Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse texture; flat-sawn displaying typical latewood/earlywood contrast and some small tight knots.
Color Description
Naturally reddish to pinkish brown heartwood with thin white sapwood; this sample shows advanced silver-gray weathering and oxidation from outdoor exposure.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; high natural resistance to decay and rot, though less resistant to insects like termites.
Common Uses
Outdoor decking, fencing, siding, shingles, greenhouse construction, and outdoor furniture.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (British Columbia to Northern California).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on grade and dimensions.
Wood Age Estimate
3 to 7 years of outdoor exposure based on the uniform silver-gray patina and surface checking/fuzzing.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested from sustainably managed forests; not CITES listed.
Workability
Very easy to work with hand and machine tools; saws and planes easily but is prone to denting and splintering due to its softness.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic 'cedar' scent when cut; contains thujaplicins which act as natural fungicides; high tannin content can cause blue-black staining if in contact with iron fasteners.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oil-based stains or clear UV-protectant sealers; film-forming finishes like polyurethane are not recommended for weathered outdoor cedar.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of weathered silver-gray color, straight softwood grain, small knots, and typical application in outdoor seating is indicative of Western Red Cedar.