The largest and finest of the cedars produced anywhere in the world, Western Red Cedar is famed for its extraordinary beauty, durability and resistance to decay. It grows to a height of 100 - 175 feet and a diameter of 3 - 8 feet.

Western Red Cedar is a distinct species, possessing virtually all the desirable qualities of the other cedars, with additional advantages. Its wood is exceptionally lightweight; one of the lightest of all available commercial species. It is very easily worked, and can be finished to a smooth silky surface with little effort. It is free from pitch, takes and holds stains exceptionally well, and has superior gluing qualities. Its coloring varies from the creamy white of the narrow sapwood to the straw-colored or dark, reddish brown of the heartwood.

The wood of Western Red Cedar has a very low coefficient of expansion so that it does not shrink, swell, or warp significantly, even when subjected to changing degrees of temperature or moisture. Western Red Cedar is unique among all softwood species in that it is naturally dimensionally stable, having the ability to season well in position. Many builders prefer to cut, nail and fasten Western Red Cedar in the "green" or unseasoned condition, allowing it to air dry during construction.

It has prime insulating qualities, and a pleasing aromatic odor that is repellent to moths, insects, and vermin. Every fiber is saturated with a natural preservative oil that renders it virtually immune to decay and gives it extreme durability without artificial preservatives. It is not necessary to paint cedar to preserve its surface, as it does not deteriorate appreciably even under severe climate changes.

Western Red Cedar is particularly well suited for home building. It is unsurpassed for all exterior uses. The high heartwood content and even-grained texture lends itself to durability, workability and stability. Western Red Cedar is widely used for large size timbers both interior and exterior design in "Mission Style" and "Mountain Style" homes. It has incredible insulating qualities, making it ideal for sheathing, cladding/siding, roof boards and shingl es which help keep a home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Interior applications are desirable as well because of its beautiful grain, varied color, and smooth surface. It is free from pitch and whether it is left in its natural finish, stained, or painted, its natural beauty shines through.

Western Red is also recognized as one of the world's premier wood for boat building.

Grading Agencies

1. Standard Grading Rules for West Coast Lumber; published by the West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau (WCLIB); Box 23145, Portland, OR 97281-3145; 503.639.0651; 503.684.8928 (fax); e-mail info@wclib.org 2. Western Lumber Grading Rules; published by Western Wood Products Association (WWPA); Yeon Building, 522 SW Fifth Avenue, Portland Oregon 97204-2122; 503.224.3930; 503.224.3934 (fax); e-mail info@wwpa.org 3. Standard Grading Rules for Canadian Lumber; published by the National Lumber Grades Authority (NLGA); 406 First Capital Place, 960 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC V3M 6G2; 604.524.2393; 604.524.2893; e-mail info@nlga.org

Western Red Cedar Lumber Design Values