general characteristics
Cedar is most often called cedar pine (Siberian cedar), which grows in Siberia, the Urals and Altai and the northeastern part of European Russia. A powerful tree with a spreading multi-peaked crown, lives on average 300-500 years, although in favorable conditions the age of trees can reach 800 years.
Belongs to the pine family, the height of the tree can reach more than 40 meters, and the diameter of the trunk can be up to 1.5 -2 m. Siberian cedar grows on permeable soils, poor in lime. Does not like areas with stagnant water. It is a source of valuable wood, not inferior in quality to spruce.
Texture
Cedar belongs to the sound tree species. The sapwood is wide, its color is light, yellowish. The transition between the narrow heartwood (brownish-pink in color) and the sapwood is weakly defined. According to the pattern, the texture of cedar wood is similar to pine, but has less pronounced lines.
Numerous resin passages penetrate the entire trunk of the tree; there are slightly fewer of them than in pine, but they are larger. In transverse and longitudinal sections they are clearly visible in the form of dark lines.
The colors of late and early wood are close in shade and there is no sharp boundary in the transition of colors. The wood of a freshly cut tree has a reddish tint, but over time, under the influence of external factors, the color becomes light, close to the color of pine.
A characteristic feature of cedars is the ingrowth of bark into the wood. Although such formations make processing of workpieces difficult, the wood acquires valuable decorative properties.
It should be noted that the latewood content in cedar is less than in pine, averaging 23%.
Imitation of timber
Glued laminated timber is quite often used in construction. It is also called imitation timber. This building material is made by gluing individual lamellas along the entire plane. Imitation of timber is used in the construction of houses and baths, as well as in carpentry.
The material has a number of significant advantages, for example:
- Predicted quality and strength indicators.
- Excellent thermal conductivity.
- Beauty.
Imitation timber is more expensive than the timber itself, but its service life is not much longer. Rating 5.
Physical properties of cedar
Humidity
In a freshly cut state, the moisture content of cedar wood is on average 105-110%, while the moisture content of the core is 2-3 times less. It should be noted that wood moisture content depends on the harvesting season. In the spring-summer period this figure is much higher than in winter. For this reason, it is better to harvest wood in winter.
Density
Cedar wood is a soft species, the density ranges from 400 to 550 kg/cub.m. Density depends on the content of late wood in the total mass of the felled tree. For cedar, this figure does not exceed 25-30%, which determines the low density.
Thermal properties
Due to its thermal conductivity properties, wood is a very good heat insulator. Thanks to the fine-layer structure of the wood, cedar walls with a thickness of up to 120 mm provide the same protection from the cold as a brick wall with a thickness of 500-550 mm.
Plant propagation
Male spikelets and female cones grow on the same plant. As a rule, male microstrobiles of a dark red color are located at the bottom of the crown, while female cones grow on dense branches at the top.
In the middle of the crown there are both cones and microstrobili. Without a doubt, the sight of a mature plant is a memorable sight.
The period of seed reproduction of cedar, as a rule, occurs in the first month of summer - June, but the processes of development and reproduction directly depend on meteorological conditions and the weather regime of the area.
However, flowering can only be observed in certain seasons. Pollination of trees occurs at the beginning of the calendar summer, and fertilization occurs only a year after pollination.
The cedar pollen is equipped with special devices - air cavities, so the spread of pollen is not difficult.
In addition, there is so much of it that the mass of pollen can be equal to the mass of seeds. Cedar pollen, carried by the wind, ends up in water bodies and becomes food for fish fry. Frosts in late spring can affect the fertility of trees - cedar flower spikes can be damaged.
Features of seeds and cones
Seed ripening occurs in the second year after the flowers bloom. The tree bears fruit once every couple of years, but a decent harvest can be harvested once every 5 years, and an excellent one - once every 10 or even 15 years. Moreover, further north, due to cold temperatures, the cones ripen much longer. Siberian pine trees in the taiga of the Ural Mountains begin to produce a relatively large harvest (which is called commercial) only a century after planting.
Residents of the region are keen on collecting pine nuts; they are very familiar with the appearance of the pine cones and the methods of processing the raw materials. On average, 1 hectare of pine nuts can produce from 150 to 250 kg of pine nuts.
Technical and operational properties
The most important characteristic of cedar wood is that it is very resistant to moisture and is not afraid of fungal diseases and damage by insect pests. Therefore, it is used in places where there is high humidity.
Drying
When drying cedar wood, it is necessary to adhere to gentle conditions, since some types of cedar are prone to cracking. Drying under shelters in the open air can significantly reduce the amount of rejected wood. Before drying, it is necessary to paint the ends of the workpieces with paint, seal them with paper using PVA glue, and cover them with lime. Use any method that allows you to reduce the permeability of the ends. This is done to reduce the likelihood of cracks occurring.
Treatment
Cedar wood is strong, but at the same time soft and flexible. Thanks to this, it can be easily processed with cutting tools without much effort, and the resulting surfaces are highly smooth and clean. The only peculiarity is that they are slightly oily due to the presence of resins and essential oils in the wood. Therefore, when coating with varnishes and paints, it is necessary to degrease the surfaces.
Wax compounds are considered the best coating for cedar wood products. This treatment emphasizes the warm color of the wood and brings out the texture well.
Grinding operations do not cause difficulties, the resulting surface has a high class of cleanliness.
The ability to be impregnated with protective compounds is good. Wood is easily coated with paints and varnishes. Connecting parts made of cedar wood using glue is not difficult; the ability to hold nails and screws in wood is average. In this indicator, cedar is somewhat inferior to pine.
Due to its high resistance to moisture, cedar wood is successfully used for the manufacture of external carved elements.
What they make, do, application, photo
Cedar is a valuable species; the use of wood is limited, because its harvesting is carried out only during sanitary felling. Sellers offer a limited number of products, their prices are quite high. As a result, cedar wood belongs to the elite class. It is possible to find wood on sale in various types and forms.
timber
Solid cedar timber is positively distinguished by its most affordable price and short production time. But lumber has a number of disadvantages : the geometry is not always accurate, it requires a long time for assembly and careful grinding, and the highest shrinkage rate.
Profiled timber is valued for its accurate geometry, attractive appearance, ease of assembly, and low shrinkage rates. Available in two varieties: naturally wet and kiln dried. Compared to alternative materials, it has several disadvantages: higher price, finishing should be done after complete shrinkage, i.e. at least after 6-12 months, presence of cracks.
Profiled cedar timber, grade I, moldings. Photo Lumber warehouse
Glued laminated timber is suitable for the construction of complex structures, it can reach a length of 18 meters, which is important when it is necessary to erect large-sized structures, it has minimal shrinkage rates, as a result, finishing can be done immediately, and there are practically no cracks. Disadvantages are high cost, presence of glue, longer production cycle.
Regardless of the type, cedar timber is used for the construction of houses and baths, assembling floors and rafters, erecting gazebos and outbuildings to a residential building; an attic or porch looks attractive.
Log house for home, bathhouse, etc.
A log house is a structure whose walls are made (assembled) from chopped logs, hence the name. But modern companies offer the construction of structures from rounded timber . The structures are manufactured in factories, and the beams are assembled on site in accordance with the established procedure. The construction is practically no different from a real log house; only a professional will see the differences.
Old log houses were built from cedar of large diameter and without the use of nails. Construction took several weeks. New log buildings are assembled within a few days . Modern technologies ensure perfect alignment of the beams , as a result there are no small gaps between them. The advantage of a log house is its special atmosphere. The disadvantage is the high cost; the house is also quite cold and heating it requires significant expenses. But the originality and beauty of the buildings is amazing.
A log house for a bathhouse is built using the same technology as a house. The bathhouse looks stylish and beautiful. The humidity level here will always be ideal . The only drawback is that at high temperatures the tree releases resin ; leaning against the wall can cause you to get burned. In addition to standard baths, clients are also provided with cedar barrel baths - this is a vertical structure of a round or oval shape. Safe heating elements and a steam generator are installed in the barrel. Cedar saturates the air with useful elements.
Boards
The range of manufacturers and suppliers includes unedged (planed) and edged boards, which are used for various construction and finishing works . Most often used for finishing, they are the optimal solution for decorating baths , as they are resistant to moisture and sudden temperature changes. The boards retain their beautiful color for a long time. Short wood fibers prevent lumber from cracking. The coating maintains its correct geometry even with constant exposure to high temperatures and does not deform.
Edged boards made of Siberian cedar. Photo Lumber warehouse
Cedar boards are a good solution for the construction of garden terraces and gazebos, ships and boats. It is possible to compare cedar boards with spruce and pine boards and identify the best option for solving certain problems. Treated boards are used for cladding facades. Siding made from boards is popular, which is used to form flooring and decorate walls, and can be used to make shelves and countertops.
Lining
Currently, lining is most actively used for interior decoration of baths and saunas. The design creates a healthy microclimate in the premises. It is possible to find cedar lining of several classes on sale, the most popular is Extra - the highest quality, without visible (external) and internal defects, the width varies from 800 to 1200 mm, the maximum length reaches 6 meters. Eurolining with an elongated tenon is in demand; two vertical stripes on the reverse side serve for ventilation, collection and removal of condensate. differs by type of board , which is used by lumber producers and sellers:
Softline (Soft line, translated as a smooth line) - boards with a rounded chamfer, with the help of which it is possible to form a covering without sharp edges, the look is optimal for covering a steam room.
A style with a chamfer of small height or its complete absence, as a result, when joining, an even coating is formed without pronounced seams.
Lining made of Canadian cedar. Photo Eco-tree
Block house is a board with a convex (semicircular) profile imitating a rounded log. American - boards with a wedge-shaped profile; when joined, a ribbed covering is formed, creating the effect of classic American siding.
Imitation of timber with chamfers located on both edges and cut in such a way that the finish resembles a wall made of timber.
Wave - lining with a wavy surface.
Taiga - lining with a width of 6 to 9.5 cm.
Landhaus is a lining with embossing or a pattern applied by milling on the front side.
Finca is a board with a face in the shape of a beam with rounded chamfers.
Double-sided - lining, sanded on both sides, is used to create thin partitions.
Planken
Planken is a board that has undergone special treatment , resistant to deformation and drying out, which is a natural antioxidant, reliable, durable and mechanically resistant material used for decorating the interiors of houses , and especially bathhouses, the construction of mini-baths, the manufacture of barrels and fonts. Heat-treated planken is used for finishing facades, laying garden paths, decorating terraces, gazebos and fences. The buyer can choose from straight (or classic), beveled and grooved planks.
Other
Cedar wood is used for the production of other products and structures:
Fonts are round or oval small wooden pools or large barrels that can be installed not only inside the bathhouse, but also outside. The bowl is assembled from selected slats, which are tightened with metal hoops. Without water, the font can dry out. If the water is not changed for a long time, the wood begins to rot. Modern bathtubs are equipped with a drainage system and a pump for supplying clean water.
A bathtub differs from a font in shape; its dimensions can be different, with or without a ladder. Modern designs are equipped with a drain; water is supplied from a tap or hose.
Furniture . Any furniture is made from cedar: sideboards, beds, tables and chairs, kitchen sets, cabinets and much more. Cedar lends itself well to processing, sanding, polishing, and painting. The result is strong and high-quality furniture. Moths do not grow in cedar cabinets and things do not grow moldy. The only drawback is the significant weight.
Utensils : jugs, trays, bowls, kitchen cutting boards. The shelf life of perishable foods when stored in cedar containers increases significantly; milk does not sour in it.
Various crafts and interesting souvenirs.
Pencil leads.
Containers for transporting granular caviar.
Musical instruments.
Gifts of the cedar forest
Cedar forests are the most valuable plant formation. Their significance is enormous and as people study them, they discover new useful qualities and properties. Siberian pine forests perform important water protection, water regulation, soil protection, sanitary and hygienic functions. Various edible berries and mushrooms grow in them, and many animals and birds live there. But first of all, pine forests are nut-bearing forests. The nutritional and medicinal value of pine nuts is well known. The potential of cedar trees as a food base is evidenced by the following comparison: if you collect and process the annual harvest of nuts, you can satisfy the world's need for oil. At the same time, products obtained from pine nuts are superior in calorie content, taste and digestibility to analogues of animal origin. For many centuries, pine nuts have been used by the local population as a food product due to their high taste. Gathering for gatherings on long winter evenings or simply visiting a neighbor, silent Siberians cracked nuts, which received the peculiar name “Siberian conversation.”
The kernel of the nut contains up to 64% fat and 19% nitrogenous substances. The share of carbohydrates accounts for an average of 15%, including non-sugar-like 12% and minerals 2-2.5%. Other components of dry matter (starches, dextrins, pentosans, etc.) do not exceed 1%.
An important distinguishing feature of pine nut fats is the high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic acid. The nitrogenous substances of the nucleus are mainly represented by proteins, which account for approximately 90%. The proteins of pine nuts are easily digestible. They are distinguished by a high content of amino acids, among which arginine predominates - an amino acid that is very important for the development of a growing organism.
Pine nuts are of great interest as vitamin carriers of fat-soluble vitamins E (tocopherols) and F (essential fatty acids). Nuts contain a complex of vitamins B and D, which normalize the activity of the nervous system, promote the growth of the human body, improve blood composition and have a beneficial effect on skin tissue. Vitamin B6 is especially valuable.
The chemical composition of pine nuts confirms their high nutritional value. In terms of the amount of phosphatidic phosphorus, they surpass all other nuts, as well as oilseeds, and are equivalent only to soybeans - the richest source of lecithin among plants. It has been established that 100 grams of nut kernels provide the daily need of the human body for amino acids and such deficient microelements as manganese, copper, zinc and cobalt. Pine nuts exhibit high biological activity as a source of iodine, which is very important for Siberia. In Siberia and the Urals, pine nuts have long been used to produce vegetable oil.
The cake, which was widely used for preparing halva and other confectionery products, was of significant value. The cake contained up to 44% proteins and 46% carbohydrates and was superior in nutritional properties to bread, meat and vegetables.
Siberian peasants also prepared “vegetable cream” and “lean milk” from pine nuts. For this purpose, if possible, whole kernels were extracted from dried nuts. They were additionally dried and rubbed in hands to remove the film. Dry kernels were pounded in wooden mortars, adding a little hot water. The ground porridge-like mass was poured into a cast iron pot and brought to a boil in a Russian oven at “free heat”, after which the cream was ready. Before use, they were diluted with boiled water to obtain lean milk. Cream of pine nuts contains 2 times more fat than cow's cream, more than 2 times more than meat, 1.2 times more than eggs, and significantly exceeds these products in calorie content. Vegetable cream has been used for medicinal purposes for a long time. In folk herbal medicine of Siberia, cream was also widely used in the treatment of nervous disorders, kidney diseases, atherosclerosis, high acidity, stomach and duodenal ulcers. Cedar milk was recommended for nursing mothers and infants.
The rods and scales from the cones can be used as raw materials for the production of furfural, resin, tannids and coloring matter. Pine nut shells contain tannins and can produce a valuable brown dye. By dry distilling cedar shells, you can obtain methyl alcohol, acetic acid and coal with high absorption qualities. Fat-free films from the nut kernel are suitable for stuffing mattresses, furniture, carriage sofas, replacing horsehair and wool. Cedar needles are a valuable raw material for the forest chemical industry. The healing properties of pine needles are known.
The explorer of Siberia in the second half of the 18th century, botanist and traveler P.S. Pallas, pointed out that “in the same way, the young tops of the Siberian cedar are no less beneficial from this disease. From the tops you can make a very medicinal strengthening anti-scorbutic drink.”
Cedar needles are rich in ascorbic acid - vitamin C. It contains provitamin A - carotene, other vitamins and microelements. Under production conditions it is processed into vitamin flour and carotene paste, valuable products for livestock farming and medicine. Essential oil, chlorophyll and vitamin concentrates are extracted from it. The processing technology is simple. Pine-vitamin flour is produced by grinding pine needles dried in a drum grain dryer in crushing plants. Flour differs from other feedstuffs in the presence of phytoncides and microelements, such as copper, manganese, cobalt, iron and phosphorus.
It is appropriate to recall another unjustifiably forgotten use of cedar needles. In the first half of the 19th century, S.I. Gulyaev obtained “forest wool” from cedar needles and presented samples along with a description of the methods for their production. His invention was implemented in Tomsk, where there was a factory plant for processing pine needles. “Forest wool” was successfully used for stuffing mattresses and upholstered furniture. But due to a lack of consumers, its production was soon reduced and then completely closed.
No less valuable is cedar resin, and Siberian cedar is a valuable resin-bearing species. From one hectare of cedar forest you can annually obtain 40-80 kilograms of high-quality resin, which, unlike pine resin, does not change its consistency in the air for quite a long time and does not crystallize. It contains about 30% turpentine and about 70% rosin. Cedar turpentine contains up to 80% pinenes, which are the starting material for the synthesis of camphor, serves as a good solvent in the paint and varnish industry and microtechnology, immersion oil for microscopy, abietic acid, glycerin ethers and plasticizers. It has successfully replaced some expensive imported balms and oils.
The medicinal properties of resin have been known for a long time. Sometimes it was used in quite a peculiar way. In the Cherenkovsky district of the Arkhangelsk region, on the territory of the monastery, a huge cedar tree has been preserved, the bark of which is severely damaged. According to the stories of local residents, believers suffering from dental diseases gnawed cedar bark when visiting the monastery. According to legend, touching the flowing resin with teeth stops pain and diseases of teeth and gums disappear.
Due to its high bactericidal and epithelizing properties, cedar resin is used in medicine to treat chronic ulcers and boils. When treating wounds, cedar turpentine (balm) is pre-dissolved in neutral oils or petroleum jelly.
Cedar tapping has its own distinctive features. Since the release of resin in cedar, unlike pine, takes a long time, the pauses between lifts increase, the number of touches decreases, and the pitch and depth of the touches are smaller. Particular attention is paid to the choice of receivers - places for collecting resin. It is most advisable to use paper receivers treated with perchlorovinyl varnish, or film polyvinyl chloride receivers with a capacity of up to one kilogram. The latter allow the collection of resin only once per season.
Cedar has exceptional regenerative ability and is more flexible than pine. The formation of wound wood is observed from the first year of tapping. Overgrowth occurs along the entire periphery simultaneously. Good regenerative ability is observed in ripening, ripe and even overmature trees. Over time, the wounds heal completely and previously trimmed trees are no different in appearance from unpruned trees. Long-term observations show that tapping does not have much impact on the life of cedar plantations. Tapping increases the shoots' cover and increases the growth of needles. With prolonged tapping, potential reserves of nutrients are created in the cedar crown, which are subsequently spent on regenerative and generative processes that ensure healing of wounds and normal fruiting.
Cedar forests are distinguished by versatile sanitary and hygienic properties. During the day, one hectare releases from 3 to 30 kilograms of volatile organic substances with high bactericidal power. This amount of antiseptics is enough to neutralize all pathogens in a big city.
Cedar is a tree species with high phytoncidal activity. Plantations with a predominance of cedar stand out among other forests due to their high air purity. Phytoncides have a beneficial effect on the human nervous system, on the activity of the heart and other organs. In addition, they stimulate the proliferation of microorganisms that are antagonists of pathogenic microbes and help increase vitamins and provitamins in plants.
Cedar forests are a rich food source for many animals. Valuable commercial species such as sable and squirrel live here, for which the smallest harvest of nuts (6-8 kilograms) is sufficient to feed them throughout the year. Pine nuts occupy an important place in the diet of bears, chipmunks, mouse-like rodents and other animals.
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