Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and even grain with a coarse texture. Visible small knots and annual growth rings suggest a flat-sawn orientation commonly found in construction-grade utility lumber.
Color Description
Reddish to pinkish brown heartwood often with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellowish white. The wood exhibits a dull luster and will naturally weather to a silver-grey patina if left untreated outdoors.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding decay resistance. Contains natural thujaplicins that provide excellent resistance to rot and insects, though it is prone to mechanical wear due to softness.
Common Uses
Exterior siding, decking, shingles, fence posts, birdhouses, garden structures, boat building, and saunas.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (from Alaska to Northern California).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot depending on grade (clear vs. knotty).
Wood Age Estimate
5 to 10 years old. The light oxidation and water staining around the drill holes, combined with the slightly weathered surface, suggest the piece has been exposed to the elements for several seasons.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available as FSC certified and considered a sustainable building material.
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and sands easily, though its softness makes it prone to denting and splintering. It holds glue well but has poor nail-holding capacity; stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized fasteners are required to prevent iron staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive, lingering 'cedar chest' scent. Highly lightweight and dimensionally stable with very low shrinkage. Caution is advised as wood dust can be a respiratory sensitizer.
Finish Recommendations
Semi-transparent exterior stains or oils are recommended to preserve color. If left unfinished, it will turn grey. Film-forming finishes like polyurethane are generally discouraged for outdoor use as they will crack and peel.
Identification Confidence
High. The reddish-brown hue, characteristic 'fuzzy' texture in the bored holes, presence of small sound knots, and the specific application (a birdhouse front) are all hallmarks of Western Red Cedar.