Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight but visible growth rings with frequent small tight knots; flat-sawn orientation showing varied ring spacing. No significant figure is present.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light pinkish brown to a deep reddish brown. Sapwood is yellowish-white. The piece shows typical luster and will weather to a silver-grey if left untreated outdoors.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Highly Durable; excellent resistance to decay and rot. Moderately resistant to insect attack. Excellent for outdoor weathering.
Common Uses
Exterior siding, decking, shingles, outdoor furniture, fencing, boat building, and saunas.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (from Alaska to Northern California).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot depending on grade and kiln drying.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled/Recent; the wood shows bright natural coloration with minimal oxidation or weathering-induced graying.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and non-CITES listed. Generally considered highly sustainable.
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It is prone to denting and scratching due to softness. Glues and finishes well, though its low density can lead to 'fuzzing' if tools are not sharp.
Notable Features
Strong, distinct aromatic cedar scent. Low density makes it lightweight. Contains thujaplicins which act as natural fungicides. Dust can be a respiratory irritant.
Finish Recommendations
Transparent or semi-transparent exterior stains are best for color preservation. Oil-based finishes penetrate well. Avoid heavy film-forming finishes like thick polyurethane for outdoor use as they may peel.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown hue combined with the distinct growth ring pattern, frequent small knots, and fine texture is characteristic of Western Red Cedar softwood.