WESTERN RED CEDAR

Colour. Heartwood varies from pale brown to dark brown. Sapwood is yellowish white and up to 25 mm wide. Grain. Fine textured and straight grained with distinct growth rings.

Technical Data

  • Species Name: Western Red Cedar

  • Botanical Name: Thuja plicata. Family: Cupressaceae.

  • Size and location information: A large tree attaining a height of 40 to 55 m and 1 to 3 m in stem diameter. Specimens have been recorded at over 65 m and 5 m in stem diameter. Western red cedar occurs in British Columbia, Canada and in the United States of America in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. It has the typical long tapering form of a North American conifer. The bark is relatively thin for such a large tree. It is fibrous and fissures.

  • Density: 380 kg/m3 at 12% moisture content; approximately 2.6 m3 of seasoned sawn timber per tonne.

  • Shrinkage: 1.5% Radial, 3% tangential

  • Durability: In ground: Class 2 Above ground: Class 2

  • Lyctids Susceptibility: No

  • Termite Resistance (AS3660): Yes

  • Strength Group: S7/SD8

  • Workability: Machining. Machines and turns well to a smooth surface. Fixing. Ferrous fastenings and fittings may be corroded by wood extractives when used in weatherexposed situations. Gluing. Can be satisfactorily bonded using standard procedures. Finishing. Readily accepts paint, stain and polish.

  • Uses: Construction. As sawn timber in cladding, linings, joinery and shingles. Decorative. Indoor and outdoor furniture, turnery, joinery, carving. Others. Beehives, venetian blinds, roller blinds, boat building (light).

  • Availability: Plentiful