Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Primarily straight, tight grain with very fine texture. This sample appears to be vertical grain (quartersawn), showing consistent parallel lines across the face.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from reddish to pinkish brown, often with random streaks and bands of darker red/brown. This sample shows a classic golden-tan hue; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. It silvers/grays over time when exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and rot due to high extractives; moderate resistance to insect attack.
Common Uses
Outdoor siding, decking, shingles, fence posts, greenhouse construction, boat building, soundboards for acoustic guitars, and sauna interiors.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (from Alaska to Northern California).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear Heart Vertical Grain is most expensive).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh cut or recently surfaced; light oxidation suggests it has not been exposed to weather for more than a few weeks or months.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested from managed forests; FSC certification is common.
Workability
Excellent with hand and machine tools, though very soft and easy to dent. Slices easily but can splinter; takes glue and finishes well. Dust can be a respiratory irritant.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic 'cedar' scent; very lightweight with excellent dimensional stability and low shrinkage; contains high levels of thujaplicins which provide natural rot resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or transparent stains are best for outdoor use; film-forming finishes like polyurethane may peel if the wood's moisture content fluctuates.
Identification Confidence
High; the straight vertical grain, color, and texture are hallmarks of Thuja plicata, especially given its context on a cedar-style deck.