Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse-textured grain with a prominent cathedral figure visible in the flat-sawn section; rough-sawn surface texture and a small tight knot at the bottom center.
Color Description
Reddish-brown to pinkish-brown heartwood with some lighter streaks; it typically silver-grays over time with UV exposure but currently shows a warm, saturated hue often enhanced by stains or tannins.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; high natural resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack due to natural extractives (thujaplicins).
Common Uses
Fencing, decking, siding, shingles, outdoor structures, saunas, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (British Columbia to Northern California).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 to $9.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear vs. Knotty).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern construction material (0-10 years) based on the lack of weathering and the fresh, rough-sawn texture.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested from sustainably managed forests; FSC certification is common.
Workability
Very easy to work with hand and machine tools, though very prone to denting and scratching due to softness; glues and finishes well but may require a sealer to prevent tannin bleed.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic cedar scent; lightweight; contains natural oils that act as a preservative; dust can be a respiratory irritant.
Finish Recommendations
Translucent oil-based stains to preserve color; film-forming finishes like polyurethane are generally discouraged for outdoor use; requires stainless steel fasteners to prevent black staining from tannins.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish hue, coarse grain structure, cathedral figure, and rough-sawn application are classic indicators of Western Red Cedar fencing or siding.