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Western Red Cedar...

Select grade kiln dried Western Red Cedar, cut to scale and size for your garden railroad needs. Many sizes available

Scientific Name: Thuja plicata

Other common names: red cedar, cypress, oregon cedar, giant cedar. Known for its extremely fine and even grain, its flexibility and strength in proportion to its weight, Western Red Cedar is a species of wood whose lumber can be used in a variety of ways. Western Red Cedar is renowned for its high impermeability to liquids and its natural phenol preservatives, which make it ideally suited for exterior use and interior use where humidity is high.
The cellular composition of cedar, millions of tiny air-filled cells per cubic inch, provides a high degree of thermal insulation, approx. 1 R/inch. Old Growth Western Red Cedars' slow growth, dense fiber and natural oily extractives are responsible for its decay resistance and its rich coloring, which ranges from a light milky straw color in the sapwood to a vanilla-chocolate in the heartwood. Second growthy is different. It is a stable wood that seasons easily and quickly, with a very low shrinkage factor. It is free of pitch and has excellent finishing qualities.

Western Red Cedar Characteristics

Western Red Cedar (Thuja Plicata) is renowned for its natural beauty and outstanding physical properties that make it one of the world’s most unique softwood species. This exceptionally beautiful wood has natural coloring in mellow amber's, reddish cinnamon and rich sienna browns. Its warm coloring is complimented by a uniform, fine-grained texture with a satin luster (Cedar color and texture image from cedar species sheet or other suitable source). Slow growing and naturally durable, Western Red Cedar has one of the longest lifespan of any North American softwood.

It produces long lengths of timber with true, straight grain. It is free from pitch and its heartwood has natural decay resistance. Its low density gives it an insulation value superior to most other species. Light weight, easy to work, easy to finish, possessing outstanding dimensional stability, Western Red Cedar is a preferred wood for nearly all purposes where attractive appearance or resistance to weather is important.

Natural Durability

Western Red Cedar is one of the few wood species that are naturally at home in the outdoors. It is classified as a durable wood by the building codes across North America, which permits the use of its heartwood in exterior applications without preservative treatments. The heartwood contains extractives that are toxic to decay causing fungi. The two principal extractives that are responsible for the decay resistance are Thujaplicans and water soluble phenolics. The tree’s ability to produce these extractives increases with age making the outer regions of heartwood the most durable.

Durability Classification

The study of durability is a test of resistance to decay brought on by wood destroying fungi which, given the right conditions, establishes itself in wood. Actual test methods vary, however, in each test the samples are exposed to conditions conducive to the growth of various wood destroying fungi. The decay is measured by the weight loss over time. Weight loss is directly correlated to loss of strength and, therefore, durability. It is important to note that all studies of durability of wood focus on heartwood. In general, sapwood, regardless of species has a low resistance to decay.

Termite Resistance

The death rate of termites consuming Western Red Cedar varies with fiber source and the species of termites from 100% in several days to 40% in several weeks. Termites prefer food sources other than Western Red Cedar, however in the absence of alternative food sources, some termites will attack Western Red Cedar. It is best to consult local experts on their experience with Cedar’s resistance to the species of termite that inhabits the region. In the absence of local knowledge it is recommended that preventative treatments be made to insure consistent resistance to attack in areas that are prone termite attacks.

Workability

Western Red Cedar has a fine, straight grain and uniform texture that make it easy to cut, saw and nail with common tools. These features also contribute to its ability to be planed to a smooth surface or machined to any pattern. Cedar is highly resistant to splitting caused by fasteners. It is suggested that screws be lengthened approximately 1/3 when specified for use with Cedar. Cedar’s freedom from pitch and resin make it an excellent base for all types of paints and stains.

Gluing Properties

The lack of pitch and resin allows Western Red Cedar to hold glue bonds from a wide range of adhesives. Finger-jointed siding is an excellent example of the application of this feature to create a highly desirable product.

Extractive Bleeding

Western Red Cedar contains water soluble extractives that contribute to its color, durability and aroma. The presence of moisture on exterior surfaces can bring these extractives to the surface and leave a reddish brown stain after the water has evaporated. The stains can be removed with detergent and water when they are first on the surface however they can be more difficult to remove after exposure to the sun. Controlling the extractive bleeding process is a matter of moisture control. When primers are required prior to the application of a solid color coating, an alkyd oil primer is recommended because of its superior ability to block out moisture. This will limit the potential for extractive stains to appear on the coated surface. Removal of mature extractive bleeding stains is accomplished with an oxalic acid solution. Oxalic acid is available at most paint and hardware stores.

Iron Stains

The extractives in Cedar are also prone to staining when they are in contact with iron. The most common source of iron is the fasteners. The stain is a reaction to the water soluble polyphenols resulting in a blue-black blot or streak that follows the moisture pattern in the area of the iron source. Care must be taken not to use wire brushes to clean Cedar or to allow iron filings from other work projects to come into contact with Cedar. The use of common steel or electroplated fasteners will lead to staining. The solution to iron staining is to select fasteners made from stainless steel, aluminum or double hot dipped galvanized steel. Stainless steel fasteners are best and recommended for deck and siding applications where the fasteners are highly visible.