A rustic wilderness cabin can fulfill many needs. While increasingly popular with those seeking to escape city life, a rustic cabin can also be an affordable option for a second home or vacation retreat that can retain its value and usefulness through many generations of use. When designing a rustic cabin, however, it is important to consider factors that may differ from the plans of more traditional housing, such as the use of cedar timber throughout the construction process. 

Cedar logs work as both exterior and interior surfaces

Logs harvested from cedar timber provide many benefits when used in the construction of a rustic wilderness cabin. Known for having one of the lowest shrinkage rates of all types of wood, cedar logs do not require kiln drying to minimize shrinkage after construction. When cedar timber is used in log form for the exterior walls of the cabin structure, their usage allows the cabin builder to forego the finishing of the interior walls. Instead of sheetrock or paneling, which can take away the rustic flavor of the build, interior walls can showcase the naturally beautiful surface of the cedar log. 

Cedar logs and lumber provide natural pest resistance 

Another important reason to include the use of cedar timber in multiple uses when building your rustic cabin is due to its natural ability to resist pests and the growth of fungi. While cedar timber is pleasantly aromatic, it also contains a chemical called thujone that annoying insects such as roaches, mosquitoes, fleas, and many other types of insects strive to avoid. When used in cabinetry and pantries, cedar lumber can also help to repel destructive rodents and pantry moths that are typically attracted to interior food storage and preparation areas. 

Cedar lumber provides warmth and natural beauty

Unlike many other types of lumber whose appearance is more subtle, cedar lumber offers the contrasting beauty of rich pink and red color variations on a background of golden or yellowish wood. Cabin builders may also choose to leave the natural edges of cedar lumber unfinished, to offer a glimpse of the darker cedar bark that covers the surface of the log. 

Cedar timber, in the form of both logs and lumber for floors, cabinetry, or other wood surfaces, is an excellent choice when building a cabin that your family can enjoy throughout their lives. To learn more about cedar timber and its many uses and benefits, cabin builders should plan to visit a reputable cedar timber supplier in the area where they plan to build.

To learn more, contact a company like Liese  Lumber Co Inc.