Western Red Cedar
Scientific name: Thuja plicata
Overview
Western Red Cedar is one of the most important and recognizable softwoods of the Pacific Northwest. Native to the coastal forests of western North America, this species has long been valued for its exceptional durability, stability, and natural resistance to decay and insects.
Despite its relatively low density, Western Red Cedar performs extremely well in outdoor environments due to naturally occurring oils that protect the wood from moisture and fungal attack. These properties have made it one of the most widely used woods for exterior construction.
The wood ranges in color from light reddish brown to deeper chocolate tones and typically features a straight grain and uniform texture. Because of its stability and resistance to weathering, Western Red Cedar is commonly used for decking, siding, fencing, and outdoor furniture.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Western Red Cedar
- Scientific Name: Thuja plicata
- Region: North American Softwoods (Pacific Northwest – United States & Canada)
- Tree Size: 100–200 ft tall, 3–10 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 23 lbs/ft³ (370 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 350 lbf
- Color: Reddish brown to pinkish brown heartwood with pale sapwood
- Grain: Straight
- Texture: Fine and even
Identification Characteristics
Western Red Cedar is easily identified by its reddish brown coloration and distinctive aromatic scent. The wood usually displays a straight grain and coarse texture, with growth rings that may produce subtle striping in flatsawn lumber.
The sapwood is typically pale yellow to nearly white and contrasts clearly with the darker heartwood.
Key identification traits include:
- Reddish-brown heartwood
- Pale yellow or white sapwood
- Straight grain pattern
- Coarse texture
- Distinct aromatic scent
Working Properties
Western Red Cedar is considered very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Its low density allows for smooth cutting and shaping, though care must be taken to avoid dents due to its softness.
The wood glues and finishes well and holds nails and screws effectively. These properties make it a favorite among builders and woodworkers for outdoor projects.
- Machines easily with sharp tools
- Turns reasonably well
- Nails and screws easily
- Glues and finishes reliably
- Excellent dimensional stability
Safety Note
Dust from Western Red Cedar is known to cause allergic reactions and respiratory irritation in some individuals. Proper dust collection and protective equipment are recommended when machining the wood.
Common Uses
Western Red Cedar is widely used for exterior applications due to its durability and weather resistance.
Common uses include
- Decking
- Exterior siding
- Fencing
- Outdoor furniture
- Shingles and shakes
- Pergolas and garden structures
- Boat building
- Sauna interiors
Sustainability & Notes
Western Red Cedar forests occur primarily along the Pacific coast and inland mountain ranges of the northwestern United States and western Canada. The species is commonly harvested from managed forests and remains an important commercial timber in the region.
Sustainable forestry practices have allowed Western Red Cedar to remain widely available while preserving important forest ecosystems.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Coast Redwood – Similar rot resistance and color, though typically heavier and slightly harder.
Giant Sequoia – Another massive conifer from California, though much less commonly harvested for lumber today.
Alaskan Yellow Cedar – A more durable and harder cedar species native to northern coastal forests.
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Collector Notes
Western Red Cedar samples are often collected for their distinctive color and characteristic aroma. Boards may vary from light reddish brown to darker chocolate tones, and the wood’s natural oils contribute to its durability.
Collectors often keep small samples to represent one of the most widely used outdoor construction woods in North America.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
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Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
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