Western Red Cedar (Alternative: Coast Redwood)
Thuja plicata · Softwood
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Pacific Northwest of North America (from southern Alaska through British Columbia to northern California, eastward to Montana).
- Hardness
- 350 lbf (Very Soft)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable; naturally resistant to decay, rot, and insect attack due to natural extractives (thujaplicins).
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Grain Pattern
Straight, fine to medium texture with uniform growth rings typical of vertical/rift grain, though surface shows a rough-sawn circular or bandsaw texture with raised fibers.
Color & Appearance
Warm reddish-brown to cinnamon-amber tones throughout the heartwood. Low natural luster on the rough surface, oxidizes over time to a silver-gray if exposed to weather and UV light.
Hardness (Janka)
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable; naturally resistant to decay, rot, and insect attack due to natural extractives (thujaplicins).
Value & Age
$6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear Heart vs. rustic/knotty).
AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern cut lumber, likely several months to a few years old based on slight surface oxidation and faint horizontal water/sticker mark across the center.
Common Uses
Outdoor siding, shingles, decking, outdoor furniture, fencing, boat building, sauna paneling, and acoustic guitar soundboards.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (from southern Alaska through British Columbia to northern California, eastward to Montana).
Workability
Very easy to work with hand and power tools; cuts cleanly, planes smoothly, and holds glues well. Extremely soft so it easily dents or bruises, and coarse fibers may fuzz if sanded with dull abrasives.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating exterior oils, semi-transparent stains, or clear water-repellent preservatives. Can be left unfinished to weather naturally. Film-forming finishes (like thick polyurethane) should generally be avoided outdoors due to natural extractive bleed-through and wood movement.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic sweet cedar aroma; exceptionally lightweight with high dimensional stability and low shrinkage rate.
