Western Red Cedar Wood Guide 2026
Thuja plicata
Typically described as lightweight aromatic durable softwood
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 47 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Softwood
- Origin: United States;Canada
- Common uses include Siding, Decking, Shingles
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Medium to coarse
Workability: Soft and easy to work; dents easily. Holds fasteners moderately — use stainless or coated screws to avoid black staining.
Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.
Finishing: Accepts stains and paint well; extractives can bleed through light paint without primer.
Color change: Reddish brown weathers to silver-gray.
Insect resistance: Resistant to insects and decay
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 Western Red 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) | Nominal widths 4–12 in. (1x and 2x); siding and fencing profiles fixed width | 8–20 ft even lengths; 16 ft+ common for siding | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Nominal widths 4–12 in. (1x and 2x); siding and fencing profiles fixed width | 8–20 ft even lengths; 16 ft+ common for siding | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Nominal widths 4–12 in. (1x and 2x); siding and fencing profiles fixed width | 8–20 ft even lengths; 16 ft+ common for siding | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Nominal widths 4–12 in. (1x and 2x); siding and fencing profiles fixed width
- Lengths
- 8–20 ft even lengths; 16 ft+ common for siding
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Nominal widths 4–12 in. (1x and 2x); siding and fencing profiles fixed width
- Lengths
- 8–20 ft even lengths; 16 ft+ common for siding
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Nominal widths 4–12 in. (1x and 2x); siding and fencing profiles fixed width
- Lengths
- 8–20 ft even lengths; 16 ft+ common for siding
Decking & exterior profiles
5/4x6 decking, 2x4, 2x6, 4x4, 6x6 posts; bevel, T&G and channel siding; 1x6 fence boards
Availability notes: Widely stocked at lumberyards in Clear and Knotty grades.
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: Reddish brown; pale sapwood
Grain: Straight; even texture
Common Uses
- Siding
- Decking
- Shingles
- Outdoor structures
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Pacific Red Cedar
Availability: In Stock
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 350 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Durable
- Sourced from United States;Canada
Considerations
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Western Red Cedar is unavailable or over budget.
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 speciesCompare This Wood
Western Red Cedar vs Eastern White Cedar
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.
View comparisonWestern Red Cedar vs Baldcypress
There is no universal durability winner. Western redcedar heartwood is naturally decay-resistant, while baldcypress performance depends importantly on growth conditions and the wood supplied. Do not assume young-growth cypress outperforms cedar. Verify the actual grade, heartwood mix and exposure requirements, then compare equivalent delivered products and maintenance scope.
View comparisonExplore More on Lumberama
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