Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse texture; rift-sawn orientation visible with prominent latewood/earlywood transition lines and consistent vertical stripes.
Color Description
Heartwood is a reddish-to-pinkish brown often with darker streaks; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. It matures to a silver-grey patina when exposed to UV light without finish.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable/Very Durable; excellent natural resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack due to high extractives content.
Common Uses
Outdoor siding, decking, shingles, fence posts, greenhouse construction, boat building, and saunas.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (British Columbia to Northern California).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear Heart vs. Common).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively young wood (2-5 years since milling) based on the lack of deep silvering or heavy oxidation, but showing some surface dirt/weathering.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices; IUCN Red List category of Least Concern. Generally widely available and FSC certified.
Workability
Very easy to work with hand and machine tools; however, it is prone to splintering and bruising/denting due to softness. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic scent; contains high levels of thujaplicin (a natural fungicide). Dust can be a respiratory irritant.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based stains or transparent sealers to maintain color; film-forming finishes like polyurethane can peel if wood moisture fluctuates outdoors.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown hue combined with the distinct softwood growth rings and fibrous texture is diagnostic for Western Red Cedar.