Properties of Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) is a durable light weight species that is often used for exterior projects due to its natural resistance to insects.

Its attractive wood ranges from pale yellow-white sapwood to rich reddish-brown heartwood that is popular with indoor applications such as ceiling and wall paneling.  It is a durable, soft timber that cuts easily, machines and glues well, and can be stained or painted.  Although it nails and screws well, when moist, it becomes corrosive to copper and iron so hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel fasteners are recommended.

It is a giant of a tree where it grows to heights of 100 – 175 feet (30 – 50m) and diameters of 3 – 8 feet (90 – 245 cm) with some trees occasionally reaching a height of over 200 feet (60 m) and 18 feet (550 cm) in diameter.  Western Red Cedar is very tolerant to shade and in dense forests grows more slowly, in which case the trunk is often free of branches for up to 80 feet Which translates into clear lumber free of knots.

 Compared to most of the other softwood species, Western Red Cedar is lighter (about 22 lbs per cubic foot air dried), soft in texture, durable under unfavorable conditions, has very little shrinkage, good insulation properties, easily worked, and does not warp, twist or check.  It has a satin-like surface when finished and takes paint, stain or enamel coatings better than most other softwoods.