Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight-grained with a medium to coarse texture; cathedral patterns visible in the flat-sawn deck boards.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from pinkish-red to reddish-brown; sapwood is pale yellow. In this sample, the wood has turned a weathered silvery-gray due to UV exposure, with original reddish-brown hues visible where protected.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; contains natural thujaplicins which provide excellent resistance to decay and rot.
Common Uses
Exterior siding, decking, shingles, outdoor furniture, boat building, and fence posts.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (British Columbia down through Northern California and into parts of Idaho/Montana).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $4.00 to $6.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear Heart vs. STK/Select Tight Knot).
Wood Age Estimate
10-15 years based on the heavy silver patina, surface checking, and moderate biological growth (lichen) on the surface.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification; considered highly sustainable.
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools; however, it is prone to splitting when nailing and can leave fuzz if tools are not sharp due to its soft nature.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic scent (classic cedar smell); contains high levels of extractives (tannins) that can cause staining when in contact with iron fasteners.
Finish Recommendations
Semi-transparent oil-based stains are recommended to maintain color and provide UV protection; clear film-forming finishes like polyurethane are prone to peeling on exterior cedar.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of typical board dimensions for decking, the specific silver-gray weathering pattern, and the visible grain structure in the unweathered strip strongly indicates Western Red Cedar.