Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine-textured grain with occasional slight wave; medium to coarse texture visible in rough-milled state.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from reddish to pinkish brown, often with random streaks and bands of darker brown. Sapwood is typically narrow and pale yellowish-white. It tends to silver-gray when weathered outdoors.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and rot due to high extractive content; moderate insect resistance.
Common Uses
Outdoor siding, decking, shingles, fence posts, boat building, sauna interiors, and outdoor furniture.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (from Alaska to Northern California and inland to Montana).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $4.50 - $9.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear Heart vs. Construction grade).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent milling (approx. 1-3 years) based on the freshness of the reddish-brown oxidation and lack of significant graying/silvering from UV exposure.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification often available.
Workability
Easy to work with hand and machine tools, but very soft and prone to bruising or scratching. Glue, stains, and finishes well, though its low density can lead to 'fuzzy' grain if tools are not sharp.
Notable Features
Distinctive, lingering aromatic scent; lightweight; contains natural thujaplicins (preservatives); low shrinkage and high dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or semi-transparent stains are recommended for outdoor use; film-forming finishes like polyurethane may peel over time due to natural oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish hue, fibrous surface texture of the rough-sawn face, and characteristic straight grain are consistent with Thuja plicata.