Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, flat-sawn cathedral figure in the center with vertical grain towards the edges; uniform and medium to coarse texture.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from pinkish-red to a cooler reddish-brown; sapwood is narrow and yellowish-white. It exhibits a dull luster and will patina to a silvery-grey when exposed to UV light and weather.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and rot due to natural extractives (thujaplicins), though it has low resistance to insect attack (termites).
Common Uses
Siding, decking, shingles, outdoor furniture, greenhouse construction, boat building, fence posts, and sauna interiors.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (from Alaska to Northern California and inland to Montana).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $4.00 to $9.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear Heart vs. Common) and regional availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or surfaced (under 1 year) based on the vibrant reddish hues and lack of grey oxidation or UV weathering.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification; considered very sustainable due to abundance and replanting programs.
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools; planes and sands smoothly, though it is prone to bruising due to low density. Glues and finishes well, but requires care as it can split easily during nailing.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic scent (cedar-chest smell); high tannin content which can cause black staining in contact with iron fasteners; lightweight with excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or transparent stains for outdoor use to preserve color; film-forming finishes like polyurethane are not recommended for exterior cedar as they tend to peel.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown heartwood color combined with the pale sapwood, flat-sawn cathedral grain typical of Thuja, and visible texture are characteristic of Western Red Cedar.