Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Predominantly straight grain with a medium to coarse texture; this sample shows a vertical grain (edge-grain) orientation on the side and flat-grained face with some fuzzy surface texture from milling.
Color Description
Reddish to pinkish moves into a brown hue; sapwood is typically narrow and white to pale yellow. The wood will weather to a silver-grey if left outdoors without a UV-inhibiting finish.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; contains natural thujaplicins which provide excellent resistance to decay, rot, and insect attack.
Common Uses
Exterior siding, decking, shingles, outdoor furniture, greenhouse construction, boat building, and saunas.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (from Alaska to Northern California and inland to the Rockies).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear Heart vs. STK/Select Tight Knot) and dimensions.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled; the bright reddish-orange hue and lack of weathering or oxidation suggest the wood was recently cut or surfaced.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested from managed forests, though old-growth harvesting remains a conservation topic.
Workability
Excellent with both hand and machine tools; however, its softness makes it prone to bruising and scratching. Sharp blades are required to prevent fuzzy surfaces; glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic 'pencil-like' scent; very lightweight with excellent dimensional stability and low shrinkage; dust can be a respiratory irritant.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or transparent stains are recommended for outdoor use; film-forming finishes like polyurethane may peel over time due to natural oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish color, stringy texture, straight grain, and context of the large beam size are classic indicators of Western Red Cedar.