Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, flat-sawn grain showing prominent cathedral patterns in the center; occasional small sound knots and some minor fuzzing from surfacing.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light pinkish brown to a deeper reddish brown. Sapwood is yellowish white and clearly demarcated from heartwood. The wood will weather to a silver-grey if left untreated outdoors.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excels in rot resistance and weathering. Highly resistant to decay and termite attack.
Common Uses
Exterior siding, decking, shingles, fencing, outdoor furniture, boat building, and interior sauna paneling.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (British Columbia down through Washington, Oregon, and Northern California).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear vs. Knotty).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled appearance with light oxidation; likely less than 1-2 years old based on the vibrancy of the heartwood tones.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
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 it can split when nailing without pre-drilling near edges.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic scent; contains thujaplicins which act as natural fungicides; high tannin content can cause blue-black staining if in contact with iron fasteners.
Finish Recommendations
Translucent oil-based stains are recommended to preserve color. Film-forming finishes like polyurethane may peel outdoors; clear sealers are best for UV protection.
Identification Confidence
High; the color transition between the reddish-brown heartwood and pale sapwood, combined with the specific cathedral grain and visible fibrous texture, is characteristic of Thuja plicata.