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Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) Hardwood
Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) is the Pacific Northwest's signature wood — a naturally rot-resistant, dimensionally stable softwood that has been the cornerstone of outdoor construction for centuri...
Janka Hardness
350 lbf
Rot Resistance
Excellent
Stability
Outstanding
Density
23 lbs/ft³
What Is Western Red Cedar Wood?
Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) is the Pacific Northwest's signature wood — a naturally rot-resistant, dimensionally stable softwood that has been the cornerstone of outdoor construction for centuries. From the totem poles and longhouses of indigenous peoples to modern decking, siding, and fencing, Red Cedar has earned its reputation as nature's outdoor wood.
With a Janka hardness of only 350 lbf, Red Cedar is among the softest commercial species. But hardness isn't what makes Cedar exceptional — it's the wood's natural extractives (thujaplicins) that provide outstanding resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack without any chemical treatment. This natural durability, combined with exceptional dimensional stability, makes Red Cedar one of the most reliable species for outdoor applications.
The heartwood ranges from a rich reddish-brown to a lighter pinkish-tan, often with dramatic color variation within a single board. The sapwood is narrow and pale. Cedar's straight, tight grain and low density create a wood that is remarkably stable — it resists warping, cupping, and checking better than almost any other commercial species. It's also one of the lightest woods available, making it easy to handle and install.
Key Facts
- Natural thujaplicin extractives provide excellent rot and insect resistance without chemicals
- Outstanding dimensional stability — minimal warping, cupping, and checking
- One of the lightest commercial species at only 23 lbs/ft³
- Distinctive aromatic scent that naturally repels moths and insects
- Reddish-brown heartwood weathers to an attractive silver-gray patina
- The benchmark species for residential decking, siding, and fencing in North America
Why Choose Western Red Cedar?
Natural Rot Resistance
Heartwood contains thujaplicin compounds that resist rot, decay, and insect attack without chemical treatment
Exceptional Stability
Among the most dimensionally stable species available — minimal shrinking, swelling, warping, and cupping
Featherweight
At only 23 lbs/ft³, Cedar is incredibly light — easy to handle, carry, and install even in overhead applications
Natural Insulation
Low density means Red Cedar has excellent thermal insulating properties — up to twice that of most softwoods
Aromatic
Distinctive pleasant scent that repels moths and insects — the classic choice for cedar closets and chests
Beautiful Aging
Left unfinished, Cedar weathers to an elegant silver-gray patina; with oil, it maintains warm reddish-brown tones
Common Applications
Western Red Cedar is well-suited for a range of interior and exterior applications.
Decking
Residential deck boards and porch flooring with natural weather resistance
Siding & Shingles
Bevel siding, channel siding, shakes, and shingles for exterior cladding
Fencing
Privacy fences, picket fences, and fence posts with natural longevity
Outdoor Furniture
Garden benches, Adirondack chairs, planters, and garden structures
Pergolas & Arbors
Garden structures, trellis, and decorative outdoor elements
Cedar Closets & Storage
Aromatic closet lining, chests, and storage applications
Western Red Cedar by Application
Learn how Western Red Cedar performs across different project types.
Western Red Cedar Decking & Porches
Western Red Cedar has been North America's favorite residential decking species for generations. Its combination of natural rot resistance, dimensional stability, lightweight handling, and warm beauty creates outdoor living spaces that are both practical and inviting. Cedar decking stays cooler underfoot than composite materials on hot days, won't splinter when maintained with oil, and the natural color variation from board to board creates a living, organic look that no manufactured material can replicate. For homeowners who value natural beauty and a barefoot-friendly surface, Cedar decking delivers.
Explore all decking & porches optionsWestern Red Cedar Siding & Shingles
Cedar siding and shingles define the architectural character of homes from New England to the Pacific Northwest. Bevel siding, channel siding, board-and-batten, and hand-split shakes all leverage Cedar's natural weather resistance and dimensional stability. The wood accepts both clear finishes that showcase the grain and opaque paints for clean, traditional looks. Cedar's exceptional stability means siding stays flat and tight — minimizing the gaps, curling, and paint failure common with less stable species. For lasting curb appeal with authentic wood character, Cedar siding has no equal.
Explore all siding & shingles optionsInstallation & Working Tips
- Standard woodworking tools work perfectly — Cedar cuts, nails, and screws with ease
- Use stainless steel, hot-dipped galvanized, or cedar-rated fasteners to prevent black staining
- Do NOT use bare steel or aluminum fasteners — chemical reaction will cause dark discoloration
- No pre-drilling required except near board ends
- Apply end-grain sealer to all cut ends for best checking resistance
- For maximum color retention, apply a UV-protective cedar oil or stain before or immediately after installation
For complete guidance, see our installation guide and custom milling services.
Maintenance & Care
Red Cedar's natural durability means less maintenance than most exterior species. The primary maintenance decision is whether to maintain the warm brown color or let it silver naturally.
Oil or Stain Finish
Apply a UV-protective cedar oil or semi-transparent stain every 1-3 years to maintain the warm reddish-brown color. Clean the surface first with a mild cedar cleaner and allow to dry before re-finishing.
Natural Weathering
Left unfinished, Cedar weathers to a distinctive silver-gray patina. This is purely cosmetic — the wood remains structurally sound. Many homeowners prefer this natural, aged look. An occasional cleaning to remove dirt and mildew is all that's needed.
Cleaning
Clean cedar annually with a mild oxygen-based cleaner (OxiClean) and soft brush. Avoid harsh pressure washing which can damage the soft fibers. Rinse thoroughly and let dry completely.
Important Considerations
Soft & Easily Dented
At 350 lbf Janka, Cedar is very soft. It dents from dropped items, furniture legs, and heavy foot traffic. Not ideal for high-traffic commercial applications.
Fastener Sensitivity
Cedar reacts with iron and aluminum fasteners to create black staining. Always use stainless steel, hot-dipped galvanized, or cedar-rated fasteners.
Splinters
As Cedar ages and weathers, the soft grain can raise and create splinters. Regular oiling or periodic light sanding mitigates this, especially on barefoot decking surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Western Red Cedar
Quick answers to common questions
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