Atlantic White Cedar Wood Guide 2026
Chamaecyparis thyoides
Atlantic White Cedar is a lightweight, aromatic softwood native to the swamps and bogs of the Eastern seaboard. Its pinkish-brown heartwood offers excellent natural decay resistance in a remarkably easy-to-work package. Historically used for boat planking, shingles, and duck decoys along the Atlantic coast, it remains the preferred wood for many traditional boat builders and shingle manufacturers.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 23 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Softwood
- Origin: United States (Atlantic and Gulf coastal states)
- Price: ~$7 per board foot
- Common uses include Boat planking, shingles, siding
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: The texture is fine and uniform with a straight grain.
Workability: It is very easy to work with hand and power tools.
Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.
Finishing: It is frequently left to weather naturally or coated with transparent sealers.
Color change: The light reddish-brown color will weather to a uniform silver-gray.
Insect resistance: It is resistant to decay and many types of 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 Atlantic White 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Random widths are commonly available. | Random lengths are standard for specialty orders. | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Random widths are commonly available. | Random lengths are standard for specialty orders. | Request this size |
| 6/4 | 1-1/2" | 1-5/16" | Random widths are commonly available. | Random lengths are standard for specialty orders. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths are commonly available. | Random lengths are standard for specialty orders. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths are commonly available.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are standard for specialty orders.
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Random widths are commonly available.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are standard for specialty orders.
- 6/4rough 1-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 1-5/16"
- Widths
- Random widths are commonly available.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are standard for specialty orders.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths are commonly available.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are standard for specialty orders.
Availability notes: It is a specialty softwood primarily found in coastal regions.
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: Light pinkish brown to rosy tan heartwood; narrow white sapwood
Grain: Straight, fine, even grain with a soft, uniform texture
Common Uses
- Boat planking
- shingles
- siding
- duck decoys
- posts
- garden furniture
- log homes
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Southern White Cedar, Swamp Cedar, Juniper (regional)
Availability: Special Order
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 350 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Durable
- Sourced from United States (Atlantic and Gulf coastal states)
- Affordable pricing
Considerations
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Atlantic White Cedar is unavailable or over budget.
- Western Red Cedar350 lbf Janka
- Northern White Cedar
- Cypress510 lbf Janka
Related Species
Alaska Yellow Cedar
Alaska Yellow Cedar is among the most durable softwoods in the world, with natural decay resistance
View speciesAromatic Red Cedar
Aromatic Red Cedar is beloved for its distinctive spicy fragrance and natural moth-repelling propert
View speciesCedar (Aromatic)
Typically described as aromatic rot-resistant softwood
View speciesExplore More on Lumberama
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