Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight and consistent with tight Growth rings; exhibits some minor cathedral figure and swirling around knots. Generally a medium-to-coarse texture.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from pinkish-red to a cooler brown; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. This sample shows a warm, light reddish-brown hue with some darker streaks, typical of oxidation. Will weather to a silvery gray if left outdoors.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and rot due to high thujaplicin content. Moderate resistance to insect attack.
Common Uses
Exterior siding, decking, shingles, outdoor furniture, greenhouse construction, saunas, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (from Alaska to California and inland to the Rockies).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $8.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear Heart vs. Select Knotty) and regional availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern stock, likely harvested within the last 5-10 years; the surface shows light oxidation suggesting it has been milled for several months but is not antique.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available with FSC certification. Not CITES listed. A highly sustainable and renewable resource in North America.
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It is prone to splitting when nailing or screwing near ends, so pre-drilling is required. Sands easily but is very soft and susceptible to bruising/denting.
Notable Features
Strong, pleasant aromatic scent. It is very lightweight and has excellent dimensional stability with low shrinkage. Dust can be a respiratory irritant for some people.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to oil-based stains and clear sealers. If used outdoors, a UV-inhibitor is recommended to maintain color. Takes paint well, though a stain-blocking primer is necessary to prevent tannin bleed.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinct reddish-brown color, characteristic growth ring structure of a Cupressaceae family member, and the visual evidence of its softness and grain texture strongly indicate Thuja plicata.