Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Pacific Northwest of North America
- Hardness
- 350 lbf (Very Soft)
- Durability
- Very Durable (exceptional resistance to decay and insect attack)
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Grain Pattern
Straight, flat-sawn with prominent weathering texture and a small tight knot
Color & Appearance
Silvery gray weathered patina on the exposed surface due to UV degradation, with underlying warm reddish-brown visible in protected areas and around the knot
Hardness (Janka)
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (exceptional resistance to decay and insect attack)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Moderate, approximately $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on grade and whether sold as reclaimed material
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 30 to 50 years based on deep UV weathering, oxidized fastener holes with copper-chloride staining, and surface degradation
- Sustainability Status
- Generally stable and sustainable, widely managed in forestry plantations in the Pacific Northwest, not CITES listed
Common Uses
Siding, exterior decking, shingles, exterior construction, outdoor furniture, boat building
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools, planes and saws smoothly, holds fasteners well though softer nails can pull out, takes glues and finishes exceptionally well
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils, semi-transparent stains, or leaving unfinished to weather naturally; requires thorough cleaning and removal of degraded surface fibers if applying a film finish
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic scent, high natural oil and thujaplicin content providing superior decay resistance, lightweight, dimensionally stable, features characteristic green/blue oxidation staining around old metal fasteners
