Western Red Cedar
Scientific Name: Thuja plicata
(Other common names: red cedar, cypress, oregon cedar,giant cedar.)
Western Red Cedar is known for its extremely fine and even grain, its flexibility and strength in proportion to its weight which means that its lumber can be used in a variety of ways.
This species of Cedar is renowned for its high impermeability to liquids and its natural phenol preservatives, which make it ideally suited for exterior use and interior use where humidity is high. The cellular composition of Red Cedar, millions of tiny air-filled cells per cubic inch, provides a high degree of thermal insulation, approx. 1 R/inch.
Old Growth Western Red Cedars’ slow growth, dense fiber and natural oily extractives are responsible for its decay resistance and its rich coloring, which ranges from a light milky straw color in the sapwood to a chocolate in the heartwood. Second growth Western Red Cedar is different. It is a stable wood that seasons easily and quickly, with a very low shrinkage factor.
Lumber Sizing
When ordering your Cedar products it is important to understand lumber sizing. Lumber is generally going to be sold on what is called Nominal Sizing rather than Net Sizing. An example of this would be to order a 2″x4″. Though the board is nominally called a 2″x4″ its net size may be 1.5″ x 3.5″ if it has been surfaced on all four sides. If you need a particular net size of material, please be sure to make your sales representative aware of the exact net size so he can provide you with the right piece of lumber.
Common Board Grades Available
Note: all pictures are meant for a general grade description. If you want to see a more defined grade image, please let us know. We can email you pictures and further explanation of grades.
Clear Vertical Grain – Pieces may exhibit a few minor characteristics which do not detract from their high appearance and quality. Limiting provisions include: very light torn grain, very light skips on the non-graded face and very light warp.
A & Better Clear – Ideally suited to applications where finishing requirements are less exacting. Limiting provisions include: small seasoning checks , occasional very light skips on edges and backs. Allows for two small, sound tight knots or their equivalent
C & Better Clear – Pieces of this grade are of sound wood. Most pieces are entirely clear or have only a few unimportant characteristics such as: medium stained sap wood , short splits, small pitch streaks and occasional small knots.
D & Better Clear – This grade accounts for pieces of lumber having one or more characteristics which are of such size and number that the piece is not of C & BTR grade. Medium pitch streaks, limited pin holes, hit and miss skips, two knots approximately 1″ or their equivalent
Select Tight Knot – The basis for this grade are the knots, burls and naturally occurring markings which are of fairly uniform distribution and add to the decorative character of the piece. Sound, tight knots: star checked and/or slightly chipped knots permitted.
Bear Creek Lumber can offer other grades depending on the type of product ordered.
Boards, timbers, paneling, bevel, etc all have slight variations to their grades, so it is important to understand what you are ordering. If you are not certain on the grade you are being quoted, feel free to ask your sales representative for additional information.
It is also important to be aware that if you are getting quotes on different grades of the same product that you are sure which grade you are purchasing at the time of sale. Each grade has different characteristics and allowances for trim backs, so when you sign your purchase agreement it is imperative that you understand which grade you are going to be receiving.
Note the different colors above. Red cedar, like any other wood, has a range of colors. On special orders we may able to match colors at an extra cost.
Western Red Cedar Products In Application
Western Red Cedar is free of pitch and has excellent finishing qualities. This cedar is Bear Creek Lumber’s main inventory item and we have a huge selection of products, grades and sizes. Offered in siding patterns, paneling patterns, and boards for board-on-board siding, trim, and fascia.
Bear Creek also carries Red Cedar decking, Red Cedar timber and beams, and Red Cedar shakes and shingles. Additional grades and sizes are available upon request. Photo: above left: Weathered Red Cedar Beam and Red Cedar Channel Siding
Browse our line of products below, or browse by species on the lumber species page. We also have a Raw Lumber Picture Gallery and a Red Cedar Weathered Gallery. If you don’t see what you are looking for don’t hesitate to email us and request a custom job.
western Red Cedar Siding Products
People love the timeless charm of Western Red Cedar siding. Choose from a variety of options including T&G, Channel, Bevel, Board and Batt, Dutch and Lap siding stock. The exterior finish of a building is the face it presents to the world. It defines the mood and character of the structure and reflects the image desired by its designers, builders or owners.
Western Red Cedar siding is available in a range of designs and grades, offering the variety and versatility to complement any architectural style. It adapts equally well to bold and expressive modernism or the well defined criteria of period styling. Above all, Western Red Cedar has an enduring beauty that projects an aura of prestige.
This species of cedar is a wood with great dimensional stability and natural decay resistance. Its freedom from pitch and resin makes it an excellent base for a wide range of finishes. Common patterns for siding include tongue and groove, channel, pattern 105 or board and batten. Custom patterns can be created with our specialty milling options.
More western Red Cedar Products
Ceiling Paneling
Look up to fully enjoy the pleasant warmth and elegance that comes with the added value of wood interiors. Our inventory includes all sizes and patterns in Red Cedar ceiling products, and we offer additional special order patterns. Tongue and groove, shiplap or similar lumber options can all be used to panel your walls and ceilings.
Cedar lumber is a great choice for indoor use as it has a nice color range of wood tones, has a pleasant but not overpowering aroma and works in both humid and dry environments.
Interior Paneling
We offer a selection of Western Red Cedar paneling in clear and knotty grades, allowing for our clients to adjust what they order based on their individual budget. The most common widths for paneling are going to be nominal 4" and 6", but we can product narrower or wider patterns through out specialty milling options. Common tongue and groove patterns will include V2E, V4E, edge and center bead, or center match. Traditional and/or custom patterns can be created with our specialty milling options.
The aromatic properties of red cedar make it a top choice for paneling...
Decking
Incorporating a deck into your home is a great way to add value the home, increase your living space and to better your overall quality of life. Western Red Cedar is great for decking as it is easy to work with, has a pleasant aroma and is durable yet not hard and unyielding. Red Cedar decking can come in a variety of sizes, but the most popular are 5/4x4, 5/4x6, 2x4 & 2x6.
Bear Creek Lumber can offer this cedar decking in random lengths of 6' and longer and can also sell in specified lengths, which will often create premium pricing if specified in long lengths.
Post and Beam
Western Red Cedar is a premium material for post and beam and timber frame homes. All beams are available in Clear, Select or Standard and Better grades. Available in lengths up to 24'. Lengths up to 40' available but must be special ordered. All Sizes are available
Timbers
Rough sawn or surfaced timbers in lengths up to 50 feet. Hand hewing and corbels available to achieve any look your project demands. The field of construction using solid sawn Western Red Cedar timbers is greatly diversified. It covers many types of engineered structures; commercial, industrial, and residential buildings; and landscape structures such as bridges, arbors, pergolas, gazebos, field houses and the like.
In general, applications can be classified into two very broad use-groups: first, for those structures such as large buildings in which both the strength and appearance of exposed wood members are of equal importance; and second, in landscape, park and garden structures where appearance is paramount. For both use-groups, Western Red Cedar offers the advantages of natural beauty, design flexibility, exceptional dimensional stability and long term durability. Cedar has a long history of withstanding the rigors of time and weather.
It is also recognized structural material with known mechanical and physical properties. These attributes allow the design of timber structures of all types using basic engineering principles and stress-or appearance-rated grades of Cedar.
Trim
Literally a frame through which you can create your own view. Vertical grain is an ideal grade to choose. Real wood trim on residential, commercial or industrial buildings perfectly complements any architectural style and is compatible with all contemporary cladding materials.
The ideal wood for trim is Western Red Cedar. Its dimensional stability, longevity, ability to accept a wide range of finishes, resistance to decay and natural good looks make it the only sensible choice for base boards, corner boards, fascia, skirting and window and door trim. Western Red Cedar trim boards are available in Clear and Knotty grades. Trim boards are often available in Surfaced Four Sides (S4S) Surfaced One Side Two Edges (S1S2E) or Rough Sawn textures.Fascia
This is a signature piece of your exterior look that is more than just decorative and we have longer lengths to create many looks for your project. What is the Purpose of a Fascia Board? A fascia board's primary function is to protect your home from interior and exterior moisture-related damage by preventing water infiltration. As part of the overall roof system, fascia boards block water from penetrating the roof deck and into the attic/home. They also increase curb appeal by covering the open/rough ends of the rafters.
Soffits
Soffits help protect the underside of your roof and roof deck from the elements.To influence the appearance of a covered deck or entry way we offer many pattern widths.
Garden Structures
Integrate the indoors and outdoor living in your home with garden and patio structures. Trellis's, and timber structures are a wonderful way to get shade from the sun, privacy, and a natural wood accent to your outdoor spaces.
Shakes and Shingles
The characteristics that make Western Red Cedar a fine exterior siding, decking, and paneling, also make shake and shingle products the most desirable for roofing and sidewall application.
Shingles are sawn. Shakes are split. Shingles have a relatively smooth surface while shakes have at least one highly textured natural grain split surface. Shingles and shakes make of Western Red Cedar are generally used for roof and sidewall applications in the natural or unfinished state.Shake and Shingle Products Available from Bear Creek Lumber
- 18″ #1 Resawn 1/2″ Shakes
- 24″ #1 Resawn 1/2″ Shakes
- 24″ #1 Resawn 3/4″ Shakes
- 24″ #1 Tapersplit Shakes
- 16″ #1 Fivex Shingles
- 16″ #2 Fivex Shingles
- 24″ #1 Royal Shingles
- 24″ #2 Royal Shingles
- 18″ #1 Perfections
- 18″ #2 Perfections
- 18″ #1 Fancy Cut Shingles
Photo Caption: (above) This house features shake siding. Wood siding is among one of the best ways to enhance the look of a house.
Fancy Cut Shingles Patterns Available (right):
Diagonal, Half Cove, Diamond, Round, Hexagonal, Octagonal, Arrow, Square, Fish Scale. Hip/Ridge available to Match all of the above.
Fencing
To influence the appearance of a covered deck or entry way we offer many pattern widths.
Peeled Logs
For a stout look in any column application we offer large diameter logs in a few finishes.
Sustainable Logging
BCL manages a timber stand that has been thinned to supress fire hazrd and restore forest health. Posts and poles of several diameters are available to purchase
Recycled
We have a stock of reclaimed old growth lumber ready to be custom milled in-house for your project.
Western Red Cedar Products Chart
Post and beams | • | Surfaced Four Sides S4S |
• | Rough Cut | |
• | Free of Heart Center (F.O.H.C.) | |
Boards | • | Surfaced One Side and Two Edges (S1S2E) |
• | Surfaced For Sides (S4S) | |
• | Rough Cut | |
Bevels | • | Clears |
• | Resawn | |
• | Smooth | |
• | Finger Jointed | |
• | Rabbeted | |
• | Knotty | |
Paneling & Patterns | • | Tongue and groove |
• | Double Flush | |
• | Channel | |
• | Combed | |
Roofing & Exterior | • | Shakes |
• | Shinghttps://bearcreeklumber.com/les | |
• | Channel | |
• | Rabbeted Bevel | |
• | Finger Jointed Bevel | |
• | Board and Batt | |
• | Clear Bevels | |
• | Peeled Logs | |
• | Siding |
Characteristics Of Western Red Cedar
Acoustic properties: Cedar tends to dampen sound transmission
Density(oven-dry): 22 lb/ft3
Specific Gravity (oven dry): 0.35
Durability: Durable species
Fasteners: Corrosion resistant only (stainless steel, aluminum, hot-dipped galvanized, brass, etc.)
Finishing: Paints, stains, varnishes, oils and waxes all work well
Flame spread rating: 69(class II)
Smoke developed classification: 98
K value(12% mc): 0.74 BTU in.per square ft.h degrees F
R value: 1.35 in. of thickness
Stability: Cedar is the most stable softwood species
Workability: Easy to cut, saw, nail and glue
Visit any of our Western Red Cedar picture galleries:
Red Cedar Product Pictures, Red Cedar Raw Lumber Pictures, Red Cedar weathered pictures
Cedar Grading Link:
NLGA-GR-2017-Section-7-Western-Red-Cedar-Products-Paras.-200-211-pgs.-169-186
WRCLA Links:
Finishing Western Red Cedar
Although Western Red Cedar is naturally durable, a surface coat is recommended to protect the wood and extend its service life. Cedar accepts a wide range of stains and other coatings and whichever is selected should be a good quality product recommended by a paint or building supply dealer. When selecting a finish coat, make sure it contains the following: water repellent, Fungicide/Mildwcide, Protection against ultra violet light. Penetrating oil-based products, particularly those containing pigments, are recommended for Cedar. Pigments provide increased UV protection.
Fasteners
Hot-dipped galvanized, aluminum and stainless steel nails are all corrosion-resistant and all can be used to nail Western Red Cedar. Other types of nails, such as electro-plated, are not recommended. They can rust and disintegrate and react adversely with the natural preservative oils present in Cedar, resulting in stains and streaks. Copper nails also react with Cedar and should not be used. Stainless steel is the best choice but hot-dipped galvanized is the most widely used and economical.
WRC S1S2E AVAILABLE PROMPT IN RANDOM LENGTHS | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Size | Grade | Seasoning/Dryness | Pre-Prime Available | Grade | Dryness/Seasoning |
1x2 | Clear | Green | |||
1x3 | Knotty | Green or Dry | Yes | Clear | Green |
1x4 | Knotty | Green or Dry | Yes | Clear | Green |
1x6 | Knotty | Green or Dry | Yes | Clear | Green |
1x8 | Knotty | Green or Dry | Yes | Clear | Green |
1x10 | Knotty | Green or Dry | Yes | Clear | Green |
1x12 | Knotty | Green or Dry | Yes | Clear | Green |
7/8x4 | Knotty | Dry | |||
7/8x6 | Knotty | Dry | |||
7/8x8 | Knotty | Dry | |||
7/8x10 | Knotty | Dry | |||
7/8x12 | Knotty | Dry | |||
5/4x4 | Knotty | Green or Dry | Yes | Clear | Green |
5/4x6 | Knotty | Green or Dry | Yes | Clear | Green |
5/4x8 | Knotty | Green or Dry | Yes | Clear | Green |
5/4x10 | Knotty | Green or Dry | Yes | ||
5/4x12 | Knotty | Green or Dry | Yes | ||
2x4 | Knotty | Green or Dry | Yes | ||
2x6, 2x8, 2x10, 2x12 | Knotty | Green or Dry | Yes |
WRC S4S Available Prompt in Random Lengths | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Size | Grade | Seasoning | Grade | Dryness |
1x4, 1x6, 1x8, 1x12 | Clear VG | Dry | ||
2x2, 2x3 | Clear | Green | ||
2x4 | Knotty | Dry or Green | ||
2x6 | Knotty | Dry or Green | Clear | Green |
2x8 | Clear | Green | ||
2x10 | Clear | Green | ||
2x12 | Clear | Green | ||
4x4 | Knotty | Green | Clear | Green |
4x6 | Knotty | Green | ||
4x8 | Knotty | Green | ||
6x6 | Knotty | Green |
WRC Bevel Siding Available Prompt In Random Lengths | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Size | Grade | Finish | Seasoning | Pre-Prime Available |
1/2x4 | Clear | Smooth Face | Dry | |
1/2x6 | Clear | Smooth Face | Dry | |
1/2x8 | Clear | Smooth Face | Dry | |
11/16x6 | Knotty | Resawn Face | Dry | Yes |
11/16x8 | Knotty | Resawn Face | Dry or Green | Yes |
11/16x10 | Knotty | Resawn Face | Dry | |
7/8x10 | Knotty | Resawn Face | Dry |
WRC Tongue and Groove Available Prompt in Random Lengths | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Size | Grade | Pattern | Seasoning | Grade | Pattern | Seasoning | 7/16x4 | Clear | V2E | Dry |
7/16x6 | Clear | V2E | Dry | |||
1x4 | Knotty | V2E | Dry | Clear | V2E | Dry |
1x4 | Clear | V4E | Dry | |||
1x6 | Knotty | V2E | Dry | Clear | V2E | Dry |
1x6 | Knotty | V4E | Dry | Clear | V4E | Dry |
*ALL MATERIAL IS NOMINALLY SIZED. OTHER SIZES AND GRADES ARE AVAILABLE, BUT MAY REQUIRE SPECIAL ORDERING. PRE-PRIME/PRE-STAIN AVAILABLE ON ALL PRODUCTS. PRODUCTS MENTIONED ABOVE FOR PRE-PRIME ARE PROMPT*