Western Red Cedar (shingles) and Grapevine (decorative element)
Thuja plicata (background) / Vitis spp. (foreground) • Softwood (Cedar) and Exotic/Vine (Grapevine)
Grain Pattern
Cedar: Straight, fine, and even grain; Vitis: Highly irregular, contorted, and twisted around the host branch.
Color Description
Cedar: Weathered silvery-gray patina from UV exposure; heartwood is naturally reddish-brown. Grapevine: Dark brown bark with lighter tan fibrous interior.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft) for Western Red Cedar.
Durability Rating
Very Durable (Cedar); naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack due to high extractive content.
Common Uses
Cedar: Roofing (shingles), siding, decking, and exterior fencing. Grapevine: Decorative accents and basketry.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (Cedar); globally widespread (Vitis).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot for Cedar lumber; shingles sold by the bundle (~$100-$150/bundle).
Wood Age Estimate
Shingles appear 10-20 years old based on heavy graying and lichen/moss potential. Vine is likely 3-5 years old.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN). Generally sustainable and widely available with FSC certification options.
Workability
Cedar: Easy to work with hand/machine tools, though soft and prone to denting and splintering. Splits easily along grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic cedar scent; contains thujaplicins which act as natural fungicides; cedar dust can be a respiratory irritant.
Finish Recommendations
Usually left unfinished to weather to a silver gray; or treated with translucent oil-based stains to preserve color.
Identification Confidence
High. Classic Western Red Cedar shingle texture and weathering pattern with a dried grapevine coiled around a branch.