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Softwood · Pacific Northwest

Western Red Cedar

Thuja plicata

Reddish to pinkish brown, aromatic.

Janka hardness350 lbf
Density (12% MC)23.0 lb/ft³
Weight per board foot1.9 lb
Rot resistanceHigh
Workability4/5
Price$$

Hardness compared

Western Red Cedar White pine Yellow Poplar Black Cherry Red Oak Hard Maple Shagbark Hickory Jatoba

Working with Western Red Cedar

Naturally rot and insect resistant. Very soft — dents easily. Dust is a known respiratory sensitiser.

Typical uses: Outdoor furniture, decking, siding, planters, boxes.

Seasonal movement

Tangential coefficient (flatsawn)0.00234 per 1% MC
Radial coefficient (quartersawn)0.00111 per 1% MC
T/R ratio2.11 (prone to cupping when flatsawn)
12" flatsawn board, 6% → 11% MC0.140" (≈ 3.6 mm)

Calculate for your panel

Similar hardness

Eastern White Pine

380 lbf · $

Basswood

410 lbf · $

Bald Cypress

510 lbf · $$

Yellow Poplar

540 lbf · $
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