Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata
Hardness
Very soft, dents easily; great for carving, poor for floors.
Overview
Lightweight, aromatic, and naturally rot-resistant, the go-to for outdoor projects that won't see hard wear.
Commonly built
- Outdoor planters
- Deck furniture
- Cedar chests
- Fence panels
- Sauna benches
Appearance
Reddish-brown heartwood with pale sapwood; weathers to silver-gray.
Recommended uses
Uses to avoid
Similar species
Comparable on hardness, type, and workability, useful when this species isn't available.
Working notes
Natural oils resist rot and insects, no treatment needed outdoors. Very soft and lightweight, dents easily. Aromatic. The dust can irritate; wear a mask.
Wood movement
A 24-inch-wide flatsawn western red cedar panel moves roughly 0.27 inch across a typical seasonal humidity swing (about 6% to 12% moisture content). Use the wood movement calculator to run your own board size and moisture range.
How much does Western Red Cedar move? → See flatsawn vs. quartersawn figures and a worked example.
Common questions
How hard is Western Red Cedar?
Western Red Cedar has a Janka hardness of 350 lbf, a measure of how well it resists denting and wear.
Is Western Red Cedar suitable for outdoor use?
Western Red Cedar stands up reasonably well outdoors, especially with a protective finish and regular maintenance.
How easy is Western Red Cedar to work with?
Western Red Cedar has Good workability for cutting, shaping, and joinery.
How much does Western Red Cedar move seasonally?
A 24-inch-wide flatsawn western red cedar panel moves roughly 0.27 inch across a typical seasonal humidity swing (about 6% to 12% moisture content).
Finishing notes
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.
Community photos
Real photos from woodworkers who've used western red cedar, reviewed before they appear here.
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Wood data varies by source and sample. How we source and review our data.