Western Red Cedar vs Redwood
Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) and Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) are two woods people often weigh against each other. Redwood is the harder of the two at 420 lbf on the Janka scale, versus 350 lbf for Western Red Cedar, which affects how each handles wear, tools, and denting.
| Property | Western Red Cedar Thuja plicata | Redwood Sequoia sempervirens |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Softwood | Softwood |
| Cost | $$ · Moderate | $$ · Moderate |
| Hardness | 350 lbf | 420 lbf |
| Workability | Good | Excellent |
| Seasonal movement | Small | Small |
| Outdoor-friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Origin | Domestic (North America) | Domestic (Western US) |
| Commonly built | Outdoor planters, Deck furniture, Cedar chests, Fence panels, Sauna benches | Decking, Outdoor furniture, Siding, Planters |
| Overview | Lightweight, aromatic, and naturally rot-resistant, the go-to for outdoor projects that won't see hard wear. | Lightweight, stable, and famously rot-resistant, with a rich red color, the classic premium decking and outdoor wood. Soft and easy to work, but splinters and dents. |
Finishing
Western Red Cedar
For outdoor use, a penetrating exterior oil or stain with UV inhibitors is the standard; left unfinished it weathers to silver-gray. Takes semi-transparent exterior stains well. Its natural oils and aromatic character mean interior pieces are often left with just a light clear finish. Acidic; use non-corroding fasteners.
Redwood
For outdoor use, an exterior penetrating oil or semi-transparent stain with UV protection preserves color; unfinished it silvers. Takes exterior stains well. Interior pieces take a light clear finish. Acidic, so use non-corroding fasteners.
Want to weigh these against a third wood, or compare different species? Use the interactive comparison tool.