Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Pacific Northwest of North America, extending from Northern California to Alaska.
- Hardness
- 350 lbf (Very Soft)
- Durability
- Very Durable, with exceptional natural resistance to decay, rot, and insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium to coarse texture, exhibiting a fairly uniform flat-sawn appearance.
Color & Appearance
Reddish to pinkish brown, sometimes with darker or lighter streaks; sapwood is a pale yellowish-white and is clearly demarcated from the heartwood. Darkens slightly over time with exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, with exceptional natural resistance to decay, rot, and insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 7.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and dimensions.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be moderately weathered, likely several decades old based on surface oxidation and patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and generally evaluated as a species of least concern by the IUCN. Readily available as sustainably managed timber.
Common Uses
Exterior siding, decking, shingles, exterior construction, outdoor furniture, greenhouse construction, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America, extending from Northern California to Alaska.
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues and finishes very well, though its softness makes it prone to denting and bruising during handling.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide variety of stains, oils, and paints exceptionally well. Semi-transparent oils or exterior finishes are commonly recommended for outdoor use.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic scent due to natural preservative thujaplicins, lightweight, low shrinkage, excellent dimensional stability, and contains no resins.
