Knotty Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse grain with frequent small-to-medium sound knots; flat-sawn orientation showing prominent growth rings and earlywood/latewood transitions.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a muted reddish-brown to a pinkish-tan; sapwood is yellowish-white. This sample shows a weathered, grayish patina indicating exposure to light or a light transulcent stain.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and rot, though less resistant to insects compared to its weather resistance.
Common Uses
Siding, paneling, decking, outdoor furniture, shingles, fence posts, boat building, and saunas.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (British Columbia to Northern California).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot depending on grade (STK - Select Tight Knot grade as shown).
Wood Age Estimate
5-15 years based on the slight silvering of the surface and oxidation in a residential environment.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available with FSC certification; generally considered highly sustainable due to large managed growth populations.
Workability
Very easy to work with hand and machine tools; saws and planes easily. However, it is prone to splintering and can be easily dented due to its low density. Fasteners should be stainless steel to prevent tannin staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic scent; high tannin content can cause dark stains if in contact with iron; excellent thermal insulation properties; lightweight.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or semi-transparent stains are best to allow the wood to breathe; film-forming finishes like polyurethane may peel over time in outdoor or high-moisture applications.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the specific knot structure, visible grain texture, and typical application as tongue-and-groove paneling is characteristic of Western Red Cedar.