Western Redcedar


Name Western Redcedar (Thuja plicata)
Type Softwood.
Other Names Also known as arborvitae, giant arborvitae, giant cedar,canoe cedar, Pacific redcedar, and shinglewood.
Sources Grows in western United States and Canada.
Appearance Straight and even grained with a uniform, coarse texture. Pinkish brown to dull brown heartwood and nearly white sapwood.
Physical Props Light, moderately soft, low strength and shock resistance, very good decay resistance, and good stability in service. Poor steam bending rating.
Working Props Turns, bores, cuts, and otherwise works well with hand or machine tools. Glues, nails, and screws satisfactorily. Finishes well, especially with natural finishes.
Uses Commonly used for shingles due to decay resistance and predictability of splitting. Also used for poles, posts, boxes, crates, caskets, siding, boat building, porch columns, saunas, canoes, and decorative veneers. One of the best United States softwoods for outdoor applications.