Atlantic White Cedar
Chamaecyparis thyoides · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Eastern United States, specifically the Atlantic coastal plain from Maine to Florida and west to Mississippi.
- Hardness
- 350 lbf (Very Soft)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot and decay, though it has moderate resistance to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine, uniform texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern with distinct but narrow earlywood/latewood transitions.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light reddish-brown to pale tan, while sapwood is a narrow band of nearly white to pale yellow. It typically darkens slightly to a silver-grey or deeper brown when exposed to sunlight and weather.
Hardness (Janka)
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot and decay, though it has moderate resistance to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and location.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled/Recent; the wood shows bright color without significant graying, and the presence of fresh sawdust suggests it has just been worked.
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed. Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, though wetland habitat loss is a localized concern in some states.
Common Uses
Boat building (planking), shingles, siding, fence posts, outdoor furniture, duck decoys, and interior paneling.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States, specifically the Atlantic coastal plain from Maine to Florida and west to Mississippi.
Workability
Excellent ease of work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and sands very easily, though its softness makes it prone to denting and crushing if handled roughly.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for clear penetrating oils or exterior stains to preserve natural rot resistance. If used indoors, shellac or light polyurethanes work well, though the wood's acidity can occasionally affect some oil-based finishes.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic, cedar-like scent when freshly cut. It is exceptionally lightweight and has very low shrinkage rates, providing high dimensional stability.
