Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight with a medium to coarse texture; visible growth rings with a slight transition between earlywood and latewood. Presence of small tight knots and flat-sawn cathedrals in the grain layout.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale pinkish brown to a deeper reddish or cinnamon brown. Sapwood is typically narrow and off-white. It tends to darken or lose its red hues to a more uniform silvery-grey if exposed to UV light without a finish.
Hardness Rating
350 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding decay resistance; excellent resistance to rot and weathering but susceptible to insect attack (termites).
Common Uses
Exterior siding, decking, shingles, fence posts, glasshouse construction, outdoor furniture, and aromatic closet linings.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest of North America (from Alaska to California and inland to Montana).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear Heart vs. Common/Knotty).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern millwork; likely kiln-dried and processed within the last 5-10 years based on the lack of deep oxidation and sharp edges.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available with FSC certification; highly sustainable due to managed forest growth in North America.
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It is prone to denting and scratching due to its softness. Glues and finishes well, though it can split during nailing so pre-drilling is recommended near edges.
Notable Features
Strong, distinct aromatic scent; light weight; high natural tannin content which can cause black staining if in contact with iron fasteners (requires stainless steel or galvanized hardware).
Finish Recommendations
Transparent stains or oils to preserve color; film-forming finishes like polyurethane are acceptable for interior but may crack exteriorly due to wood expansion/contraction. Natural weathering is also common for a rustic look.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown hue combined with the straight grain, soft texture, and specific growth ring transition is highly characteristic of Thuja plicata.