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

Tiny Homes – Cedar Packs a Big Design Punch

Sign up now for our DIY Project Newsletter

Tiny home design

When designing a tiny home, every square foot counts. Choosing the best building material is crucial. That’s why so many tiny home builders turn to Western Red Cedar decking and siding. Even a small dose of cedar’s beautiful tonal range and texture can create warm, inviting indoor and outdoor living spaces. And for people looking to minimize their environmental footprint, cedar is a green choice. Here, then, are some of our favorite uses of cedar on residential structures under 400 square feet.

 

 

1. Best Modern Mobile

This asymmetrical, 236-square-foot stunner is a great example of innovative wood design for people who want to live life on the road in style. The California couple, who built this cedar-clad dream home for just under $50,000, opted for a natural looking stain. But it’s good to know that Western Red Cedar is pitch and resin free, which means it accepts and holds a wide range of finishes beautifully. For the lowest maintenance, however, tiny home builders can simply let their cedar siding weather naturally, eventually turning a beautiful silvery patina.

 

2. Best Outdoor Living Space

The Galiano 100 project designed by Trim Studio used Western Red Cedar on the ceiling, soffits and trim. And to make the most of the outdoor living space, the Vancouver architect firm selected cedar decking. Good call! Cedar is a top-performing building material with ingrown properties that make it naturally resistant to rot, decay and insects, so this freestanding deck, which provides amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and Rocky Mountains, will last the clients a lifetime.

 

Photography: Jarusha Brown

3. Best Luxurious Design

This high-end home, which was showcased on HGTV’s “Tiny Luxury”, features Western Red Cedar siding. The builders in this case selected a crisp clear grade of cedar to complement the clean modern lines. For homeowners looking to give their project a textured look, they could select a beautiful knotty grade of Western Red Cedar. Not only do knotty grades of cedar siding add warmth and visual interest to exteriors, they’re also a cost-effective choice.

Functional Tiny Home

Photo by Bodega Pictures

4. Best Traditional Cabin

While more and more DIYers, designers and architects are incorporating Western Red Cedar into contemporary designs, it’s still nice to see how well Western Red Cedar works on traditional designs. This tiny house on wheels by Escape Traveler will integrate beautifully in whatever natural setting the homeowner chooses. Unlike so many man-made materials, cedar is a durable, yet surprising lightweight so it’s much easier to transport cedar homes to rugged backcountry sites than heavy synthetic structures – an important feature for those looking to hit the open highway with their tiny home.

Traditional tiny homes

5. Best Traditional Cabin

While Western Red Cedar is an ideal building material for siding, decking and outdoor projects, it can pack just as much design punch inside as well. Take this Urban Payette tiny house, for example. The stunning cedar ceiling is a real showstopper. The warm tones of the wood create a dramatic contrast to the stark white walls. That’s the beauty of cedar – it works great on its own, or as an accent or a standout design feature, as in this case.

Tru Form Tiny