Although it is difficult to differentiate which one is better in terms of color, there is a distinct difference between these two types of wood. With cedar, particularly western red cedar, it will have a yellowish hue if you don’t stain it. Redwood, true to its name, takes on a reddish-brown coloration.
Is red cedar wood hard or soft?
Western red cedar, as its name implies, has a reddish color to it. This type of wood is relatively soft (1 on a scale of 1 to 4), has a straight grain, and has a slightly aromatic smell. Moreover, how durable is Western red cedar?
Is the eastern red cedar any good?
Eastern Red Cedar for Buried Posts. The heartwood of Eastern Red Cedar has better rot resistance than the sapwood has. January 18, 2011. I've been told that by sawing eastern red cedar into posts that it will not last long. I've used cedar posts in fences all my life with no problems.
Can You whitewash Red Cedar?
To start, consider the natural color of the wood you intend to whitewash. For example, pine is quite pale, in shades of white and yellow, but it will naturally age to an orange/brown tint. Red oak has a natural pinkish hue, walnut a deep brown, and cedar a red. Whitewash will soften the wood's natural color but not necessarily whiten the wood.
What does true cedar mean?
at all – true cedars grow only in the Mediterranean regions of the world. The Latin names come from ancient Greek words – “thuja,” for a now unknown, long-lost aromatic evergreen wood, and “plicata,” meaning “folded into plaits,” which could refer to the tree’s characteristic foliage or its’ furrowed, stringy bark.
Is red cedar the same as cedar?
Western red cedar is slightly stronger. Western red cedar has a bit more strength than white cedar and is less likely to knot. However, eastern white cedar is still strong enough to meet the needs of most construction projects.
Which is better red cedar or white cedar?
Although there are some key differences, it is important to note that white cedar is an excellent material. White cedar is slightly stronger than red cedar, almost as resistant to rot and decay, and has a beautiful finish.
Is red cedar a true cedar?
The western redcedar is actually an arborvitae - a “false” cedar. The spelling of the name “redcedar” as one word indicates that this is not a true cedar.
What are the two types of cedar?
Many people are surprised to learn that there are only 4 types of true cedars: Cedrus atlantica, Cedrus brevifolia, Cedrus deodara, and Cedrus libani.
What is the best grade of cedar?
Appearance grades use letters A through D, with A being the highest grade. There are also two other terms under appearance grade Cedar: Clear and Knotty or STK. Clear Cedar refers to A & Better Cedar and is free of almost all knots, but it isn't 100% free of knots.
Why is red cedar so desirable?
Durability and Strength With its low density and high proportion of air spaces, Western Red Cedar is the best thermal insulator among the commonly available softwood species and is far superior to brick, concrete, and steel.
Is red cedar toxic?
The Western Redcedar (Thuja plicata) and Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), also known as aromatic Cedar. Caution- Eastern Red Cedar is actually quite toxic if ingested. Be sure to know the difference between the two trees if you're planning to use for medicinal purposes.
How can you tell red cedar?
0:252:34How to Identify Eastern Red Cedar - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFew factors you could start by looking at the bark. It starts to its shaggy pili bark. With some redMoreFew factors you could start by looking at the bark. It starts to its shaggy pili bark. With some red underneath.
Why do native Americans burn cedar?
Cedar is one of the most important Native American ceremonial plants, used by many tribes as an incense and purifying herb. Cedar is especially associated with prayer, healing, dreams, and protection against disease.
Does red cedar turn grey?
Cedar Treatment Basics After installing your exterior cedar, you have about a two-week grace period until the wood starts to discolor. After that, the color will rapidly change from red to silvery-gray.
What is red cedar wood used for?
Common Uses: Fence posts, closet and chest linings, carvings, outdoor furniture, birdhouses, pencils, bows, and small wooden specialty items.
What color is natural cedar?
Most types of cedar wood are a pinkish-red color, though it can have some purple tones as well. As it ages it loses its reddish hues and becomes a silver or gray color.
What lasts longer red or white cedar?
White cedar fencing lasts longer than red cedar fencing. In most cases, white cedar fences can last for a good 10 years or more. The natural oils of white cedar fences are stronger than red cedar fences' oil.
Is white cedar more expensive than red cedar?
The most obvious difference between the western red cedar wood and eastern white cedarwood is that red cedar trees are bigger, stronger, and more expensive than white cedars.
What type of cedar is best for fences?
Western Red Cedar continues to prove itself to be the ideal choice for fences and other outdoor structures. Western Red Cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage.
Does white cedar turn gray?
Both red and white cedar shingles will turn gray when treated with bleaching stain.
What is the difference between eastern white cedar and western red cedar?
Compared to western red cedar, eastern white cedar has a lighter color palette. Eastern white cedar’s sapwood holds true to its namesake by featuring a white color. There are some small touches of yellow that add some color, but that’s about it. Meanwhile, the heartwood of eastern white cedar is noticeably darker.
What color is cedar?
The color will differ depending on whether you’re looking at sapwood or hardwood. In western red cedar, you’ll notice that the sapwood tends to take on a rich brown color. It’s quite distinctive and the contrast it creates with the grass in your yard is striking.
What is the best cedar for fencing?
It’s probably the top cedar variant from that perspective. Build your fence out of western red cedar and it will hold up to the elements for a very long time. The natural sturdiness of western red cedar only makes it a better candidate for building fencing.
What is the grain of wood used for fencing?
Grain. The grain of the wood you’re using for fencing provides some vital pieces of information. It can tell you how strong the wood is and the kind of texture it features. Paying attention to the grain is also important if you want to build the most attractive fence possible.
What makes eastern white cedar so interesting?
What makes eastern white cedar so interesting though is the way that it ages. You’ll notice it start to turn gray as it grows old, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. A lot of folks even like the aged appearance of eastern white cedar.
What are the two types of cedar?
For this article, we will be focusing mainly on two types of cedar. To be more specific, we will highlight western red cedar and eastern white cedar. Find out how western red cedar and eastern white cedar compare to one another with regards to certain essential criteria.
Which cedar is better for fencing?
Western red cedar is likely to last longer due to how resistant it is to decay and its natural sturdiness. However, eastern white cedar tends to look better even as it ages. You should also keep your location in mind when buying cedar for fencing as one may be a more sustainable purchase.
What is the difference between white cedar and red cedar?
The main differences between white cedar and red cedar are in terms of durability and strength. Red cedar is slightly stronger than white cedar fence. It’s less prone to knotting. Knotting is a serious issue in fencing. Knots in wooden fences are common.
How long does white cedar fence last?
White cedar fencing lasts longer than red cedar fencing. In most cases, white cedar fences can last for a good 10 years or more. The natural oils of white cedar fences are stronger than red cedar fences’ oil.
What is the most affordable type of fence?
There are different types of wooden fences, such as bamboo, spruce and more. Red cedar and white cedar are the most popular types of wooden fencing. So, the question is:
Why is wood used for fencing?
For starters, wooden fence has a beautiful natural appearance. It gives a warm, inviting and comforting feel to any space.
Can you air dry cedar?
You don’t need to artificially treat either of the materials. Both white cedar and red cedar can air dry easily. In addition, white cedar and red cedar can absorb paints and oils without any problem. These fences look extremely beautiful.
Is red cedar good for a fence?
Generally speaking, both white and red cedar fences are. excellent materials for constructing fences. Both materials contain natural oils and are easy to work with. They are also resistant to cracking, rotting, warping or weather damage because they have natural oils. You don’t need to artificially treat either of the materials.
Spanish Cedar (Cedrela odorata)
Spanish cedar is straight to interlocked grained wood. It is durable, stable, and rot-resistant softwood. Spanish Cedar is heavier and denser, with an excellent appearance.
Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)
Western red cedar is also very durable, with rot and insect-resistant softwood. It is a versatile wood that is used for many purposes.
Working with Spanish cedar and Western Red Cedar
Spanish Cedar and Western Red Cedar are easy to work with both hand and power tools. Because of its low density and softness.
How to Stain Cedar Spanish Cedar and Western Red Cedar
Staining is an essential process for protecting the natural color and preventing it from fading in the sun.
Spanish Cedar vs Western Red Cedar: Which is better for outdoor use?
Both woods are durable to moderately durable regarding decay resistance. They can be used for outdoor purposes.
Are Spanish Cedar and Western Red Cedar wood toxic?
Allergic reactions have been reported in cedar species. But Not all species have the same reaction.
What is the difference between Chinese cedar and Western red cedar?
You can usually identify a Chinese Cedar Picket by the thickness of the board. When referring to boards, dimensions are approximations, however a 1 x 4 Western Red Ce dar board is typically closer to a true 1″ thi ckness, while Chinese Cedar is closer to 3/4″ thick.
How to tell the difference between #1 and #2 cedar?
Another way to tell the difference between #1 and #2 cedar is by the staining options available. Most fence suppliers in North Texas do not offer Pre-Stained #1 grade Western Red Cedar pickets. If you choose the Pre-Stained option, you are more than likely going to get a #2 grade cedar, unless that fence company has a staining facility where they stain the pickets themselves. If you are told that you are getting #1 grade Western Red Cedar Pre-Stained, make sure you inspect the pickets closely when they arrive.
How Can You Tell the Difference Between #1 Grade and #2 Grade Western Red Cedar?
Clear cedar is not commonly used for building fences because of the much higher cost. Cedar that is graded #1 comes from closer to the heart of the tree than #2, and has fewer and smaller knots. The knots that it has are “quality knots”, meaning that they are less likely to fall out and become holes in your fence. There will be fewer blemishes and fewer variations in color with #1 grade cedar. #2 grade cedar will have many small knots and also large knots and blemishes. No matter what type of fence you have installed, you should expect to see minor imperfections and blemishes which will not affect the quality of the fence. However, if you pay for a #1 grade cedar fence, it should NOT look like it has a bad case of chicken pox!
What type of cedar is used for cedar fences?
At A Better Fence Company, we use ONLY Western Red Cedar for our cedar fences, arbors and pergolas. After 40 years, Western Red Cedar continues to prove itself to be the ideal choice for fences and other outdoor structures. Western Red Cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage. It is a light weight wood which causes less stress on the posts and framework of the fence, and it is naturally more water repellent than other types of wood. Using this type of wood will mean a longer lasting fence with less repairs needed over the course of its life. The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association estimates that three trees are planted for every one that is harvested, ensuring the long-term sustainability for this remarkable natural resource.
Why is cedar not used for fences?
Clear cedar is not commonly used for building fences because of the much higher cost. Cedar that is graded #1 comes from closer to the heart of the tree than #2, and has fewer and smaller knots. The knots that it has are “quality knots”, meaning that they are less likely to fall out and become holes in your fence.
What is cedar used for?
Many people know that cedar is a type of wood that is known for being ideal for use in building outdoor structures because of its resilience and ability to withstand harsh weather. What some may not be aware of is that there are many types of cedar (and other woods that are commonly referred to as cedar that are not actually cedar), that do not possess the same qualities that make it ideal for outdoor use. Making sure that the right type of cedar is being installed will make a huge difference in the quality, look, and overall longevity of your fence.
What grade of wood is used for a fence?
Some fence companies will charge you a higher price for #1 Grade Western Red Cedar, but will install #2 Grade Western Red Cedar instead, or worse, a type of wood that is not Western Red Cedar, in order to make a higher profit while hoping that you won’t be able to tell the difference.
What color is the bark of a red cedar tree?
The bark of the tree has a reddish-brown color, and it has vertical ridges that run up and down the entire length of the tree. Lumber that is derived from the Western Red Cedar has a light reddish-tinge to it.
Where is red cedar native to?
Though the Western Red Cedar is native to the Pacific Northwest, it has been imported to other temperate climates like parts of Western Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and parts of the North East United States. It doesn’t require much sunlight to grow, and as such, it is capable of thriving even in conditions of dense shade.
What are the different types of cedar trees?
Types of cedar trees: The Atlas Cedar. The Cedar Of Lebanon. The Deodar Cedar. The Eastern Red Cedar. The Northern White Cedar. The Oriental Arborvitae. The Western Red Cedar. If you’re not an expert on trees (and maybe even if you are) you might be confused about the difference between two trees both called Red Cedars.
How long does a red cedar tree live?
The Western Red Cedar is also quite long-lived, with some members of the species living more than 900 years. The Eastern Red Cedar grows juniper berries which are a source of food in the winter for various birds. The leaves of the Eastern Red Cedar are short and needle-like.
How old are Western Red Cedar trees?
The trees are capable of living a long time, with some specimens thought to be over 1400 years old. The leaves that grow in the Western Red Cedar are notable for the fact that they grow in opposite pairs, at 90° to one another. This gives the foliage sprays of the tree a flat lattice-like structure. The foliage also has white stomatal bands on the ...
What is the name of the cedar tree that has green leaves?
The eastern red cedar, a juniper, is common among wide swaths of the United States plains and east coast, with alternate leaves and double toothed. The western red cedar, also known as the giant cedar, is common in the western United States and has green foliage sprays is small scale-like leaves.
What do junipers look like?
In general, junipers can be distinguished by their needle-esque pointy leaves. They may have small blueberries or tiny light brown cones at the tips of the leaves.
What is the difference between redwood and cedar?
It’s tough to determine a winner in this category, but there is definitely a difference in appearance. Western red cedar, unless stained a different color, will naturally have a yellowish tone, while redwood has a noticeably more reddish-brown hue (there’s a reason it’s called “redwood”).
How long does it take for cedar to grow?
Since it takes 50+ years for cedar or redwood seedlings to be harvestable, the growth process isn’t an exact science. According to a cedar growth study, second growth western red cedar is just beginning to be harvested and is producing a high quality product.
How much does redwood decking cost in Texas?
For instance, a 2x6x16 foot board of redwood decking is about $36, while that same board in cedar decking is less than $31. This is why almost all the fences built in Central Texas use cedar fence pickets. So, although redwood may have a leg up in strength and durability, cedar has the best price point.
How to get rid of mildew on cedar?
Mildew can be taken care of with a little bleach and water. For restoring color (due to extractive bleeding or iron stains) use an oxalic acid-based product. Redwood and cedar naturally contain tannin (a chemical that gives the products their color), which keeps the wood insect resistant.
Is redwood cedar the same as cedar?
Although this list is suppose to show the differences between redwood and cedar, these species are very similar when it comes to being eco-friendly. Both have product certified by the Forest Stewardship Council ( FSC ), both are 100% natural products, and both claim to be more environmentally-friendly than composite brands. Because redwood is primarily harvested in northern California and western red cedar comes from Canada, the environmental requirements are almost identical.
Is redwood stronger than cedar?
Redwood - with a janka rating of 450lbs - is about 23% stronger than cedar (janka rating of 350lbs). Whether or not the extra strength is necessary for your project is up to you, but clearly redwood is more durable than cedar in general .
Is redwood more smooth than cedar?
Redwood is also more readily available in “clear” grades, which means there’s no knots at all. When it comes to overall smoothness, redwood has a slight edge over cedar.
How hard is red cedar?
Its hardness is 470 lbf (2,090 N). Which is more than Western Redcedar. Due to its high density, Its dried weight is 24 lbs / ft3 (385 kg / m3).
What is the color of cedar?
The heartwood color of western red cedar is reddish to pinkish-brown and the color of sapwood is pale yellowish-white.
What is the difference between incense cedar and sapwood?
Incense-cedar and western red cedar differ in color between heartwood and sapwood. Sapwood is the outer layer of wood of trees and heartwood is the center part of the wood tree.
What is an incense cedar?
Incense Cedar is a species of conifer native to Western North America. It is also called white cedar. Incense is a slow-growing plant. So it takes time to become a tall coniferous tree. Its tree varies in length from 40 to 60 meters. Incense-cedar has dark red / brown bark, with dark green leaves. It also gives yellow flowers once a year.
How to identify incense cedar?
To identify Incense-cedar and western red cedar, First, we need to know the color and grain pattern of this wood species. Both have straight grains. But incense cedar has medium to the fine uniform texture while Western Redcedar has medium to coarse texture.
What is the best wood for shingles?
Western red cedar is a strong and highly durable wood species. So it’s the best wood to make Shingles, exterior siding and lumber, boatbuilding, boxes, crates, and musical instruments.
Where is Western Red Cedar native to?
Western red cedar also called Western Arborvitae, native to the pacific coast of North America . Its tree is pyramid-shaped and the length of the tree varies from 50 to 60 m. It has a straight grain and a fine texture. This is a very good rot resistance wood species.
