Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and even grain with visible growth rings. Flat-sawn face shows typical 'cathedral' arching around small tight knots and characteristic wider earlywood bands.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a reddish-pinkish brown to a dull chocolate brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. This sample shows typical darkening/patina from UV exposure and oxidation, turning it a more muted grey-brown on the surface.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and rot due to high extractives/thujaplicins. Moderately resistant to insect attack.
Common Uses
Exterior siding, decking, shingles, fencing, outdoor furniture, boat building, greenhouse construction, and interior paneling.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (from Alaska down to Northern California and inland to Montana/British Columbia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $8.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear vs. STK/Select Tight Knot).
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be seasoned construction-grade lumber approximately 5 to 15 years old, based on the depth of oxidation and the presence of fastener marks/mechanical wear.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available with FSC certification. Considered highly sustainable due to managed forest practices in North America.
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It is prone to denting due to low density. Glues and finishes well, though it can split easily when nailing or screwing near ends without pre-drilling.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic scent (cedar-chest smell), contains thujaplicins (natural preservatives), very lightweight, and has high dimensional stability with low shrinkage rates.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or semi-transparent stains are best for exterior use. For interior, clear coats like lacquer or water-based polypreserved the color. Note: Heartwood extractives can bleed through water-based primers; use oil-based primers if painting.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of reddish-brown coloring, visible tight knots, prominent latewood lines, and the coarse texture is diagnostic for Thuja plicata.