Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium to coarse texture; this split sample shows prominent latewood/earlywood growth ring contrast and a fibrous, stringy texture typical of longitudinal cleavage.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from pinkish-red to a dull reddish-brown. Sapwood is narrow and nearly white. It tends to lose its reddish hue and weather to a silver-grey color when exposed to UV light without a finish.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and rot due to high extractives content, though it has moderate resistance to insect attack.
Common Uses
Outdoor siding, shingles, decking, greenhouse construction, fence posts, boat building, and basic interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (from Southern Alaska to Northern California and inland to the Rockies).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $8.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear Heart vs. Common).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/contemporary; the lack of deep grey weathering or heavy oxidation suggests it is likely a modern cut from a lumber yard setting.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification available.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools, but very prone to bruising and denting due to low density. Holds glue and finishes well, though sharp cutters are needed to prevent fuzzy grain.
Notable Features
Exhibits a very distinct, pungent aromatic scent. Contains high amounts of thujaplicins, which provide natural rot resistance but can cause corrosion in unprotected ferrous fasteners.
Finish Recommendations
Semi-transparent stains or oils are recommended for outdoor use to preserve color; film-forming finishes like polyurethane may peel over time if moisture enters the wood.
Identification Confidence
High; the fibrous split texture, reddish-brown color, and characteristic growth ring spacing in the context of dimensional lumber are diagnostic for Western Red Cedar.