Port Orford Cedar Wood Guide 2026
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana
Port Orford Cedar is a premium Pacific Northwest softwood prized for its exceptional combination of strength, decay resistance, and fine workability. Its pale yellow to white heartwood has a distinctive ginger-like aroma and finishes to a silky smooth surface. Highly valued in Japan for traditional construction, Port Orford Cedar is also sought after for arrow shafts, boat building, and exterior millwork.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 29 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Softwood
- Origin: United States (Oregon, Northern California)
- Price: ~$9 per board foot
- Common uses include Boat building, arrow shafts, exterior millwork
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 even.
Workability: It is very easy to machine and glues well.
Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.
Finishing: It holds stains and clear finishes exceptionally well.
Color change: It fades to a silver-gray if left unfinished outdoors.
Insect resistance: It is highly resistant to decay and insects.
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 Port Orford 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 stocked. | Random lengths are readily available. | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Random widths are commonly stocked. | Random lengths are readily available. | Request this size |
| 6/4 | 1-1/2" | 1-5/16" | Random widths are commonly stocked. | Random lengths are readily available. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths are commonly stocked. | Random lengths are readily available. | Request this size |
| 12/4 | 3" | 2-3/4" | Random widths are commonly stocked. | Random lengths are readily available. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths are commonly stocked.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are readily available.
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Random widths are commonly stocked.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are readily available.
- 6/4rough 1-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 1-5/16"
- Widths
- Random widths are commonly stocked.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are readily available.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths are commonly stocked.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are readily available.
- 12/4rough 3"
- Surfaced
- 2-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths are commonly stocked.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are readily available.
Decking & exterior profiles
Available in standard tongue and groove or square edge decking profiles.
Availability notes: Supply can be limited based on regional export demand.
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: Pale yellow to cream heartwood with a subtle golden cast; narrow white sapwood
Grain: Straight, fine, even grain with a uniform texture; produces a smooth finish
Common Uses
- Boat building
- arrow shafts
- exterior millwork
- Japanese construction
- venetian blinds
- battery separators
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Lawson Cypress, Oregon Cedar, White Cedar
Availability: Special Order
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 560 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Very Durable
- Sourced from United States (Oregon, Northern California)
- 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 Port Orford Cedar is unavailable or over budget.
- Western Red Cedar350 lbf Janka
- Alaskan Yellow Cedar
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 speciesAtlantic White Cedar
Atlantic White Cedar is a lightweight, aromatic softwood native to the swamps and bogs of the Easter
View speciesExplore More on Lumberama
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