La Crescenta Guest House

Angel City Lumber worked with designer Peter Staley to provide board and batten siding for a private guest house in La Crescenta, using Deodar Cedar from a tree sourced just four miles away. The live edge detailing integrated into the design perfectly complements the natural surroundings.

A private guest house tucked into a nook of the San Gabriel Mountain community of La Crescenta

Designer Peter Staley’s commitment to locally sourcing materials fused perfectly with his client’s interest in maintaining a sustainable, low-impact lifestyle. We fabricated board and batten siding from a tree that grew less than four miles from the guest house. The board and batten choice took on a unique feel when, at the designer’s request, we incorporated the tree’s live edge into the boards. The mixture of traditional siding and custom elements paired beautifully to marry the building with its surrounding environment.

The Deodar Cedar tree comes from the Western Himalayas. In Sanskrit, it is called “Devadaru,” which translates to “wood of the gods.” For centuries, Hindu scholars have paid homage to Shiva in the shade of Deodar forests in India, Pakistan, and Nepal. Afghani and Tibetan spiritual leaders have also found refuge and inspiration there. These mystical trees are endemic to mountains at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 feet. Now, Deodars flourish throughout the elevated Santa Monica Mountain and San Gabriel Mountain ranges.

Deodar Cedar’s golden heartwood hue, natural clear-grain tendency, high resin content, and closed-tight grain excel in both exterior and interior applications. Since Angel City Lumber’s conception, Deodar Cedar has been a fan favorite.

The most versatile lumber we have, Deodar, is hard to keep in stock. Outdoors, Deodar excels as decking, fencing, timbers for planters, timber benches, stools, or any sculptural elements. Indoors, Deodar Cedar is a fantastic softwood for furniture. Malleable, pliable, and machineable, Deodar is always great as a closet, chest, and drawer stock for its aroma and deterrence against moths.