Western Red Cedar (Alternative: Redwood or Pine) — Thuja plicata
Medium; heavily weathered surface obscures wood grain clarity, but texture, knot character, and fencing context strongly point to Western Red Cedar. confidence

Western Red Cedar (Alternative: Redwood or Pine)

Thuja plicata · Softwood / Reclaimed

Type
Softwood / Reclaimed
Origin
Pacific Northwest region of North America (United States and Canada).
Hardness
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability
Durable to Very Durable; excellent natural resistance to decay, rot, and insects due to extractives.

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Grain Pattern

Straight, coarse grain with visible fine growth rings, prominent checking/cracking, and a tight knot at the bottom.

Color & Appearance

Extensively weathered silvery-gray exterior due to UV and moisture exposure; underlying raw wood is naturally reddish-brown to light pinkish-brown.

Hardness (Janka)

350 lbf (Very Soft)

Durability & Decay Resistance

Durable to Very Durable; excellent natural resistance to decay, rot, and insects due to extractives.

Value & Sustainability

Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $5.00 per board foot (standard dimensional cedar); reclaimed weathered planks can fetch $4.00 - $8.00 per board foot.
Wood Age Estimate
5 to 15+ years of outdoor exposure based on the deep graying, surface raising of earlywood, surface checking, and oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN Status); widely available with FSC certification; highly sustainable soft wood.

Common Uses

Outdoor fencing, siding, shingles, decking, outdoor furniture, arbor structures, and reclaimed rustic woodwork.

Geographic Origin

Pacific Northwest region of North America (United States and Canada).

Workability

Very easy to work with hand and power tools; cuts easily but prone to denting, splintering, and tearout if tools are dull. Accepts nails and screws easily.

Finish Recommendations

Requires thorough pressure washing or heavy sanding to remove dead gray fibers before finishing; best finished with penetrating oil stain, clear exterior sealer, or left natural to age further.

Notable Features

Distinct aromatic scent when freshly cut or sanded; highly dimensional stability; light weight; high natural extractive content which can cause bleed-through on light paints.

Learn more about Western Red Cedar (Alternative: Redwood or Pine) in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified July 26, 2026