Silva Timber Products has expanded its product range by becoming the UK’s first supplier of yellow cedar shingles and shakes.
The firm has reached a deal to import the wood from British Columbia in Canada.
Yellow cedar is one of the world’s most durable woods and its consistent grain structure means it is a good species for carving, joinery and carpentry.
It grows along the Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska to Oregon, and is approved under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification.
Originally used to make totem poles and canoes, yellow cedar nowadays has applications for roof and wall shingles as well as decking, garden furniture, flooring and cladding, stairs and landscaping.
It is also used for boats, musical instruments, water and chemical tanks, window boxes, doors and bridges, as well for specialist construction projects such as Japanese temples and shrines.
Silva Timber’s deal follows a similar agreement earlier this year which saw it become the sole UK supplier of mandioqueira, a South American tropical hardwood.
The company already supplies western red cedar to the UK market. Yellow cedar is its 15th new product line in the past year aimed at consumer and commercial markets.
Managing director Nick Taylor said: “We are committed to providing the highest quality and sustainably sourced speciality timbers for private and commercial projects.
“Yellow cedar has exceptional longevity, is economical and hardwearing. It’s a beautiful species with excellent performance characteristics, and is highly-rated by those with specialist knowledge, such as architects.
“It has certain advantages over western red cedar, as it is superior in stability, strength and weather resistance.
“We like to lead where others follow, and we think there is every reason our customers will love it.”
Founded in 2000, Silva Timber Products has grown into one of the UK’s leading importers of speciality timber products used in commercial buildings, homes, eco-tourism developments, hotels, marinas and gardens.
The company has its head office is in Widnes, Cheshire, and a second showroom in west London.