When custom homes are built there is a wide range of lumber material that can be selected to provide the ambiance that the home owner desires. If a modern feel is what they are looking for Clear Vertical Grain Cedar is a great choice. Clear Vertical Grain Cedar is renowned for its exceptional tight grain pattern and its rich array of natural hues, making it one of the most sought-after materials for high-end woodworking, architectural projects, and exterior applications. It is one of the highest priced lumber materials that can be selected and because of that it is important to understand what constitutes the home owners investment in that material. Understanding what causes these distinct features requires a closer look at the biology of cedar trees, their growth environment, and the precise milling processes involved.
Tight Grain Pattern in Cedar
The tight grain pattern in CVG cedar is primarily due to the slow and steady growth of the tree, which is often found in regions with temperate climates. Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), the most common species used for CVG, typically grows in the coastal forests of the Pacific Northwest, where the growing season is relatively short due to cooler temperatures and abundant rainfall.
These environmental conditions cause the cedar to grow slowly, resulting in closely spaced growth rings. Each growth ring represents one year of the tree's life, with the darker, denser latewood forming in the latter part of the growing season and the lighter earlywood forming in the spring and early summer. In regions where the growing season is short, the difference between earlywood and latewood is less pronounced, leading to the even, tight grain pattern seen in CVG cedar.
To achieve the "vertical grain" characteristic, the logs are milled in a specific way—usually through a process called "quarter sawing." This technique involves cutting the log into quarters before sawing each quarter perpendicular to the growth rings. The result is boards where the growth rings are nearly perpendicular to the surface, creating a tight, straight grain pattern. This method not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the wood but also improves its dimensional stability, making it less prone to warping and cupping.
Varied Hues in Cedar
The varied hues in CVG cedar, ranging from light amber to deep reddish-brown, are a result of both the natural aging process of the wood and the presence of different chemical compounds within the tree. Cedar wood is rich in natural oils, tannins, and resins, which contribute to its distinctive coloration and natural resistance to decay.
The heartwood of cedar, which forms as the tree ages and the inner rings become inactive, is typically darker and richer in color than the sapwood, which is the living outer layer of the tree. The heartwood’s deep hues are due to the higher concentration of extractives—compounds like tannins and phenolics that the tree produces as a defense against decay and insect damage. These extractives also give cedar its characteristic scent and contribute to its durability.
The specific hue of the wood can also be influenced by external factors such as soil composition, altitude, and the amount of sunlight the tree receives throughout its life. Trees grown in nutrient-rich soils may develop different color profiles compared to those grown in poorer soils. Additionally, the color can change over time as the wood weathers and resin is pushed through the tree.
The tight grain pattern and varied hues of CVG cedar are a testament to the tree's natural growth environment and the skillful milling processes that highlight these features. The slow, steady growth of cedar trees in cooler climates leads to the formation of closely spaced growth rings, while the presence of natural oils and extractives in the wood results in its beautiful and diverse coloration. These characteristics not only make CVG cedar visually appealing but also contribute to its strength, stability, and long-lasting performance in a variety of applications.