Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Predominantly straight, fine to medium-textured grain with distinct growth rings; flat-sawn decking boards showing slight cathedral patterns in some sections.
Color Description
Naturally reddish to pinkish brown heartwood with thin off-white sapwood. This sample shows significant weathering to a silvery-gray patina with fungal staining and lichen growth, though protected areas reveal the original golden-brown oxidation.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; contains natural thujaplicins which provide excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack, though soft fibers are susceptible to mechanical wear.
Common Uses
Outdoor decking, siding (shingles and shakes), fencing, boat building, greenhouse construction, and outdoor furniture.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (from Southern Alaska to Northern California and inland to the Rockies).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear Heart vs. STK/Select Tight Knot).
Wood Age Estimate
15 to 25 years based on the heavy silver oxidation, deep surface checking, visible fungal growth (lichens), and significant wear on the board edges.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available with FSC certification; considered a sustainable choice due to long life-cycle and carbon sequestration in North America.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; saws and planes easily, though its softness makes it prone to denting and crushing. It holds fasteners well but requires corrosion-resistant (stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized) hardware to prevent black iron staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic 'cedar' scent; very lightweight and dimensionally stable; contains high tannin levels that can cause staining when in contact with iron metals.
Finish Recommendations
Requires deep cleaning and brightening before finishing. Recommended finishes include penetrating oil-based stains or semi-transparent exterior sealers to protect against UV degradation. Film-forming finishes like polyurethane are not recommended for this application.
Identification Confidence
High; the weathering pattern, surface checking, grain structure, and specific application as a residential deck in a temperate climate are clinical indicators for Western Red Cedar.