In addition to beauty, there are other reasons to choose cedar over pine in high quality log furnishings. Cedar is air dried; nature's way of gently seasoning wood to maximize wood-cell stability. As a result, splitting, cracking and checking are minimized and the logs have the natural characteristics born of Mother Nature. Alternatively, pine is traditionally kiln dried, which is a hard, high heat process that can destabilize wood cells and reduce insulation ability. Kiln drying also accelerates splitting, cracking and checking. Further, northern white cedar creates its own natural preservative and withstands the abuse of seasonal elements without breaking down or rotting like other woods. With a life of 50 years or more, northern white cedar is the ideal wood to create beautiful furniture!