Is Western Red Cedar better than Eastern White Cedar?

For outdoor durability, yes. Western Red Cedar has higher natural oil content and better rot resistance. However, Eastern White Cedar is a solid budget alternative that performs well for fencing and light-duty outdoor use.

Can you tell the difference between Western and Eastern cedar?

Yes. Western Red Cedar has a distinctly warmer reddish-brown color and is available in wider boards. Eastern White Cedar is lighter in color (pale tan) and typically comes in narrower dimensions.

Which cedar should I use for fence posts?

Western Red Cedar is preferred for fence posts due to its superior ground-contact rot resistance. Eastern White Cedar works for above-ground fence boards but is less reliable for posts buried in soil.

Western Red Cedar vs Eastern White Cedar wood grain comparison

building materials

Western Red Cedar vs Eastern White Cedar: Full Comparison (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated June 2, 2026|Sources & methodology

Not all cedar is created equal. Western Red Cedar and Eastern White Cedar are different species with distinct characteristics, yet they're often simply labeled as cedar at the lumber yard. Understanding the differences between these two cedars is essential for choosing the right one for your outdoor project.

Western Red Cedar

Eastern White Cedar

Key Takeaways

Not all cedar is created equal.
Western Red Cedar and Eastern White Cedar are different species with distinct characteristics, yet they're often simply labeled as cedar at the lumber yard.
Understanding the differences between these two cedars is essential for choosing the right one for your outdoor project.
Western Red Cedar is the superior outdoor wood with better durability and richer appearance.
Eastern White Cedar offers good performance at a lower price and is the practical choice in regions where Western Red Cedar is expensive to ship.

Property	Western Red Cedar	Eastern White Cedar
Botanical Name	Thuja plicata	Thuja occidentalis
Price/Board Ft	$4-$8	$2-$5
Rot Resistance	Excellent	Very good
Board Size	Wide boards available	Narrower boards typical
Color	Warm reddish-brown	Light tan to pale brown
Hardness	350 lbf	320 lbf
Oil Content	Higher	Moderate

Western Red Cedar

Pros

Superior rot resistance, Larger board widths available, Richer color, Higher natural oil content

Cons

More expensive, Heavier, More limited outside Pacific Northwest, Can be oily for finishing

Eastern White Cedar

Pros

More affordable, Lighter weight, Good rot resistance, More available in eastern North America

Cons

Narrower boards only, Lighter less dramatic color, Lower oil content, Less durable than Western Red

Best Use Cases

Choose Western Red Cedar for premium outdoor projects where maximum durability and rich color matter. Choose Eastern White Cedar for budget-friendly outdoor projects in eastern North America where good performance at a lower cost is the priority.

Verdict

Western Red Cedar is the superior outdoor wood with better durability and richer appearance. Eastern White Cedar offers good performance at a lower price and is the practical choice in regions where Western Red Cedar is expensive to ship.