Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse texture. Visible growth rings showing a clear distinction between earlywood and latewood. Contains sound knots and a vertical grain/quartersawn appearance in sections.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from reddish to pinkish brown, often with random streaks and bands of darker brown/red. Sapwood is typically narrow and white to off-white. This sample shows the characteristic weathered reddish-brown hue common in construction-grade cedar.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable. Highly resistant to decay and rot due to natural extractives (thujaplicins). Good resistance to insect attack, though susceptible to some specialized wood-borers.
Common Uses
Exterior siding, decking, shingles, fence posts, greenhouse construction, outdoor furniture, and small specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (from Alaska to Northern California and inland to Montana/British Columbia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear Heart vs. STK/Select Tight Knot).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern harvest (less than 5-10 years), showing typical kiln-dried or air-dried coloration with minor surface oxidation and a large structural drying check (crack).
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN). Generally abundant and sustainable, widely available with FSC certification. Not listed in CITES appendices.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It is very soft and prone to bruising or denting. Glues and finishes well, though its high acidity can corrode unprotected ferrous metal fasteners (stainless steel recommended).
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic, cedar-like scent. Very lightweight with excellent dimensional stability. High tannin content can cause staining when in contact with iron and water.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for transparent or semi-transparent exterior stains, oils (like linseed or tung), or clear wood preservatives. If used indoors, film-forming finishes like lacquer or polyurethane work well after sealing.
Identification Confidence
High. The reddish-brown color, prominent straight earlywood/latewood grain contrast, presence of tight knots, and apparent softwood texture are classic hallmarks of Thuja plicata.