Alaska Yellow Cedar Wood Guide 2026
Callitropsis nootkatensis
Alaska Yellow Cedar is among the most durable softwoods in the world, with natural decay resistance comparable to many tropical hardwoods. Its bright yellow heartwood is uniform, fine-textured, and aromatic, with working properties that rival the best furniture woods. Prized for marine applications, exterior construction, and high-end millwork, it commands premium pricing for its exceptional longevity and beauty.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 31 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Softwood
- Origin: United States (Alaska, Pacific Northwest), Canada (British Columbia)
- Price: ~$11 per board foot
- Common uses include Marine construction, exterior siding, bridge timbers
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: The wood has a very fine, uniform texture.
Workability: It is exceptionally easy to machine, carve, and shape.
Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.
Finishing: It holds paint and stains very well when properly dried.
Color change: The wood weathers to a uniform silvery-gray if left unfinished.
Insect resistance: It possesses excellent natural resistance to decay and insect damage.
Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
Common Sizes & Availability
Typical market availability for Alaska Yellow Cedar. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Sold as standard nominal sizes including 4-inch, 6-inch, and 8-inch widths. | Commonly available in standard construction lengths up to 20 feet. | Request this size |
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Sold as standard nominal sizes including 4-inch, 6-inch, and 8-inch widths.
- Lengths
- Commonly available in standard construction lengths up to 20 feet.
Decking & exterior profiles
Available in standard deck board profiles and radius edge decking.
Availability notes: Highly available in western regions and for specialized marine projects.
How lumber sizes are described
- Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
- Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
- Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
- Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
- Nominal vs. actual
- Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
- Random width / length
- Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.
Color & Grain
Color: Clear bright yellow heartwood that mellows to a warm amber; narrow pale sapwood
Grain: Straight, fine, very even grain with a smooth, lustrous texture
Common Uses
- Marine construction
- exterior siding
- bridge timbers
- decking
- sauna wood
- carving
- fine furniture
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Yellow Cypress, Nootka Cypress, Alaska Cypress
Availability: Low Stock
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 580 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Very Durable
- Sourced from United States (Alaska, Pacific Northwest), Canada (British Columbia)
Considerations
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Alaska Yellow Cedar is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
Aromatic Red Cedar
Aromatic Red Cedar is beloved for its distinctive spicy fragrance and natural moth-repelling propert
View speciesAtlantic White Cedar
Atlantic White Cedar is a lightweight, aromatic softwood native to the swamps and bogs of the Easter
View speciesCedar (Aromatic)
Typically described as aromatic rot-resistant softwood
View speciesExplore More on Lumberama
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