Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Primarily straight and fine-textured; clear, vertical growth rings suggestive of a quarter-sawn or rift-sawn orientation in this section with no visible figure like burls or knots.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from reddishnd-brown to pinkish-brown, sometimes with streaks of darker chocolate brown. Sapwood is a contrasting pale yellowish-white. It tends to lose its reddish hue and weather to a silver-grey if left outdoors and untreated.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; contains natural thujaplicins which provide excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack.
Common Uses
Exterior siding, decking, shingles, outdoor furniture, greenhouse construction, fencing, boat building, and saunas.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (from Southern Alaska to Northern California).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $9.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear Heart vs Common).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern era (1-10 years post-harvest); the sample appears relatively fresh with light oxidation and typical modern machine-cut marks and fuzziness from a rough-sawn state.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it is prone to bruising and denting due to its softness. Glues and finishes well, but its low density can lead to fuzzy surfaces if tools are not sharp.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic, spicy scent (cedar chest smell); very lightweight with high dimensional stability; low toxicity but dust can be a respiratory irritant.
Finish Recommendations
Responds best to oil-based stains or clear sealers to preserve color. If used outdoors, a UV-inhibitor is required to prevent graying. Takes paint well but may require a stain-blocking primer to prevent tannin bleed.
Identification Confidence
High; the color palette, exceptionally straight and tight growth rings, and the fibrous nature of the surface are hallmark characteristics of Western Red Cedar.