Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and uniform with a medium to coarse texture; this flat-sawn sample shows wide growth rings and a slightly fuzzy surface texture consistent with rough-milled cedar.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from reddish to pinkish brown, often with random streaks and bands of darker red/brown. Sapwood is typically narrow and pale yellowish-white. It tends to weather to a silver-grey color if left unfinished outdoors.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and fungal decay, though only moderately resistant to insect attack.
Common Uses
Exterior siding, decking, shingles, fence posts, greenhouse construction, boat building, and outdoor furniture. Also used for closet liners and chests due to its aromatic properties.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (from Alaska to Northern California and inland to the Rockies).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $8.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear Heart vs. Common).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/contemporary (less than 5 years); the lack of significant graying or deep oxidation suggests it is freshly milled stock or has been stored indoors.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested from managed forests. Generally considered very sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. However, it is very soft and prone to bruising or denting. Sharp cutters are required to prevent fuzzy surfaces. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive, lingering cedar-chest scent. Light weight and exceptional dimensional stability. Dust can be a respiratory irritant for some woodworkers.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or transparent stains are best for outdoor use to preserve the color. For indoor use, polyurethane or lacquer work well, though the wood's softness means it provides little impact resistance.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown hue combined with the open, fibrous grain texture and the specific growth ring transition are classic identifiers of Western Red Cedar.