the harder it burns. The average calorific value of cedar, which has been dried as much as possible, can be from 4907 to 4952 calories.

This means that the energy released during the combustion of one kilogram of cedar firewood is enough to heat 4 tons of water by 1°C. GOST 3243-88 classifies cedar as the third group of firewood with low calorific value. This also includes poplar, willow, linden, fir, and pine.

Ash content

The ash content of biomass depends on what part of the wood is burned. So, in a dry cedar trunk there is from 0.2 to 0.7% ash. In the bark it is already 1.4%, and in branches and roots it can be even up to 2%. But most of the ash is formed during the combustion of bark - up to 2.2%.

Cedar is a beautiful, powerful tree that, while growing, heals other trees and the air around it. And as wood it brings invaluable benefits to humans and is used by them practically without a trace. Rating of wood, taking into account its appearance and all characteristics 5.

Treatment with resin (resin)

Resin is useful for burns of varying severity. Take a gauze bandage, soak it in resin, and place it on the area of ​​the damaged epithelium. If sunburn or boiling water burns, lubrication of the affected areas is sufficient. This will reduce pain, remove swelling and blisters, and promote rapid regeneration of the dermis.

For dry eczema and dermatitis, it is recommended to prepare an ointment from medical grease and resin, taken in a 1:1 ratio. Lubricate the affected areas with the prepared composition twice a day for 15-20 days, until complete recovery. At the same time, take the resin orally at the rate of 15-30 drops 2-3 times a day.

Cedar resin quickly relieves sore throat. For treatment you need:

• Rub the resin into the areas of the neck where the diseased tonsils are located. If rubbing is painful, just lubricate the skin and wrap your neck. The procedure is repeated every 5-6 hours until complete recovery.
• Take a ready-made cotton swab or wrap a little cotton wool around the stick. Soak the swab generously with resin, carefully coat the tonsils and affected pharyngeal mucosa. Lubricate every 4-5 hours until the disease subsides.

For colds, flu, diseases of the lungs and respiratory system, rub the resin into areas on the chest and back. If the skin is delicate and prone to allergies or dermatitis, the resin is first applied to a gauze pad, then applied to the chest and back. Additionally, in case of illness, for preventive purposes, it is recommended to take the valuable resinous ingredient orally. The dosage is calculated individually, preferably by the attending physician. The average dose of oleoresin for oral administration is 3-5 drops 3-4 times a day.