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Blunting Effect
Boring
Carving
Comments
Common Names
Common Uses
Corrosive Properties
Countries of Distribution
Cutting Resistance
Distribution Overview
Drying Defects
Ease of Drying
Environmental Profile
Family Name
Gluing
Grain
Heartwood Color
Kiln Schedules
Light-Induced Color Change
Luster
Mortising
Moulding
Movement in Service
Nailing
Natural Durability
Numerical Data
Odor
Painting
Planing
Polishing
Product Sources
References
Regions of Distribution
Resistance to Impregnation
Resistance to Splitting
Response to Hand Tools
Routing & Recessing
Sanding
Sapwood Color
Scientific Name
Screwing
Staining
Steam Bending
Strength Properties
Texture
Toxicity
Trade Name
Tree Identification
Tree Size
Turning
Varnishing
Veneering Qualities

Scientific Name
Thuja plicata

Trade Name
Western redcedar

Family Name
Cupressaceae

Wood Image 1

Wood Image 1

Wood Image 1

Wood Image 1

Common Names
Arborvitae, British Columbia cedar, British Columbia red cedar, Canoe cedar, Giant arbor-vitae, Giant arborvitae, Giant cedar, Gigantic cedar, Pacific red cedar, Pacific redcedar, Red cedar, Shinglewood, Western arborvitae, Western cedar, Western red cedar, Western redcedar

Regions of Distribution
North America

Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP]
Canada, United States

Common Uses
Beehives, Boat building (general), Boat building, Boat building: decking, Boat building: planking, Boxes and crates, Canoes, Caskets, Casks, Coffins, Decks, Decorative veneer, Exterior trim & siding, Exterior uses, Figured veneer, Foundation posts, Furniture, Heavy construction, Joinery (external): ground contact, Joinery, Lifeboats, Light construction, Millwork, Packing cases, Paneling, Piling, Plywood corestock, Plywood, Poles, Porch columns, Posts, Pulp/Paper products, Shakes, Sheathing, Shingles, Shipbuilding, Siding, Stakes, Utility poles, Vats, Veneer, Veneer: decorative

Environmental Profile
Widespread
May be rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery
Globally secure
Data source is Nature Conservancy
Abundant


Distribution Overview
Western redcedar occurs in Alberta, British Columbia, Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington. It forms widespread forests with Western hemlock, and also with other conifers. It prefers moist, slightly acid soils. Western redcedar is also cultivated (from seedlings in nurseries) as a source of timber in Britain and France.

Heartwood Color
Brown
Red
Pink
Green/grey
Reddish brown
Pale red to pink
Brown
Dark brown
Yellow to golden-yellow to orange
Pale brown
Greenish to greyish
Red
Pink
Dark chocolate
Black

The color ages to reddish brown and eventually to silver gray. The wood is much sought after for its 'weathered' appearance

Sapwood Color
Red
Brown
White to yellow
Well defined
Paler than heartwood
Narrow
Clearly differentiated from the heartwood

Sapwood width is seldom greater than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in mature trees

Grain
Straight
Figure
Growth rings (figure)
Even
Distinct (figure)

Straight
Clear growth rings (figure)
Distinct figure
Even


Texture
Medium
Coarse
Coarse
Medium coarse to coarse


Luster
Medium


Natural Durability
Non-durable
Susceptible to insect attack
Perishable
Non-resistant to termites
Moderately durable
Resistant to powder post beetles
Durable
Very durable
Resistant to attack from termites (Isoptera)
Resistant to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles
Moderately resistant to termite (Isoptera) attack
Heartwood has high natural resistance to decay
Good weathering characteristics


The wood has very good weathering characteristics, which makes it a very popular timber for exterior applications.
Western redcedar has very high natural resistance to decay because of large amounts of extractives. It performs very well in contact with the ground, under most climates, without any kind of preservative treatment. The mild winters in the British Isle are an exception, since they tend to promote decay. Seasoned Western redcedar wood is also susceptible to attack by the common furniture beetle.

Odor
Has a characteristic cedary smell and a faint bitter taste


Light-Induced Color Change
Lighter
Darker


Corrosive Properties
Reacts with metals


Toxicity
Sawdust can cause skin irritation in some individuals
Sawdust can cause nose irritation in some individuals
Respiratory effects
Poisonous
Dermatitic effects

Prolonged exposure to dust from machining operations is reported to cause skin and nose irritation in some individuals.

Kiln Schedules
Dry at a moderate speed
UK=H US=T10D4S/T8D3S Fr=7
Schedule J (4/4) United Kingdom
Light T10 - B5 (4/4);T10 - B3 (8/4) US
Heavy T5 - F4 (4/4); T5 - F3 (8/4) US
Drying (speed) is fast
Dry at a slow speed


Drying Defects
Checking
Distortion
Slight collapse and honeycomb


Drying defects that may occur in this species (heavy Western cedar) include uneven moisture content, chemical brown stains, iron stains, honeycomb, water pockets and collapse. These defects are commonly associated with the presence of wetwood (sinker stock).
Red cedar is highly favored for riving shingles and shims since its straight grain allows it to be split easily and predictably.
Splitting

Ease of Drying
Moderately Difficult to Difficult
Fairly Easy
Variable
Easy
Variable results.

Thinner stock dries without difficulty and with minimum degrade, but thicker stock tends to be more difficult to dry.

Tree Identification
Bole/stem form is buttressed
Bole/stem form is unknown


Tree Size
Tree height is 20-30 m
Bole length is 10-20 m
Tree height is 30-40 m


The tree is described as often large to very large, producing a tapering trunk that is buttressed at the base. It produces a clear bole that is usually free from side branches for many feet up, which means the outer layers of the tree are knot free and clear. This feature is reported to make Western redcedar timber especially suitable for high-class joinery and woodwork

Product Sources
Although Western redcedar is still available at moderate to low prices, it is believed to be on its way to becoming scarce. Current demands are far greater than the time required for the tree to regenarate.

Comments
Corrosive Properties

General finishing qualities are rated as good

The wood is acidic and may cause metals, such as iron to corrode.

Blunting Effect
Blunting effect on machining is slight
Slight dulling effect on cutting tools


Boring
Fair to good results
Responds well to boring operations


Carving
Fair to Good Results


Cutting Resistance
Easy to saw
Low resistance to sawing

Wood has a tendency to fray during cross-cutting

Gluing
Fair to Good Results
Easy to glue
Excellent gluing properties


Mortising
Fair to Good Results
Finishes well
Easy to mortise
Very good mortising characteristics


Moulding
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Easy to mould
Very good moulding properties
Good finishing results


Movement in Service
Fair to Good Stability - Medium Movement
Excellent Stability - Small Movement
Small
Stable
Stable when seasoned
Holds shape well after manufacture


Nailing
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Holds nails well
Easy to nail
Holds satisfactorily
Good resistance to splitting while nailing


Planing
Fair to Good Results
Planes well, to a good finish
Easy to plane
Ease of planing is moderate
Excellent planing properties

Western Red Cedar is a very popular timber and is considered to be one of the major lumber species in the United States and Canada.

Resistance to Impregnation
Permeable heartwood
Resistant heartwood
Permeable sapwood
Resistant sapwood
Heartwood is resistant
Heartwood is extremely resistant
Sapwood is resistant
Sapwood is permeable
Difficult to treat with preservatives


Resistance to Splitting
Poor


Response to Hand Tools
Easy to Work
Easy to machine
Moderate working qualities
Responds well to hand tools


Routing & Recessing
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy


Sanding
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy


Screwing
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Screwing yields good results
Satisfactory screwing finish
Good screw holding properties
Excellent screwing properties
Easy to screw


Turning
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Good results
Easy to turn
Very good


Veneering Qualities
Diifficult to veneer
There is slight to moderate drying degrade and the potential for buckles and splits
Suitable for slicing
Suitable for peeling
Easy to cut


Steam Bending
Fair to Good Results
Poor


Painting
Good results


Polishing
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fair to Good Results
Good results


Staining
Fair to Good Results
Very Good to Excellent Results
Finish is generally good
Reacts with Iron to discolour wood
Stains well


Varnishing
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy


Strength Properties
Density (dry weight) = 23-30 lbs/cu. ft.
Max. crushing strength = low
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = very low
Bending strength (MOR) = low
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = very low
Max. crushing strength (stiffness) = very low
Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = very low
Shrinkage, Tangential = very small
Shrinkage, Radial = very small
Bending strength (MOR) = very low
Hardness (side grain) = very soft
Density (dry weight) = 31-37 lbs/cu. ft.
Density (dry weight) = 15-22 lbs/cu. ft.
Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = low
Max. crushing strength = medium
Bending strength (MOR) = medium

Western redcedar is highly suitable for ladder-poles because of its light weight, strength, straight grain, and freedom from knots. The wood is also known for its high rot resistance, and is a primary choice for shingles. It is also highly favored for siding, fenceposts, and other outdoor uses. The exceptionally light-weight wood is very strong. Its straight grain and moderate hardness are reported to combine to make it a very desirable material to work to very precise dimensions

Numerical Data
ItemGreenDryEnglish
Bending Strength54658271psi
Crushing Strength255485psi
Density24lbs/ft3
Hardness337lbs
Impact Strength1617inches
Maximum Crushing Strength24384292psi
Shearing Strength945psi
Static Bending30384998psi
Stiffness101611891000 psi
Toughness130inch-lbs
Work to Maximum Load57inch-lbs/in3
Specific Gravity0.30.33
Weight2424lbs/ft3
Radial Shrinkage2%
Tangential Shrinkage4%
Volumetric Shrinkage7%
ItemGreenDryMetric
Bending Strength384581kg/cm2
Crushing Strength1734kg/cm2
Density384kg/m3
Hardness152kg
Impact Strength4043cm
Maximum Crushing Strength171301kg/cm2
Shearing Strength66kg/cm2
Static Bending213351kg/cm2
Stiffness71831000 kg/cm2
Toughness149cm-kg
Work to Maximum Load0.350.49cm-kg/cm3
Specific Gravity0.30.33
Weight384384kg/m3
Radial Shrinkage2%
Tangential Shrinkage4%

References
Armstrong, F.H.,1960,The Strength Properties of Timber,Forest Products Research Laboratory, London Bulletin,No.45

Arno, J. 1989. Thuja plicata - Western redcedar. In A Guide to Useful Woods of the World. Flynn Jr., J.H., Editor. King Philip Publishing Co., Portland, Maine. 1994. Page 345-347.

Bendsten, B.A.,1972,Important Structural Properties of Four Western Softwoods: White Pine,,Sugar Pine, Western Redcedar, Port-Orford Cedar,USDA Forest Service Research Paper FPL191

Betts, H.S.,1945,American Woods - Western Red Cedar,USDA, Forest Service American Woods

Bolza, E.,1976,Timber and Health,Div. Building Res. C.S.I.R.O. Australia

Boone, R.S., C.J. Kozlik, P.J. Bois and E.M. Wengert. 1988. Dry Kiln Schedules for Commercial Woods: Temperate and Tropical. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, General Technical Report FPL-GTR-57, Madison, Wisconsin.

Brown, H.P. and Panshin, A.J.,1940,Commercial Timbers of the United States Their structure, identification,,properties and uses,McGraw-Hill, London

Brown, W.H.,1978,Timbers of the World: - No.7 North America,TRADA

Brown, W.H.,1978,Timbers of the World, No. 6 Europe,TRADA, Red Booklet Series

Canadian Forestry Service. 1981. Canadian Woods - Their Properties and Uses. Third Edition. E.J. Mullins and T.S. McKnight, Editors. Published by University of Toronto Press, Toronto, Canada.

Clifford, N.,1957,Timber Identification for the Builder and Architect,Leonard Hill (Books) LTD. London

Dallimore, W. and Jackson, A. Bruce,1966,A Handbook of Coniferae and Ginkgoaceae Fourth Ed. Revised by S.G.,Harrison,Edward Arnold (Publishers) Ltd. London

Edlin, H.L. 1969. What Wood is That?: A Manual of Wood Identification. A Studio Book, The Viking Press, New York.

Findlay, W.P.K.,1975,Timber: Properties and Uses,Crosby Lockwood Staples London,224PP

Forest Products Research Laboratory U.K.,1957,A Handbook of Softwoods,Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Forest Products Research,HMSO

Forest Products Research Laboratory, U.K.,1945,A Handbook of Empire Timbers,Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Forest Products Research

Howard, A.L.,1948,A Manual of Timbers of the World.,Macmillan & Co. Ltd. London 3rd ed.

I.U.F.R.O.,1973,Veneer Species of the World,Assembled at F.P.L. Madison on behalf of I.U.F.R.O. Working Party on,Slicing and Veneer Cutting

Jackson, A. and D. Day. 1991. Good Wood Handbook - The Woodworker's Guide to Identifying, Selecting and Using the Right Wood. Betterway Publications, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Kloot, N.H., Bolza, E.,1961,Properties of Timbers Imported into Australia,C.S.I.R.O. Forest Products Division Technological Paper,No.12

Lavers, G.M.,1983,The Strength Properties of Timber (3rd ed. revised Moore G.L.,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Building Research,Establishment Report (formerly Bulletin No.50)

Lincoln, W.A. 1986. World Woods in Color. Linden Publishing Co. Inc., Fresno, California.

Little, E.L. 1980. The Audobon Society Field Guide to North American Trees - Western Region. Published by Arthur A. Knopf, New York.

Markwardt, L.J., Wilson, T.R.C.,1935,Strength and related properties of woods grown in the United States,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture Technical Bulletin,No.479

Mullins, E.J. and McKnight, T.S.,1981,Canadian Woods Their Properties and Uses,University of Toronto Press 3rd Edition

Panshin, A.J. and C. deZeeuw. 1980. Textbook of Wood Technology, 4th Edition. McGraw-Hill Series in Forest Resources. McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York.

Patterson, D.,1988,Commercial Timbers of the World, 5th Edition,Gower Technical Press

Record, S.J., Hess, R.W.,1943,Timbers of the New World,Yale University Press

Redding, L.W.,1971,Resistance of Timbers to Impregnation with Creosote,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Building Research,Establishment Bulletin No.54 pp.43

Rendle, B.J.,1969,World Timbers (3 Vols.,Ernest Benn Ltd. London

Rijsdijk, L.F. and Laming, P.B.,1994,Physical and Related Properties of 145 Timbers, Information for,Practice,TNO Building and Construction Research Centre for Timber Research Kluwer,Academic Publishers

Smith, D.N.,1959,The Natural Durability of Timber,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Building Research,Establishment Record,No.30

T.R.A.D.A.,1942,Home-grown timber trees - their characteristics, cultivation and Uses,TRADA

The Australian Timber Journal & Building Products, Merchandiser,1969,Timber Durability and Preservation,Supplement to Australian Timber Journal 35(4) Tech. Timb. Guide No.8

Thomas, A.V.,1964,Timbers Used in the Boat Building Industry A Survey,Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Forest Products Research,Laboratory

Timber Development Association Ltd.,1955,World Timbers (3 Vols.,Timber Development Association Ltd.

Titmuss, F.H.,1965,Commercial Timbers of the World,Technical Press Ltd., London, 3rd edition

U.S.D.A. Forest Service,1974,Wood Handbook,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Handbook,72

USDA. 1987. Wood Handbook - Wood as an Engineering Material, Forest Service, Agriculture Handbook No. 72, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin.

USDA. 1988. Dry Kiln Operators Manual, Preliminary Copy. Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin.

Western Wood Products Association. 19__. Softwoods of the Western USA. Published and Distributed by the Western Wood Products Association, Yeon Building, 522 S.W. Fifth Avenue, Portland, Oregon.

Wolcott, G.N.,1950,An Index to the Termite Resistance of Woods,Agricultural Experimental Station, University of Puerto Rico Bulletin,No.85

Wood, A.D.,1963,Plywoods of the World: Their Development, Manufacture and,Application,Johnston & Bacon Ltd. Edinburgh & London









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