Part of the Cypress family, Western Redcedar is not a true Cedar, prompting the one-word spelling rather than the two-word moniker “Red Cedar.” Sharing many of the same properties of Cedars, though, these Cypress trees grow widely along North America’s west coast.
Even with such a wide growth range, the ever-growing demand for Redcedar once caused concerns over potential scarcity. However, awareness and responsible forestry have helped curb such concerns in recent years, and the now balanced supply-to-demand ratios make for a promising continued market for this exterior-grade wood.
Western Redcedar sapwood is quite narrow compared to its trunk diameter: 1 inch compared to 2 to 8 feet. That characteristic allows Redcedars to yield large quantities of lumber with very little waste during the milling process. That low sap content also promotes workability, since the wood is less likely to gum or blunt cutting tools.
Tall Western Redcedars also allow for long structural timbers to be cut. The resulting look can be either rustic or modern, depending on the way it is presented.
Redcedar boasts high levels of extractives, which act as natural fungicides, making the wood resistant to rot. Western Redcedar’s durability is also impressive; however, in order for effective drying to take place, special care needs to be taken during the kiln-drying process. Western Redcedar can even stand up to ground contact, which is pivotal for many outdoor applications.
Western Redcedar certainly has value beyond its appearance, and yet its beauty is quite clear. The long, straight grain leads to strength as well as attractiveness. Clear, vertical-grain, select tight knot Redcedar is the top grade, which is recommended for siding and trim applications.
While the experts at McIlvain Lumber Company specialize in top-grade lumber, they also stock a variety of C or better grades as well as timbers on #2 and better.
Western Redcedar’s low density makes it a lightweight choice suitable for shingles, but it’s also used extensively for other exterior applications, such as siding and trim, outdoor decking and furniture, and rustic-looking interior millwork.
Because of its rot resistance (even when in direct contact with the ground), it can also be used effectively for garden pergolas, fence posts, trellises, and sheds.
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Is red cedar resistant to rot and bugs?
Yes, Sheryl. Western Redcedar is naturally resistant to rot and bugs. The natural oils inside it help discourage bugs (apparently making it not a savory treat for them to eat!).