Cedar
The Ultimate Cedar Lumber Buying Guide for Every Project (2026)
Cedar is one of the most versatile and beloved building materials in North America, prized for its natural beauty, aromatic scent, and outstanding rot resistance. From decks and fences to siding and outdoor furniture, cedar performs beautifully in exterior applications. This guide helps you pick the right cedar species and grade for your specific project.
Key Takeaways
- Cedar is one of the most versatile and beloved building materials in North America, prized for its natural beauty, aromatic scent, and outstanding rot resistance.
- From decks and fences to siding and outdoor furniture, cedar performs beautifully in exterior applications.
- This guide helps you pick the right cedar species and grade for your specific project.
- sapwood — only the dark heartwood is naturally rot-resistant; pale sapwood decays quickly outdoors.
- Cedar species — western red, eastern white, and Alaskan yellow have different properties and price points.
What to Look For
- Heartwood vs. sapwood — only the dark heartwood is naturally rot-resistant; pale sapwood decays quickly outdoors.
- Cedar species — western red, eastern white, and Alaskan yellow have different properties and price points.
- Grain orientation — vertical grain (VG) cedar is more stable and durable than flat grain.
- Moisture content — kiln-dried cedar (under 15% MC) machines better and accepts finishes immediately.
- Color consistency — cedar heartwood ranges from light amber to deep brown; request matched boards for visible projects.
Species Comparison
Western red cedar: The most common commercial cedar. Excellent rot resistance, lightweight, and easy to work. Warm reddish-brown color.
Alaskan yellow cedar: Denser and harder than western red. Exceptional durability — often compared to tropical hardwoods. Pale yellow color.
Eastern white cedar: Lightweight with good rot resistance. More affordable but less dimensionally stable. Common for rustic fencing.
Incense cedar: Fine grain, aromatic. Primarily used for specialty items like pencils and closet lining.
Spanish cedar: Actually a tropical hardwood, not a true cedar. Used for cigar humidors and boat building.
Size Guide
1x4 through 1x12 (boards): Siding, trim, paneling, and craft projects. 1x6 is the most versatile size.
5/4x6 (decking): Standard cedar deck board. Provides good rigidity on 16" centers.
2x4 through 2x12 (dimension): Structural and semi-structural applications — deck framing, benches, pergola components.
4x4 and 6x6 (posts): Fence and deck posts. Must be heartwood for ground-contact applications.
Rough-sawn options: Available in custom sizes for rustic and timber-frame projects.
Grade Guide
Clear heart (CH): All heartwood, no knots. Premium grade for high-visibility exterior work.
A clear: Allows some sapwood. Excellent for painted applications.
Select tight knot (STK): Small sound knots in heartwood. Great balance of appearance and value.
#2 common: More knots and some sapwood. Good for fencing and utilitarian projects.
Custom clear: Mill-specific grade between clear heart and select. Ask your supplier for specifics.
Budget Breakdown
Eastern white cedar boards: $2–$4 per linear foot.
Western red cedar STK boards: $3–$6 per linear foot.
Western red cedar clear heart: $6–$12 per linear foot.
Alaskan yellow cedar: $8–$15 per linear foot.
VG (vertical grain) premium: Add 25-50% over flat grain.
Prices vary significantly by region and proximity to source mills.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming all cedar is equally rot-resistant — sapwood and lower grades contain less protective heartwood.
- Using cedar posts in concrete without gravel drainage — trapped water accelerates decay even in cedar.
- Applying oil-based stain to green cedar — let it dry 2-4 weeks or use kiln-dried stock.
- Not accounting for cedar's softness — it dents more easily than harder species in high-traffic areas.
- Buying mixed heartwood/sapwood for exposed applications — sapwood strips will decay and discolor differently.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- Identify whether your project demands heartwood or if sapwood is acceptable
- Choose the right cedar species for your climate and budget
- Specify vertical grain for critical applications
- Verify kiln-dried status if finishing immediately
- Inspect boards for excessive sapwood in heartwood grades
- Order 10-15% extra for waste and selective use
- Plan your finish strategy — natural weathering, oil, stain, or paint
Frequently Asked Questions
Cedar performs well unfinished outdoors but will weather to silver-gray. Apply a UV-protective finish to maintain the original color.
Cedar is relatively soft and light. It works for deck framing, pergolas, and fences but is not typically used for load-bearing house framing.
Clear heartwood western red cedar lasts 25-40 years in above-ground exterior applications. Alaskan yellow cedar can last even longer.
Western red is larger, more stable, and more rot-resistant. Eastern white is lighter, more affordable, and better suited to less-demanding applications like rustic fencing.