|
Frequently Asked Questions
Chinese Cedar: (Cunninghamia Lanceolata)
Billed sometimes as Chinese cedar or Chinese fir,
the tree known as Cunninghamia lanceolata is, in fact, neither. Cunninghamia is
a sweetly scented cypress that's been harvested in southeastern Asia for more
than 800 years and is prized because it naturally repels pests, fungus and rot.
It is a close cousin to the popular western red cedar, which also isn't a true
cedar. Cunninghamia is used indoors and out the world over where
durability is critical, from fencing, decking and trim boards to building ships
and homes. Read on for more information about this versatile, time-tested wood
product.
What exactly is Cunninghamia?
Cunninghamia is a unique type of evergreen that grows to average heights of 30
to 75 feet. It is often referred to as Chinese cedar or Chinese fir by the North
American lumber industry because, like cedar, it is exceptionally resistant to
decay and pest infestations, yet it shares the grain and texture qualities of
Douglas fir. The Chinese word for Cunninghamia is shanmu. The written character
for shan is a combination of the symbols for "tree" and "ornament," while mu
simply means tree.
Where does Cunninghamia come from?
The name Cunninghamia recognizes British doctor James Cunningham, who in the
early 18th Century became the first known westerner to cultivate the tree. In
fact, Cunninghamia's history stretches much further back than that. It has been
grown and harvested in Asia for at least 800 years, since the Yuan dynasty, and
probably for much longer. Cunninghamia grows in China, Vietnam, Laos and
possibly parts of Cambodia, and it has been planted as far away as Japan and
South America. After bamboo, it is widely regarded as the most important wood
product in Asia.
What does Cunninghamia lumber look like?
Cunninghamia wood is characterized by warm, pale-yellow-to-white grain with
reddish hues. It is soft but durable, and easily worked.
What is Cunninghamia used for?
The broad range of uses for Cunninghamia is testament to its versatility.
Traditionally prized for its durability, sweet scent and natural strength
against decay, fungus and pests, Cunninghamia has been used for centuries
throughout Asia for everything from building ships and temples to making
exterior doors and windows. With growing interest overseas in this sturdy wood,
common uses have expanded to include fencing, decking, trim boards, and outdoor
furniture and play sets, to name a few.
Why do contractors choose Cunninghamia?
Interest in Cunninghamia is consistently growing in the North American market,
and it's no mystery why. Cunninghamia's durability has stood up under the
scrutiny of lab and field tests conducted by universities and independent
research organizations in the United States, China and Japan, proving that, like
western red cedar, Cunninghamia is highly resistant to decay, fungus and
insects. What's more, although Cunninghamia does not require any treatment, it
accepts a wide range of stains and other coatings.
What do homeowners like about Cunninghamia?
First, Cunninghamia is a reliable, high-quality product that looks great and
performs in the long term. Second, Cunninghamia is largely plantation grown.
That means homeowners who buy Cunninghamia products help take pressure off
old-growth forests by buying from a renewable wood source. The stewards of
Asia's forest belt have used Cunninghamia to keep the mountains green for at
least 800 years, thanks both to its vitality and to its unique ability to
re-grow from its roots.
About Us: FLW Wood Products, Inc., founded in 1983, is a
recognized leader in the distribution of forest products to wholesale and retail
fence distributors, wholesale and retail lumber yards, wholesale landscape
supply yards and industrial manufacturers. FLW ships by the carload, container
and truckload, both domestically and overseas.
| 
