Western Red Cedar Wood

Western Red Cedar is a species of softwood native to the western part of North America. It’s known for its rich reddish-brown color, straight grain, and aromatic scent. This wood is lightweight, durable, and has natural resistance to decay and pests, making it an ideal choice for various applications, especially those exposed to outdoor elements.

Texture

The texture of Western Red Cedar is relatively fine, and the grain is usually straight, although it can sometimes be wavy or irregular. It has a soft, satiny feel and is easy to work with in both hand and machine operations.

Bark

The bark of Western Red Cedar is greyish-brown, fibrous, and stringy. As the tree ages, the bark becomes more furrowed and ridged.

Furniture

While Western Red Cedar is soft and lightweight, it’s still commonly used in outdoor furniture such as picnic tables, chairs, and benches because of its resistance to decay and insect attack. Its aesthetic appeal and aromatic nature also make it a choice for some indoor furniture.

Weapon

Historically, indigenous peoples have used the wood of the Western Red Cedar for making bows and arrows due to its flexibility and strength.

Firewood

While Western Red Cedar can be used as firewood, it tends to burn quickly and with a lot of sparks. It also has a distinct, aromatic smell when burned.

Construction

This wood is a favorite for construction, especially for outdoor structures. Its resistance to decay makes it ideal for posts, beams, and other structural elements. Its insulating properties also make it a good choice for home construction in certain areas.

Plywood

Western Red Cedar can be made into plywood and used for decorative veneers and paneling, especially where resistance to moisture is desired.

Board

It is often milled into boards for use in siding, decking, and trim.

Railroad Cross Ties

While more durable hardwoods are generally preferred for railroad ties, Western Red Cedar has been used in this application, especially in areas where it’s abundant.

Pallet

While Western Red Cedar might not be the first choice in mainstream pallet manufacturing due to its softer texture, it brings a unique set of attributes to the table. Especially when crafting specialty pallets, its lightweight nature combined with its innate resistance to decay makes it a desirable choice. Additionally, Western Red Cedar’s aromatic properties offer a pleasant scent, unlike most other woods used in pallet creation. Thus, for specific applications where both aesthetic and functionality matter, such as transporting luxury goods or specialty produce, a Western Red Cedar pallet can add an unexpected touch of sophistication and durability.

Fencing

Western Red Cedar is an excellent choice for fencing because of its natural resistance to decay and pests. It’s often used for fence posts, pickets, and panels.

Wood Decking

Because of its durability, resistance to decay, and beautiful appearance, Western Red Cedar is a preferred choice for decking. It weathers gracefully and can last for many years with proper maintenance.

Live Edge Siding

Given its aesthetic appeal, Western Red Cedar is also used for live edge siding, giving homes and other structures a rustic, natural look.

Beams

In construction, especially for outdoor structures like pergolas or patios, Western Red Cedar beams are prized for their strength-to-weight ratio, resistance to decay, and beautiful appearance.