Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight and even, though this raw log shows irregular surface texture due to bark removal. Split face areas show coarse, fibrous grain with tight growth rings.
Color Description
Heartwood is a reddish to pinkish brown, often with streaks of darker brown. Sapwood is a narrow band of pale yellowish-white. It silvers/grays rapidly when exposed to UV light and weathering.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay and rot due to natural thujaplicins, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Exterior siding, decking, shingles, fence posts, outdoor furniture, boat building (especially kayaks and canoes), and interior paneling.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (from Alaska to California and east into the Rockies).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $8.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear Heart vs. Common/STB).
Wood Age Estimate
The log appears to be from a younger second-growth tree, likely 30-50 years old based on diameter, showing recent felling with significant bark loss and surface weathering.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainably managed in North America; FSC certified sources are common.
Workability
Excellent workability with hand and machine tools. It is very easy to plane and sand but prone to denting and splintering due to its softness. It glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic 'cedar' scent; contains natural oils that protect against rot; very lightweight; can cause respiratory irritation or allergic reactions in some woodworkers.
Finish Recommendations
Requires non-filming oils or penetrating stains for exterior use to prevent peeling. For interior, water-based polyurethanes or lacquer work well once the wood is dry.
Identification Confidence
High. The stringy, fibrous reddish-brown bark remnants combined with the pale sapwood and reddish heartwood visible in the checks are diagnostic for Thuja plicata.