Texas Metal Buildings with Cedar Wood as Accessory
Cedar wood, which comes from the endemic cedar trees in the northern American region, is a versatile material with numerous applications in the construction industry.
In the last 2 to 3 years, the demand for using cedar wood as accessories on Texas metal buildings has significantly increased. But why is cedar wood, among all the varieties, so popular?
There are many reasons why we think there has been an increase:
Cedar wood doesn’t decay easily.
Cedar wood, by containing oils and compounds, offers incredible resistance to insect attack, rot, and decay. Some even claim that mosquitoes are kept away by the similar scent of the trapped oil.
Durability
People well-know the durability of cedar wood. Cedar wood resists deterioration in the face of severe weather, such as rain and sunlight. Hence, it is considered perfect for outdoor structures like Texas metal buildings.
Low Maintenance
Cedar wood requires less compared to other wood options. Occasional cleaning and inspection are usually sufficient to keep cedar posts in good condition. However, like any natural wood, it still requires maintenance such as sealing or staining.
Aesthetic Appeal
Enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the structure is what we think personally is the biggest factor why this is on high demand.
Texas is either a very rustic country or modern colors with touches of wood. In this case – cedar wood.
WolfSteel Buildings offers the materials and installation of your cedar needs. We offer both the 8”x8” CEDAR POST and the CEDAR ENCASEMENT. But, what is the difference between the two?
Structural Support and Function
We refer a solid piece of cedar wood used as a standalone structural element in your steel building a CEDAR POST. WolfSteel Buildings has completed multiple projects with cedar posts. Remember, we only use them for lean-tos, porches, wrap-arounds, or gable extensions, which you have commonly seen in our channel.
On the other hand, a CEDAR ENCASEMENT involves covering or wrapping an existing structural element such as the steel post with cedar wood. The cedar encasement enhances the appearance of the underlying post and extends its lifespan, serving as a protective layer. We can use the encasement on red iron or tubular options because it does not affect the structural integrity of the building.
Aesthetic Appeal
Both the CEDAR POST and CEDAR ENCASEMENT will definitely give you that WOW factor on your Texas Metal Buildings. It will surely elevate the look instead of just seeing the exposed 4×4 red iron post or the galvanized square tubing.
The cedar post can add a natural, rustic charm to outdoor spaces while the cedar encasement can provide a more polished and uniform appearance on your metal structure.
Lead Times and Delivery Process
Since CEDAR POSTS are structural element, we procure the posts and all the accessories to prepare them in our fabrication shop to have them ready for installation. This does not necessarily delay the completion of the project.
We do the CEDAR ENCASEMENTS after installing your metal building project. In this case, the completion of the project will be extended by around 1 to 3 weeks. This all depends on the scope of the work that needs to be encased.
We need to visit the site once your Texas metal building is completed to take pre-measurements and procure materials for installation. This work requires detailed craftsmanship that takes time.
Price Comparison
Cedar Post
Each cedar post costs from $900 – $1350 depending on the height of the posts. All of this includes the posts, the U-Brackets, stain, the lag bolts, raised concrete base, the concrete expansion anchors that anchor the U Bracket, the customization to adjust the headers to attach the cedar posts to our structure, and the installation labor.
This extra labor is necessary because it involves using a different process to square the building without a base rail. Some clients have inquired about the feasibility of using 6″x6″ cedar posts due to their cost-effectiveness; however, we only utilize 8″x8″ posts to ensure that the structural integrity of the posts match that of our steel buildings.
Cedar Encasement
The installation of a cedar encasement for a post may cost between $800 and $1200, depending on its height. The cost includes all materials, stain, and labor necessary to custom fabricate the encasements. Labor is the main cost factor because constructing and installing on-site requires time and expert workmanship.
Please note that labor rates and wood costs can change, so these prices may also change.
Permits
If you need engineered stamped plans to secure permits for your building, then the best approach is to use CEDAR ENCASEMENT.
You can only install CEDAR POST if engineer stamped plans are not required. This is because metal building engineers will usually not engineer the cedar posts in your plans. Unlike cedar encasement, which serves for aesthetic purpose only and not as a structural component of the metal building like the cedar post.
What does WolfSteel Think?
Both CEDAR POST and CEDAR ENCASEMENT involve using cedar wood in metal building construction, but they have different purposes. Cedar posts are standalone structural elements, while cedar encasements are coverings used for protecting and enhancing existing posts.
Ultimately, factors like the intended use, budget, and aesthetic preferences determine the choice between a cedar post and a cedar encasement. When incorporating cedar in your metal building, discuss your needs and preferences with your builder.
Check out our recent projects where we added cedar on our clients’ Texas metal buildings:
Overall, using cedar wood in Texas, which combines parts of country and modern styles, reflects a unique fusion of traditional and contemporary aesthetics. Using cedar in your Texas metal buildings bridges the past and present, filling spaces with nostalgia while embracing the clean lines and innovative designs of contemporary living.