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Western Red Cedar Western Red Cedar (Thuja Plicata) is the largest and most abundant of all cedars in managed forests. It is non-resinous and has a strong, spicy odor. Heartwood varies from dark reddish brown to a pinkish color and has excellent weather-resistant properties. Sapwood is light yellow. One of the lightest in weight of the commercially important softwoods, it is often used for houseboats. Western red cedar grows in the Pacific Northwest and along the Pacific Coast to Alaska. It is also called canoe cedar, giant arborvitae, shinglewood and Pacific red cedar. Western red cedar lumber is produced principally in British Columbia and Washington followed by Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. The heartwood of western red cedar is reddish or pinkish brown to dull brown and the sapwood is nearly white. The sapwood is narrow, often not more than 2.5 cm (1 in.) wide. The wood is generally straight grained and has a uniform but rather coarse texture. It has very low shrinkage. This species is lightweight, moderately soft, low in strength when used as a beam or posts, and low in shock resistance. The heartwood is very resistant to decay. Western red cedar is used principally for shingles, lumber, poles, posts, and piles. The lumber is used for exterior siding, decking, interior woodwork, greenhouse construction, ship and boat building, boxes, crates, sashes and doors. |
