pergolas, blog, Uncategorized

0

What is Sugi & How Does it Compare to Western Red Cedar?

Sugi vs. Western Red Cedar

Understanding the Differences Between Two Popular Softwoods

When it comes to choosing wood for outdoor structures, interior finishing, or specialty woodworking projects, both Sugi (Japanese Cedar) and Western Red Cedar stand out for their beauty, durability, and unique performance characteristics.

While these two species share similarities—such as their resistance to rot and insects—they differ in origin, appearance, density, scent, and long-term stability. This guide provides a balanced, educational comparison to help you understand how each wood performs and when one may be preferred over the other.

What Is Sugi?

Sugi refers to the timber harvested from the Japanese cedar tree (Cryptomeria japonica), a tall evergreen conifer native to Japan. It has been used for centuries in traditional Japanese architecture, including temples, shrines, houses, and interior paneling.

Key Characteristics of Sugi

Lightweight with straight grain: Typically pale yellow to light brown, sometimes with soft reddish tones.

Naturally resistant to decay, insects, and fungi.

Fine texture and smooth appearance.

Cultural significance: The wood holds deep historical value in Japanese craftsmanship.

Used in many industries: Construction, interior paneling, furniture, and specialty woodworking.

Overall, Sugi offers a balance of durability and workability, making it valued both in Japan and internationally.

What Is Western Red Cedar?

Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) grows along the Pacific Northwest coast of North America, including British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. Known for its rich color, aromatic scent, and exceptional outdoor performance, it is widely used for exterior applications.

Key Characteristics of Western Red Cedar

Warm reddish-brown tones with distinct grain patterns.

Outstanding natural resistance to rot, decay, and insects due to its high extractive content.

Low density and dimensional stability—cedar moves less with moisture changes.

Long lifespan outdoors, especially in wet or variable climates.

Strong cultural and economic value in North American woodworking traditions.

Western Red Cedar is commonly used for sheds, siding, fencing, pergolas, garden beds, greenhouses, and outdoor furniture.

Sugi vs. Western Red Cedar: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Species & Origin

Sugi: From Cryptomeria japonica, native to Japan.

Western Red Cedar: From Thuja plicata, native to the Pacific Northwest.

Both are softwoods with long histories of structural and cultural use.

Appearance

Sugi: Light yellow–brown, sometimes reddish; fine, straight grain; soft visual tone.

Western Red Cedar: Rich reddish-brown; more pronounced grain patterns; deeper, warmer aesthetic.

Which is better?
Neither—this is personal preference. Cedar offers more color variation; Sugi offers a lighter, more uniform look.

Durability & Decay Resistance

Both species contain natural oils that protect against fungi, insects, and moisture.

Sugi: Naturally durable but slightly softer overall. Performs well outdoors when properly maintained.

Western Red Cedar: One of the most decay-resistant woods available. Ideal for wet, coastal, or variable climates.

Subtle advantage: 

Western Red Cedar, especially for long-term outdoor exposure.

Density & Weight

Sugi: Very lightweight (similar to pine), easy to cut and handle.

Western Red Cedar: Also lightweight, but slightly higher density than Sugi.

Real-world impact:
Cedar’s density gives it better stability outdoors; Sugi’s lower density makes it easier to work with indoors.

Uses & Applications

Sugi is commonly used for: framing, flooring and interior finishing, traditional Japanese building, and furniture and small woodworking projects.

Western Red Cedar is commonly used for: outdoor structures (sheds, pergolas, fences, greenhouses), decking and siding, garden beds and outdoor furniture, trim, paneling, and architectural accents.

Subtle advantage: 

Cedar excels specifically in harsh outdoor environments.

Scent & Aromatic Qualities

Sugi: Emits a mild, sweet, pleasant scent; valued in Japanese culture for its calming aroma.

Western Red Cedar: Known for its rich, distinctive aroma—often described as fresh, warm, and naturally protective (its scent comes from oils that repel insects).

BZ1220 SS 1
Oscar 63 Western Red Cedar Bike and Waste management shed Outdoor Living Today 5
Western Red Cedar Bayside Gazebo Outdoor Living Today
image6 1
8x8 Outdoor Living Today Western Red Cedar Garden Shed 7
IMG 6674.JPEG
12x12 Sunshed Garden Shed Greenhouse Shed Western Red Cedar Shed Outdoor Living Today 17pg
rb63 greenhouse olt 4
SHOP WESTERN RED CEDAR BUILDS
Read More

blog, gardening, greenhouse, Uncategorized

0

Getting Ready for Gardening with a Greenhouse: Your Ultimate Guide!

Everything You Need to Know Before Setting Up Your First Greenhouse

For many gardeners, the growing season feels frustratingly short. Spring arrives late, fall comes early, and unpredictable weather — from heavy rain to surprise frost — can derail even the best-planned garden. Add in pests, poor soil conditions, or limited outdoor space, and it becomes clear why more gardeners are turning to greenhouses.

A greenhouse creates a controlled micro-environment that lets you grow healthier plants, experiment with new varieties, and extend your growing season well beyond what’s possible outdoors. Whether you're nurturing seedlings, growing heat-loving crops, or cultivating year-round herbs, the right greenhouse makes all the difference.

Outdoor Living Today’s Western Red Cedar greenhouses blend sustainability, craftsmanship, and smart design — helping gardeners create thriving plant environments that last for years.

This guide walks you through the essential steps to prepare for greenhouse gardening, so you can grow with confidence — from choosing the right style to managing climate, soil, water, and plant health.

We’ll guide you through:
✔ selecting the right greenhouse
✔ site selection and preparation
✔ choosing the right wood
✔ climate control and ventilation 

✔ irrigation and water management

✔ soil and plant selection

Selecting the Right Greenhouse

What to Consider When Choosing Your Greenhouse

Before you plant your first seed, start by choosing the greenhouse that best supports your gardening goals. Consider your available outdoor space, budget, and the types of plants you plan to grow. This ensures you choose a structure that fits comfortably into your yard and supports the temperature, humidity, and light needs of your plants.

Outdoor Living Today offers a range of greenhouse sizes, including 8×8, 8×12, 12×12, and 12×16 Western Red Cedar Greenhouses and SunShed models. Each provides excellent durability, natural insulation, and timeless beauty.

Site Selection and Preparation

Choosing the right location is just as important as choosing the right greenhouse. This determines how much light your plants receive, how warm the interior becomes, and how efficiently you can maintain your greenhouse year-round.

Tips for Ideal Site Placement

Maximize sunlight exposure: Choose a location that receives full sun, ideally facing south for maximum winter light.

Remove obstacles: Clear away debris, low-hanging branches, or structures that may cast shadows.

Ensure a level foundation: A solid, level base prevents uneven settling and improves long-term structural integrity.

Prevent weed encroachment: Install a weed barrier to stop invasive plants from creeping into your greenhouse base.

Raised Garden Bed Greenhouse cover 3

Sustainability: Why Cedar Makes a Difference

Western Red Cedar is one of the most sustainable greenhouse materials available. Harvested from responsibly managed forests in Canada and the United States, cedar has a naturally low environmental impact compared to synthetic or chemically treated materials.

Why Western Red Cedar is the Sustainable Choice

Naturally rot-resistant thanks to its oils (no chemical treatments required)

Long lifespan outdoors, reducing replacement waste

Low density, meaning cedar moves less in fluctuating temperatures

Lower environmental footprint during processing than many alternative materials

According to forestry researchers, responsibly managed cedar forests help ensure long-term ecological stability through controlled harvesting and regeneration.

Climate Control and Ventilation

Maintaining proper temperature and airflow is the key to greenhouse success. Without ventilation, heat and humidity can quickly build up — stressing plants, inviting pests, and promoting fungal diseases.

Outdoor Living Today’s greenhouses make ventilation easy with adjustable roof vents, allowing gardeners to regulate interior temperatures naturally.

Climate Control Tips

Open vents during hot afternoons to prevent overheating.

Use circulating fans to reduce stagnant air pockets.

Monitor humidity levels — excess moisture can lead to powdery mildew or mold.

Use automatic vent openers for consistent climate control.

Regulating temperature and humidity inside protected agriculture structures greatly reduces disease pressure and improves plant health.

Irrigation and Water Management

Greenhouse plants often require more consistent moisture than outdoor plants. However, overwatering is equally dangerous — leading to root rot, fungal issues, or nutrient leaching.

Best Practices for Greenhouse Watering

Use misting nozzles for humidity-loving plants like seedlings.

Consider a rainwater collection system (e.g., barrel kits) for sustainable irrigation.

Ensure proper drainage to prevent standing water and soil saturation.

According to industry data, greenhouse structures can reduce overall water use due to controlled irrigation and reduced evaporation.

Raised Garden Bed Greenhouse cover 4

Soil and Plant Selection

Greenhouse plants often require more consistent moisture than outdoor plants. However, overwatering is equally dangerous — leading to root rot, fungal issues, or nutrient leaching.

Choosing the right soil and plants is crucial for greenhouse success. The enclosed environment allows for better growth control — but it also requires that soil quality and plant selection be intentional.

Soil Tips

Use high-quality, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.

Test soil pH and nutrients periodically to maintain optimal growth conditions.

Ensure soil has enough perlite, compost, and structure to support root systems.

Plant Selection Tips

Choose plants suited for greenhouse growing, including herbs, leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, citrus, and specialty flowers.

Start seeds indoors in trays and transplant young plants when roots are established.

For quicker results, purchase healthy nursery plants and acclimate them to the greenhouse environment gradually.

Gardening Raised Bed Greenhouse 6x3 4 web.jpg

By incorporating a thoughtfully selected and well-prepared greenhouse into your gardening routine, you unlock a world of growing opportunities — from extending your growing season to cultivating healthier, stronger plants year-round.

With Outdoor Living Today’s Western Red Cedar greenhouses, you’re choosing a structure built for durability, sustainability, and long-term performance. Pair that with smart site selection, proper irrigation, balanced soil, and good climate management, and your greenhouse becomes a thriving oasis in every season.

Ready to create your own backyard greenhouse sanctuary?
Explore our full range of cedar greenhouses and start growing with confidence!

Start Your Greenhouse Setup
Read More

blog, sheds, Uncategorized, Western Red Cedar

0

The Benefits of Western Red Cedar: Why it’s Worth It

The Benefits of Western Red Cedar: Why it’s Worth It 

When it comes to building materials, it can be tempting to opt for the cheapest option available. However, choosing a more expensive material like Western Red Cedar sourced from Canada and the United States can be a wise investment in the long run.

1. Durability

Western Red Cedar is known for its durability and resistance to rot and decay. This means that it will last much longer than cheaper alternatives like White Cedar or Chinese Fir, which may need to be replaced more frequently due to weathering and other forms of damage. Not only will this save you money on replacements, and repairs, but also reduces the environmental impact of constant resource extraction and processing over time.

2. Premium Appearance 

Western Red Cedar has an attractive, natural appearance that adds value and visual appeal to any project. The wood’s distinctive grain and warm color create a timeless aesthetic that cannot be replicated by cheaper alternatives. This makes it a popular choice for outdoor structures like decks, fences, and pergolas, as well as for indoor features like ceilings and accent walls.

3. Sustainability 

Western Red Cedar is a sustainable choice. It is harvested from responsibly managed forests in Canada and the United States, which means that the production process has a lower environmental impact than other materials. This is because the forests are carefully monitored and replanted, ensuring that the ecosystem is protected for future generations.test 2 scaled

4. Economic Impact

 Lastly, let’s discuss the economic impact of your purchasing decision.

By choosing this material, you are supporting the local economies of both the United States and Canada, as well as helping to create and sustain good-paying middle-class jobs within the forestry industry.

In Canada, the forestry sector is a major contributor to the country’s economy, accounting for more than 200,000 jobs and generating billions of dollars in economic activity each year. Similarly, in the United States, the forestry industry supports over 2 million jobs and contributes over $300 billion annually to the country’s economy.

By choosing Western Red Cedar sourced from Canada and the United States, you support the livelihoods of those working in the forestry industry, including loggers, sawmill workers, and others involved in the supply chain.

This benefits individuals and their families and helps boost local economies and creates a ripple effect throughout the broader community.

Overall…

Choosing Western Red Cedar sourced from Canada and the United States is not only a wise investment in terms of durability, aesthetics, and sustainability but also a way to support the economies of both countries and create and sustain jobs within the forestry industry.

morinyanick 4 scaled

Sources:

Read More

blog

0

The most Incredible Climbing Plants for Your Pergola

A pergola is a beautiful structure to have in your lawn. It makes a wonderful focal point that you can turn into anything space you want – an outdoor dining area, a party space, or just a place where you can relax and enjoy a lazy day. To give your pergola privacy, one of the best ideas is to use plants. And the magnificent news is that there is a wide variety of beautiful climbing plants that you can grow. They will cover your structure and they require minimal care.

Top Pergola Plants

Here is a look at some of the best plants to choose for your pergola:

  • Passionflower – Passionflower is a climber that is exotic and has intriguing white and purple flowers. It grows fast, quickly covering garden structures of all types. If you live in a cold region, you can choose varieties that are frost hardy. For a striking effect, pair passionflower with an early-blooming clematis.
  • Clematis – Homeowners love clematis as it is a climber that is easy to grow, beautiful and colorful, and relatively lightweight. It starts blooming in early spring. You can combine this beautiful climber with climbing roses for a burst of color and quick coverage. You can also combine different varieties of clematis plants that bloom during different seasons.
  • Wisteria – This is another favorite among homeowners when it comes to climbing plants. However, you need to keep in mind that wisteria needs sturdy support and a little maintenance to make sure that it looks its best at all times. This fragrant beauty also requires full sun to thrive.
  • Honeysuckle – Honeysuckle flowers have a nostalgic fragrance and become stronger as dusk sets. There are more than 180 different species and almost all of them are creepers. Honeysuckle is a large vine that grows at a rapid rate. You can plant one honeysuckle plant and easily cover your pergola in no time.
  • Jasmine – Jasmine is without a doubt one of the most intense flowers. You can smell its fragrance from far away. If you love flowers with a strong scent, this is the one you should pick for your pergola. In regions with a warm and humid climate, this magnificent flower blooms throughout the year. In cooler areas, you can grow it as an annual plant.
  • Grape Vine – One of the best plants for pergolas, grape vines do not just give you privacy and shade but juicy fruits too. You can grow this in just about any type of climate. Grape vine varieties are native to Central Asia, South West Asia, America, and the Mediterranean, so you can find a diverse variety to choose from. If you want a beautiful climber that bears fruit, this is definitely a great choice.
  • Trumpet Vine – Called the trumpet vine because of its gorgeous trumpet-shaped flowers, this is another beautiful choice for a pergola. You will trumpet vines that flower in a variety of colors such as red, orange, and yellow. These flowers attract pollinators like hummingbirds and bees. It grows best in full or part sun. Trumpet vine is a beautiful choice for garden structures such as pergolas, trellises, etc.
  • Bignonia – Also known as cross vine and trumpet vine, bignonia is a breathtaking choice for pergolas. It has delicate bell-shaped flowers and is a fairly vigorous plant. It grows extremely well in USDA zones 6 – 9 and tolerates moderate to mild frost. It can also grow in tropics as long as you give it shade from the afternoon sun.
  • Sweet Pea – This is a fragrant vine that has delicate flowers and it looks beautiful in all types of garden structures. It is a salient choice for pergolas. Keep in mind that you should not grow the bush-type varieties if you are considering sweet peas for your structure. Make sure that you plant them in well-drained soil and in the sun. Sweet peas grow best in warm regions in fall and winter. If you are in a warmer temperature area, plant this beautiful, sweet-smelling vine in the spring or summer.
  • Bleeding Heart and Tropical Bleeding Heart – With beautiful heart-shaped flowers, this exotic-looking flower is another excellent choice for your pergola if you are looking for a climber for shade. Bleeding heart requires an area with partial sun and moist soil. It is suitable for cold climates and can be grown in USDA Zones 3 – 9. Tropical bleeding heart, also known as glory bower, has flowers that resemble the bleeding heart and thrives in warm temperatures like USDA Zones 10 – 11.

As you can see, you have a plethora of choices when it comes to climbing plants for your pergola. Other exquisite climbing plants include butterfly pea, climbing hydrangea, bougainvillea, ivy, golden hops, morning glory, kiwi, and many more. Make your landscape even more striking by adding beautiful climbing plants to your pergola.

Make your own Garden of Eden. Make your own little paradise. You only live once. You can make your backyard look like it should be on the front page of a magazine. And perhaps it should!

Read More