Western Red Cedar and Eastern Red Cedar
Choosing the right wood for your home project is a big decision, and few materials are as popular as red cedar. But did you know there are two major types of American red cedar that are commonly used? While they share a name, Western Red Cedar and Eastern Red Cedar have distinct properties that make them suitable for different applications.
This guide will break down the key differences between these two beautiful woods to help you make an informed choice for your home.
Western Red Cedar: The Workhorse of the Outdoors
Western Red Cedar: The Workhorse of the Outdoors
Origin: Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) is the majestic conifer found in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. It’s the type of cedar most often used for exterior applications like cedar siding and cedar decking.
Appearance: This cedar is known for its consistent and rich color, ranging from a light honey-yellow to a deep, reddish-brown. Its grain is straight and uniform, giving it a clean, elegant look.
Properties:
Dimensional Stability: Western Red Cedar has low shrinkage, meaning it’s highly resistant to warping, twisting, and cupping. This makes it ideal for outdoor projects exposed to moisture and temperature changes.
Natural Decay Resistance: It contains natural oils that act as preservatives, protecting the wood from rot, decay, and insect damage without any chemical treatment.
Workability: This is a soft, lightweight wood that is very easy to cut, saw, and fasten, making installation a breeze.
Common Uses: Because of its exceptional durability and stability, Western Red Cedar is the go-to choice for cedar siding, exterior wood cedar siding, cedar decking, fencing, and outdoor furniture.
Eastern Red Cedar: The Aromatic Wonder
Origin: Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is a juniper tree that grows throughout the Eastern and Central United States. It is a smaller, denser tree than its Western counterpart.
Appearance: This wood is famous for its striking color contrast between the deep reddish-purple heartwood and the creamy white sapwood. It often has small knots, giving it a rustic, distinctive look.
Properties:
Strong Aroma: The wood contains a strong, fresh scent that is well-known for repelling moths and other insects. This makes it a popular material for indoor storage.
Insect Repellent: The natural oils in Eastern Red Cedar are a potent insect deterrent, a property that has been valued for centuries.
Density: It is a harder and denser wood than Western Red Cedar, making it more resistant to dings and scratches.
Common Uses: Due to its aroma and insect-repellent properties, Eastern Red Cedar is primarily used for closet linings, chests, and furniture. While it can be used outdoors, it is not as dimensionally stable or resistant to rot as Western Red Cedar.
The Verdict: Which is Right for You?
For Exterior Projects: If your project involves a deck, siding, or any other outdoor application, Western Red Cedar is the superior choice. Its natural resistance to rot and its stability in all weather conditions make it the perfect fit.
For Interior Projects: If you need a wood with a beautiful aroma and insect-repellent properties for a closet or chest, Eastern Red Cedar is the classic and best option.
No matter which you choose, you’re getting a high-quality American red cedar product with natural beauty and strength. If you’re ready to start your next project, explore our premium Western Red Cedar products today!
