Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse texture. Visible small sound knots and occasional cathedral arching in flat-sawn sections as shown in the wall cladding.
Color Description
Heartwood is a reddish to pinkish brown, often with random streaks and bands of darker red/brown. Sapwood is yellowish white. It tends to weather to a uniform silver-gray if left unfinished and exposed to UV.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and rot due to high extractive content, though susceptible to insect attack if not treated.
Common Uses
Exterior siding/cladding, decking, shingles, outdoor furniture, greenhouse construction, and saunas.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (British Columbia down through Washington, Oregon, and Northern California).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $9.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear vs. Knotty)
Wood Age Estimate
Likely first-generation milled lumber (5-15 years old) showing early signs of light oxidation/tanning but retaining its original milled texture.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available with FSC certification; highly sustainable due to managed forest practices in North America.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though very soft and prone to bruising or scratching. Holds nails and screws well, but requires corrosion-resistant fasteners (stainless steel) to prevent tannin staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic scent (classic cedar chest smell). High tannin content can cause dark staining when in contact with iron. Excellent dimensional stability and low shrinkage.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or transparent stains to preserve color; film-forming finishes like polyurethane are not recommended for exterior use as the wood expands/contracts.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the reddish-brown hue, prominent latewood bands, small round knots, and application as shiplap/cladding is diagnostic of Western Red Cedar.