Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium to coarse texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern near the center knot with tight, vertical grain transition on the edges. No significant figure is present other than standard growth ring contrast.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pinkish-red to a duller reddish-brown. Sapwood is a narrow yellowish-white. This sample shows a fresh, light reddish-brown hue. With age and UV exposure, it will turn a silvery-gray unless treated with a UV-inhibitor.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and rot due to natural extractives (thujaplicins). Good resistance to insect attack, though not immune to carpenter bees or termites in certain conditions.
Common Uses
Outdoor siding, decking, shingles, fences, patio furniture, greenhouse construction, boat building (strip canoes), and small specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (from Southern Alaska to Northern California and inland to the Rockies).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $8.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear Heart vs. STK/Select Tight Knot) and regional availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled (Modern). The rough-sawn surface lacks significant oxidation, patina, or historical wear. The brightness of the color suggests the wood has not been exposed to the elements for more than a few weeks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally considered sustainable and widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It is very soft and can dent easily. It planes well but can be prone to 'fuzzy' grain if tools are dull. It glues and finishes well, though the natural oils can occasionally interfere with some finishes if not cleaned first.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic 'cedar' scent. Very lightweight. It has exceptional dimensional stability and low shrinkage. Caution: The dust can be a potent respiratory irritant and sensitizer for some individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Transparent or semi-transparent exterior stains are best to preserve color. For indoor use, clear lacquer or polyurethane works well. If left unfinished outdoors, it will weather to gray.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of coarse rough-sawn texture, reddish-brown hue, straight softwood grain, and characteristic tight-knot structure is clinically indicative of Western Red Cedar.