Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Pacific Northwest of North America, extending from Northern California to Alaska.
- Hardness
- 350 lbf (Very Soft)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Exceptional natural resistance to decay, rot, and insect attacks due to natural chemical extractives (thujaplicins).
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium to coarse texture, typical of flat-sawn and natural log construction.
Color & Appearance
Reddish to pinkish brown, sometimes with darker or lighter streaks; sapwood is a pale yellowish white. Darkens with age and exposure to UV light.
Hardness (Janka)
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Exceptional natural resistance to decay, rot, and insect attacks due to natural chemical extractives (thujaplicins).
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot for standard lumber, higher for specialty log pieces.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be 5 to 15 years old in its current built form, crafted from a mature tree likely decades or centuries old.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List. Widely available and sustainably managed in North American plantations and forests.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture, benches, decking, siding, shingles, shakes, boat building, and utility poles.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America, extending from Northern California to Alaska.
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Glues and finishes well, though its softness makes it prone to dents and bruising.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils, exterior transparent finishes, or leaving unfinished to weather to a silvery-gray patina. Water-based finishes adhere well.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic scent, lightweight, dimensionally stable, low movement in service, and high natural weather resistance without chemical treatments.
