THE KATAHDIN DIFFERENCE: CEDAR VS PINE


A TREE IS A TREE – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
In short, the species of tree you choose for your log home can make a huge difference. Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentails) provides many advantages over pine, a commonly used wood in log homes.

ROT RESISTENCE & INSECTS
Northern White Cedar naturally produces preservatives that make it one of the most decay and rot resistant of woods, as well as insect tolerant. In a 1995 study, cedar flake board panel in Hawaii showed no symptoms of termite attack, despite two years of extensive termite exposure. Cedar displays minimal checking because of its lower moisture content, and any checks will not penetrate through the heartwood of the log.

Pine is not naturally resistant to rot or insects. Pine requires kiln drying to kill insects in the wood and preservative treatments to prevent future rot and insect damage. Surface treatments for pine lose their protective abilities once logs begin to crack and open up untreated areas. Large cracks in pine are common because of the higher moisture content.

WATER CONTENT
Northern White Cedar has less water content when green weighing about 3500 pounds per cords. Katahdin naturally air dries to a desirable 14-16 percent moisture level in a fairly short time, as little as three months.  Air-drying allows the wood to acclimate to a ne moisture level without harming the wood fiber’s molecular structure. Depending on the weather, a brief finishing may be necessary. Katahdin’s “green” kiln is heated using our biomass boiler to create steam heat.

Green Pine weighs an average of 4700 pounds per cord, with more than twice the water content that cedar does. Pine characteristically retains its water and usually is dried in a kiln to season the wood. Because the water is forced out quickly, cell rupture becomes a possible risk, which can weaken fibers and lead to checking.

THERMAL RATING (R-VALUE)
Northern White Cedar has an R-value of 1.41 per inch of thickness, the highest R-value of any of the species used in log homes.

Pine species used in log home construction have an average R-value of 1.25 per inch of thickness.