Western Red Cedar

Thuja plicata

Also known as: Red Cedar, Pacific Cedar

Appearance

Western Red Cedar heartwood ranges from dark salmon-pink to rich chocolate-brown, often with contrasting sapwood. The grain is straight and even with a fine to medium texture. It has a distinctive aromatic scent and a natural lustre. The timber weathers gracefully to a silver-grey when left unfinished.

Workability

Western Red Cedar is one of the easiest timbers to work with. It is soft, light, and machines to a smooth finish with minimal effort. It accepts stains and finishes well. Its natural durability and stability make it a premium cladding timber, though its softness means it is not suited to high-traffic applications.

Common Uses