why cedar

Back

why use western red cedar?
characteristics & properties of western red cedar
benefits of real cedar
real cedar history
real cedar certification
sustainability & the environment
biophilia
forestry facts
why use yellow cedar?
products

Back

siding

Back

introduction
siding home
siding gallery
design & spec
siding grades
siding calculator
prep & install
preparation
pre-building
tyvek drainwrap
general installation
finish & maintain
choosing a finish
how to finish
care & maintenance
restoration
siding profiles & trim
bevel
trim boards
board & batten
shingle panels
tongue & groove
lap or channel
decking

Back

introduction
decking home
decking gallery
design & spec
decking grades
decking span charts
span tables
decking calculator
prep & install
fasteners
stairs & railings
finish & maintain
choosing a finish
how to finish
care & maintenance
restoration
deck projects
roof deck
ground level deck
raised deck
uphill sloping lot deck
outdoor

Back

introduction
outdoor home
outdoor gallery
design & spec
diy plans
pre-built kits
design tips
span tables
prep & install
preparation
fasteners
finish & maintain
choosing a finish
how to finish
care & maintenance
restoration
fences
fence construction
fence specifications
pre-built fence panels
indoor

Back

introduction
indoor home
indoor gallery
design & spec
design tips
prep & install
preparation
finish & maintain
how to finish
care & maintenance
indoor projects
saunas
doors & windows
tongue & groove paneling
blinds & shutters
timbers

Back

introduction
timbers home
timbers gallery
design & spec
grades & specs
span tables
prep & install
preparation
installation
finish & maintain
how to finish
care & maintenance
restoration
diy projects
membership

Back

our members

Back

executive members
retailers
partners
tertiary manufacturers
certified cedar distributors
certified cedar distributors - usa
certified cedar distributor - canada
architects
international associates
why become a member?
membership levels
membership benefits
membership faq
cedar school registration
join the wrcla!
member support
resources

Back

gallery
videos
blog
documents
*new* yellow cedar
gallery
about us
architects & builders
member login

USA & Canada

Modern Kitchens that Promote Social Interaction

Sign up now for our DIY Project Newsletter

When it comes to celebrating special occasions or just spending quality time with friends and family, breaking bread together is usually the main event. And a beautifully designed kitchen can enhance that experience even more. That’s why we love these gourmet set-ups – they promote social interaction, optimize natural light and make cooking a joy.

Photo: Ashley Avila

Midwest Drama 

Rogue River Residence by Lucid Architecture

“Entertainers at heart.” That’s how architect Eric De Witt, describes the owners of this beautiful Rockford, Michigan home. So naturally, when it came to designing the kitchen, it had to be an open large space that connected to the rest of the living areas. It also had to make a statement.

Which is does with the dramatic matte black backsplash setting the stage for the high-gloss white cupboards and countertops. To draw the eye in toward the spectacular cooking area, a Western Red Cedar panel was installed. This strategic use of cedar provides a visual focal point and showcases the gorgeous multi-tonal coloration unique to Western Red Cedar panelling.

According to De Witt, using nature’s most versatile material for this type of interior application just made good design sense: “The coloration, durability, ease of working makes Western Red Cedar an incredibly sensible choice.”

Project Riverbend Residence by CLB Architects, Photo: Matthew Millman

Wyoming Wonder

What’s not to love about this Jackson, Wyoming kitchen? Modern clean lines. Natural light pouring in from every direction. Prep space for miles and a counter configuration that encourages social connectivity with other living areas. The CLB Architects really did think of everything with this culinary masterpiece including a warm, welcoming ceiling soffit system to further connect the home to the surrounding nature.

For this, they used a crisp clear grade of Western Red Cedar, which complements the knotty grade of cedar used to clad the home’s exterior. “We wanted to create contrast and showcase the range of textures available in cedar,” explains says Sam Ankeny, AIA, Project Manager.

Ridgewood Residence by Matt Fajkus Architecture

Texas Hospitality 

Celebrating the home’s mid-century modern origins, this newly renovated kitchen is as functional as it is stylish. This social cooking area opens up to the dining room area and living space. We’re loving the ultramodern streamline black fridge and black trimmed windows against the funky dining table and chairs.

This room would be just as elegant but not nearly as warm without that stunning slanted cedar ceiling – a feature that architect Matt Fajkus has worked into other award-winning projects including the Tree House.  But with that project he used a beautiful knotty grade of cedar to contrast the clean lines. Here, it’s a nice crisp clear grade of cedar with a rich warm tonal range to contrast the simple color palette.