Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse texture; visible cathedral patterns on flat-sawn surfaces and prominent growth rings with a sharp transition between earlywood and latewood.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a reddish to pinkish brown, often with darker streaks; sapwood is pale yellowish white. It matures to a silver-grey color when exposed to UV light without a finish.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and rot due to natural extractives (thujaplicins), though less resistant to insect attack than some hardwoods.
Common Uses
Exterior siding, decking, fencing, shingles, outdoor furniture, boat building, and saunas.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (British Columbia down through Washington, Oregon, and Northern California).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $8.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear Heart vs. STK/Select Tight Knot).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/newly installed; the vibrant reddish-orange hue suggests minimal UV degradation and weathering, likely less than 1-2 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available as FSC certified and considered a sustainable choice for exterior projects.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools, but its softness makes it prone to denting and scratching; glues and finishes well, though the dust can be a respiratory irritant.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic scent; very lightweight; contains high tannin levels which can cause dark staining if in contact with non-stainless steel fasteners.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or semi-transparent stains are best for exterior use; if kept indoors, water-based polyurethanes or lacquers work well to preserve color.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the reddish-brown color, prominent latewood bands, rough-sawn texture typical of fencing, and visible small knots are classic indicators of Thuja plicata.