Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium to coarse texture; visible cathedral figure in the flat-sawn face transition; distinct growth rings with a sharp contrast between earlywood and darker latewood.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a reddish-pink to a deep brown; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. The color tends to darken or silver-grey over time when exposed to UV light and weathering.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent natural resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack due to high extractives content.
Common Uses
Exterior siding, decking, shingles, outdoor furniture, fence posts, boat building, and saunas.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (from Alaska to Northern California and inland to Montana/British Columbia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear Heart vs. Select Knotty).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh milled lumber (less than 1 year); displays bright oxidation and minimal weathering or surface patina.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested from sustainably managed forests in North America.
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools; however, it is prone to bruising and dents due to softness. Brittle fibers can lead to splintering on the exit of cuts.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic scent (cedar chest smell); naturally lightweight; contains thujaplicins which act as natural fungicides; low shrinkage/high dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or semi-transparent stains are best for outdoor use; film-forming finishes like polyurethane may peel over time due to natural oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of reddish-brown heartwood, pale sapwood, distinct latewood bands, and the overall coarse texture is characteristic of Thuja plicata.