Western Red Cedar is a very stable, lightweight and durable timber, predominately used for cladding and joinery.

Botanical name: Thuja plicata

Other names: N/A

Source location: Western North America

Stability: Very Stable

Durability in ground: Non Durable

Durability above ground: Durable

Density: Approx 300kg/m3 (at approx 12% MC)

Dimensions: Western Red Cedar is available up to 200 x 150 and 300 x 100mm

Appearance: Heartwood, which is quite distinct from the narrow white sapwood, shows considerable colour variation from dark chocolate- brown to salmon.

Grades: Only prime grade is imported into New Zealand.

Uses: Because of its high durability, stability and lightweight, imported Western Red Cedar has established a reputation as an excellent species for external joinery such as window frames, shingles, doors and frames. It is also used for poles and posts, boat-building, exterior cladding, interior finishing, panelling and mouldings.

Tips: The timber has a low to medium nail holding ability. It is a preferred wood for nearly all purposes where attractive appearance, resistance to weather or stability is important. The extreme variation in colour of Western Red Cedar needs to be considered when wanting a consistent finish.