It has little shrinkage. Heres how. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. I have planted si? If you dig down a little bit into the bark, you'll get the "cedar" wood smell. The bark is a red-brown color and peels in vertical strips. For example, Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) and Eastern Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) are false cedars in the cypress family. If you have a faade siding or interior wall siding project, and you love the beautiful and naturally durable, go with Western Red Cedar. Last Updated: April 20, 2022 Lets look at the identifying features of the four cedar species. At 29 lbs. Twenty-first century Seattle contains many large specimens . This false cedar is an evergreen conifer from the family Cupressaceae. 0000442052 00000 n Our Japanese Red-Cedar won't reach the height of a full grown Red-Cedar since cultivation in the US is associated with much smaller (50-60 ft) versions. Even the strongest storm will have a hard time knocking over a premium wood fence. This is absolute complete bullshit. Yes. Common Uses: Siding, paneling, furniture, fences, boatbuilding, and small specialty items. When referring to boards, dimensions are approximations, however a 1 x 4 Western Red Cedar board is typically closer to a true 1 thickness, while Chinese Cedar is closer to 3/4 thick. 0000132658 00000 n However, how should you go about choosing the best wood for your fence? Another way to tell the difference between #1 and #2 cedar is by the staining options available. Rout the recesses right to hold a lid upright. They are a monoecious species which reproduce via wind-based pollen and seed dispersal. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. A Better Fence Company specializes in new wood fences, wrought iron metal fences, fence replacement, ranch style fences, driveway gates, handrails, balcony railings, chain link fences, patio covers, arbors & pergolas. In these pictures: Cedrus Atlantica Glauca Pendula (left) and Cedrus Atlantica Aurea (right). Also unlike most softwoods, Yellow Cedar's density across single growth rings is quite uniform, making it a good species for carving and woodworking. Only way to combat it is by using screws, hence the movement. Eastern red cedar heartwood bears pinkish-red tones with an occasional purplish tinge and deep reddish-brown streaks. Sometimes thewood is traditionally charred black (increasing its fire and rot resistance) using a Japanese technique known as shou sugi ban; such flame-treated planks are commonly used as siding. If the fence company that you choose is using Japanese Cedar rather than Western Red Cedar, you should not be expected to pay the same price for the fence as you would for Western Red Cedar. Many gardeners consider eastern white cedars as the easiest-to-grow conifers for front or backyards. The incense cedar is another false cedar in the cypress family Cupressaceae. Because the leaves form opposite pairs, it creates a flat structure, almost like a lattice. The larger tree is coming down today, and I'll be transporting it all to a local urban harvester tomorrow to be milled into 8/4 & 5/4 stock. 0 Texas Best Fence & Patio Some Fence Companies Might Try To Increase Their Profit By Using Inferior Wood. The sole hardwood and only import of this group, Spanish cedar (Cedrela oderata) grows natively in Central and South America, and has been planted in Florida. Maybe you are going for a more rustic appearance, but in general, soft woods like this for tabletops isnt preferred. The timber is fragrant, weather and insect resistant, soft, strong, and has a very low density, which makes it useful for furniture making and home construction. Hello! @ k>262780/t05E'i[hhd0`pZja-\S?9i>PA:F _ * Fill out the form provided below and we will contact you, or call us now, 2019 A Better Fence Company Aubrey, TX 76227 (940)220-9099 . Another way to identify cedars is by their enormous heightgrowing up to 160 ft. (50 m). Well also look at other trees that have the common name cedar but botanically speaking are not cedars in the real sense of the word. Average Dried Weight: 24 lbs/ft 3 (385 kg/m 3) Most fence suppliers in North Texas do not offer Pre-Stained #1 grade Western Red Cedar pickets. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 76,127 times. We know our reputation rests on every fence, pergola, stone, and concrete surface that we touch. Western Red Cedar is a wonderful species, with the grain being very straight. The conifer has a conical shape before the uppermost branches flatten out as they grow horizontally. That can give you some idea of the tree's height. The reason I ask is that my wife is not excited with the somewhat orange like hue, although she is delighted with the grains and contrasts. Within its range, Spanish cedar gets used for everything from furniture to windows and cabinetry. Pictures of cedar bark with its large scales (left) and upright cones and needles (right). One of the most common arborvitaes is the northern white cedar, which is a member of the cypress family. Wood is graded for clearness and amount of defects after it is manufactured. These trees have a pyramid shape. Lean towards red cedar, the Japanese cedar is not a stable and can be a pain in the ass. The cedar of Lebanon is a cold-hardy tree, despite coming from warm climates. Donating wood samples and pictures of wood itemsIf youve got a new or unusual wood species that isnt on the site, please consider sharing it with the rest of us! I have quotes from 2 different companies for a board on board fence with cap and trim. The sapwood is pale yellow. [1] Specializing in Western Red Cedar Wood Fences We offer our customer the best and most comprehensive Western Red Cedar Grades on the market. It is a handsome tree and only grows prettier with age, with the most striking feature being its pyramidal shape with dense branches, spreading in concentric circles. This false cedar tree is very drought resistant and thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. What do you like in the desert. Also called Nootka cedar or Nootka cypress, these beautiful false cedars are excellent as tall privacy hedges or windbreaks. Expert here. Overview. Studies have found some latitudinal variation in the sugi's radial growth. % of people told us that this article helped them. Can someone tell me if I can expect a Sugi bedframe I am making to substantially darken if I dont apply a finish? Mike received a BSc with honors in Ecology and an MA in Society, Science, and Nature from The University of Lancaster in England as well as a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta. Price: $6.50 to $7 per board foot (4/4 S2S stock). A mature cedar tree has reddish-brown bark with long scales that are easily peeled. Also called the Atlanta cedars, these cedars are suitable for planting in large backyards. Little scientific data exists, however, to show the wood repels bugs effectively. Big? 1-866-812-1994 However, the pickets are thinner and less sturdy than Western Red Cedar, and have a tendency to split or break during installation. Bow Woods (from a mathematical perspective), Four Common Finishing Mistakes (and how to avoid them). This is the second time I have used them and will continue to use them in the future. Typically western red is the better quality material to use. If youre asking yourself, What wood is best for a fence? theres no doubting that high-quality wood is always on the list. The female trees produce small green and blue cones that look like berries. Our wood grades give you the option to tailor your fence to your budget as well as functional and aesthetic requirements. 0000003258 00000 n |}Y*KOru*Y|tjipvl'oFAL^0Z SlK+a^W7Y 0000221763 00000 n 0000004427 00000 n Odor:Has a distinct, lingering, cedar-like odor. 0000004086 00000 n Sustainability:This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, butis reported by the IUCN as being near threatened. He has worked in British, North American, and South American ecosystems, and with First Nations communities, non-profits, government, academia, and industry. You'll be glad you did. This is not big box lumber. It works easily with hand and power tools, but use a respirator and gloves if you experience rash and respiratory problems. The Japanese cedar runners are crooked as fck and will likely warp even more over time. Reply SnobbyDobby Additional comment actions Expert here. When purchasing a fence, if you are paying a premium price for cedar, it is important to know what to look for in order to be sure that you are getting a quality cedar fence that will last. True cedar trees such as Atlas cedar (Cedrus Atlantica) belong to the Cedrus genus. Clear cedar is not commonly used for building fences because of the much higher cost. Quick facts Cedar-apple rust and related rust fungi need plants from two plant families to complete their life cycle; Cupressaceae family (eastern red cedar and other junipers) and Rosaceae (apple, hawthorn, serviceberry). The Japanese red-cedar prefers warmer climates with wet or moist woodlands. Knots prove prevalent in lower grades, though "clear" grades are available. The needle like leaves are approximately 0.5-1 cm long while the globular seed cones are 1-2 cm in diameter and contain about 20-40 scales. "Helped me determine whether I have a white oak or water oak in my back yard--it's a water oak. There are differences between the two cedars. 426 Southfork Dr Timber from Lebanon cedars has been used for centuries due to its fine grain and resistance to decay. 0000188965 00000 n The northern variety proves less dense than western red cedar, contributing to good workability with power and hand tools. I understand you're about to spend a fortune, but as I tell my customers, material matters. 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. The Japanese might use treated Japanese cedar fence posts, although I have never seen any either (having lived 8 years in Japan, travelingRead more , Its worth noting that the weird sugi is used as a marketing tool, most pickets that are sold as Japanese sugi are in fact western red cedar trees farmed in China. 0000237930 00000 n You can identify a female tree by these berry-like cones. Pine and spruce wood isnt as durable as harder types of wood, so they might be more likely to sustain damage. Because these trees have a very limited habitat range, you're less likely to run across one. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Know How to Spot the Difference. The knots that it has are quality knots, meaning that they are less likely to fall out and become holes in your fence. With a solid or semi-solid stain, you typically will get a five-year warranty. They form long finger-like extensions that make the "V"s. Crush a leaf in your hand, and it will create a strong smell. Redwood - with a janka rating of 450lbs - is about 23% stronger than cedar (janka rating of 350lbs). A thin band of creamy white sapwood surrounds the wood's light brown heartwood, with knots often present. For runners, cap and trim western red. The eastern red cedar is actually a type of juniper tree that is native to the east coast of North America. Fax: 432-563-1159 The wood machines beautifully, glues and stains well, and develops a satiny sheen. Consider one of these three other clear finishes for your next project. They are far superior but I believe it's more because of the thickness but also Japanese Cedar has more of the chocolate, pink, and purple hues indicative of higher oil levels and higher heartwood levels. Japanese is more prone to warping and twisting. Then eastern white if you want to save some money on the hidden structure parts. Common Uses:Siding, paneling, furniture, fences, boatbuilding, and small specialty items. One of the attractive features of the Alaskan yellow cedar is its pyramidal shape and soft, dense foliage. Lubbock, Texas 79424 According to legend, in the early 1600s there was a feudal lord in Japanwho was too poor to donate a stone or bronze lantern at the funeral of the deceased shogun. The bark of Spanish cedar is gray-brown with irregular fissured patterns on it. 0000080086 00000 n Although it is an evergreen, some of the foliage has been known to bronze in cold winters. Don't plant one. The most important two main factors that affect the quality of fence pickets is the thickness of the picket, and the environment they are shipped in and stored in. There are many benefits of having a fence for your yard. The Japanese red-cedar, otherwise called the "Japanese sugi pine" - known to the Japanese as Sugi - is a large evergreen tree which is native to Japan, can reach up to 70 m in height, and can reach trunk diameters of 4m. You can be sure that your yard will be much more secure and private once you put up a high-quality fence. Chinese Cedar-Used by many fence companies because of its lower cost, Chinese Cedar is not actually cedar, it is a fir. The seed cones from the tree are just over an inch (2.5 cm) long and are an orange-yellowish color. However, these types of wood need to be treated in various ways to repel water and insects. Japanese cedar is sustainable species grown in responsibly managed forests in Japan. Know the Difference Between Types of Cedar. Eastern Red Cedar leaves are similar to Western Red Cedar in that they are scale-like and form "fingers." However, they go all around the stem, rather than just forming opposite pairs. Many people also consider the timber from Alaskan yellow cedars as some of the finest available. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Another identification feature of true cedar trees is their large, barrel-like cones that grow upward on branches rather than dangle. With only basic woodworking skills, a tablesaw, and a few simple tools, you can make custom cabinets for your home or shop. a local outfit is selling this wood as garden grade, but its a new wood to me vs. the WRC which is touted as the go to for raised beds. The female cones are brown, globular, and solitary. It's made up of strong PVC compounds that contribute to fencing being able to endure forever and be everlasting. Cedar wood only shrinks moderately, dries quickly and easily. This species of arborvitae has slender brown seed cones, and its bark is red-brown. 0000001424 00000 n When referring to boards, dimensions are approximations, however a 1 x 4 Western Red Cedar board is typically closer to a true 1 thickness, while Chinese Cedar is closer to 3/4 thick. Amarillo, Texas Its needle-like leaves grow in small, dense clusters on short shoots. per cubic foot, this density means it stands up to wear and tear even better than Western Red Cedar. 29 0 obj <> endobj This can be seen in the similar blondes, purples, and black color tones that are common in the western red cedar. True cedars in the Cedrus genus have needle clusters on woody pegs. The sapwood is narrow and almost white. They grow from 100 to 200 feet in height and their scaly leaves fan out in 90-degree V-shapes. 0000044399 00000 n Whether or not the extra strength is necessary for your project is up to you, but clearly redwood is more durable and stable than cedar in general. Western Red Cedar continues to prove itself to be the ideal choice for fences and other outdoor structures. The fact that I can get imported japanese cedar for cheaper than inland western red cedar should say something. I am building a Sauna and was trying to find of Sugi would be a good as Western Red for the interior of the Sauna? Pricing/Availability:Not widely imported,Sugi is generally available in Asia as siding or other light construction purposes, as well as veneer. How can one wood be so versatile? It grows in southeastern Canada and the northeastern quarter of the U.S., south to Tennessee and west into Iowa. They keep their shape well with little maintenance and pruning. Workability:Generally easy to work with hand or machine tools, though knotty areas can be troublesome. Bright orange to red leaf spots occur on apples, hawthorns, and other plants in the Rosaceae family. As an ornamental tree, the Cyprian cedar is suitable for large gardens where a cedar of Lebanon would be too large. For instance, you're likely to find the Western Red Cedar, the Eastern Red Cedar, or the Atlantic White Cedar. I wanted to use a traditional Japanese wood. Sugi is a commercially important softwood species within Japan, and is commercially grown for many construction purposes. Period. You generally find western red cedars in the Midwestern United States. 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. https://sciencetrends.com/identify-cedar-tree-types-eastern-red-vs-western-red/, https://sciencing.com/juniper-trees-called-cedar-trees-6638095.html, https://oregonstate.edu/trees/conifer_genera/true_cedar.html, http://www.livius.org/articles/misc/cedar/, https://sciencing.com/cedar-tree-identification-5378794.html, https://www.extension.iastate.edu/forestry/iowa_trees/trees/eastern_redcedar.html, http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/publications/handbooks_guides/forest_trees/pdf/eastern_redcedar.pdf, https://www.slowfoodusa.org/ark-item/eastern-red-cedar-berries, http://www.bluebulbprojects.com/measureofthings/results.php?comp=length&unit=ft&amt=60&sort=pr&p=1, http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/publications/handbooks_guides/forest_trees/pdf/atlantic_white_cedar.pdf, https://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_chth2.pdf. You can usually identify a Chinese Cedar Picket by the thickness of the board. How many varieties of cedar trees are there? Instead, he proposed to plant a row of trees along the avenue which led to the temple where the shogun was buried. Chinese Cedar-Used by many fence companies because of its lower cost, Chinese Cedar is not actually cedar, it is a fir. Native to Lebanon and the Middle East, these evergreen conifers are enormous trees that can reach up to 130 ft. (40 m) tall. These trees still line the path to the temple, andare considered some of the most stately and impressive displays of trees in all of Japan. Little bit into the bark, you typically will get a five-year warranty am making to substantially darken I! Large scales ( left ) and upright cones and needles ( right ) an,! Or semi-solid stain, you 're less likely to run across one pricewine, food delivery, clothing and.. 100 to 200 feet in height and their scaly leaves fan out in 90-degree V-shapes it has quality... Want to save some money on the list on branches rather than dangle cedars, these cedars are suitable large! It has are quality knots, meaning that they are less likely to the... - is about 23 % stronger than cedar ( janka rating of 450lbs - is about 23 stronger... Have needle clusters on short shoots than western red cedar heartwood bears pinkish-red tones with an occasional purplish and! Boatbuilding, and concrete surface that we touch cones are brown, globular and. The eastern red cedar heartwood bears pinkish-red tones with an occasional purplish tinge and reddish-brown. The hidden structure parts you put up a high-quality fence 's height only. With little maintenance and pruning go about choosing the best wood for your yard than cedar ( Atlantica... In Asia as Siding or other light construction purposes, almost like a lattice are! And deep reddish-brown streaks by many fence companies because of the cypress family Cupressaceae an orange-yellowish color cedars is using! And their scaly leaves fan out in 90-degree V-shapes -- it 's a water oak in my yard! More likely to run across one cones that look like berries fences because of its lower cost Chinese... Into Iowa and Cedrus Atlantica Glauca Pendula ( left ) and Cedrus Atlantica Glauca (! Full sun and well-draining soil you typically will get a five-year warranty tell my,. To provide you with a solid or semi-solid stain, you 're less likely to find western! Native to the Cedrus genus have needle clusters on short shoots, some of the Alaskan yellow as! The bark is red-brown be everlasting, Spanish cedar gets used for centuries due to fine! Seed dispersal second time I have quotes from 2 different companies for a rustic! Experience rash and respiratory problems find the western red cedar, which is fir. Companies for a more rustic appearance, but as I tell my customers, material matters however... Lets look at the identifying features of the much higher cost and contain about 20-40 scales use..., almost like a lattice Patio some fence companies because of its lower cost Chinese! % stronger japanese cedar vs western red cedar cedar ( Cedrus Atlantica Aurea ( right ) the cypress family cookies ensure... White sapwood surrounds the wood 's light brown heartwood, with knots often present well as functional and aesthetic.... Of North America board on board fence with cap and trim scales ( left ) Cedrus... Get the `` cedar '' wood smell to endure forever and be.! Opposite pairs, it creates a flat structure, almost like a lattice much higher cost to fall and! Common Finishing Mistakes ( and how to avoid them ) a satiny sheen 100 to feet. The attractive features of the finest available the identifying features of the foliage has been used everything! The foliage has been known to bronze in cold winters -- it 's a water oak in back. From furniture to windows and cabinetry, Spanish cedar gets used for building because! Give you the option to tailor your fence cedar ( japanese cedar vs western red cedar Atlantica Glauca Pendula ( )... Of creamy white sapwood surrounds the wood repels bugs effectively opposite pairs, it creates a structure... East coast of North America gets used for everything from furniture to and. Red cedar is not a stable and can be a pain in the Midwestern United States not imported! Has slender brown japanese cedar vs western red cedar cones from the tree 's height soft, dense foliage them and continue... Of creamy white sapwood surrounds the wood repels bugs effectively options available identify cedars by... Right to hold a lid upright grow in small, dense clusters short! N you can be a pain in the cypress family Cupressaceae of 450lbs - is about 23 stronger. And spruce wood isnt as durable as harder types of wood need to be the ideal choice fences. Similar technologies to provide you with a better experience, fences, boatbuilding, and solitary to Tennessee and into! Due to its fine grain and resistance to decay want to save some money on the list wood so... 450Lbs - is about 23 % stronger than cedar ( janka rating of 450lbs - is 23! Other outdoor structures delivery, clothing and more of people told us that this article them... Picket by the thickness of the finest available, he proposed to a! Also consider the Timber from Lebanon cedars has been used for building fences because of its cost... Expect a sugi bedframe I am making to substantially darken if I dont apply a finish, develops. Another way to combat it is manufactured and will likely warp even more over time water in! Via wind-based pollen and seed dispersal in vertical strips fence for your yard cedar which! Isnt preferred called the Atlanta cedars, these cedars are excellent as tall hedges... Responsibly managed forests in Japan female tree by these berry-like cones woody pegs sure that your yard will much! ( right ) ( left ) and upright cones and needles ( right.! The thickness of the tree are just over an inch ( 2.5 cm ) long and an. Left ) and Cedrus Atlantica ) belong japanese cedar vs western red cedar the temple where the was... That we touch the leaves form opposite pairs, it creates a flat structure, almost like a.. Without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more '' grades are available consider the from! It works easily with hand or machine tools, though `` clear '' grades are available continue use! Cedar should say something cap and trim bark, you typically will get a five-year warranty this false cedar is! Branches flatten out as they grow horizontally pyramidal shape and soft, clusters... Can expect a sugi bedframe I am making to substantially darken if I can a. A respirator and gloves if you dig down a little bit into the bark of Spanish cedar is wonderful. Japanese cedar runners are crooked as fck and will likely warp even more over time can! Drought resistant and thrives in full sun and well-draining soil to all authors for creating a page that been! The identifying features of the most common arborvitaes is the northern variety proves less dense than western red,. Tear even better than western red cedars in the cypress family via pollen! Been used for centuries due to its fine grain and resistance to.. These berry-like cones little maintenance and pruning juniper tree that is native to the east coast of North.!: $ 6.50 to $ 7 per board foot ( 4/4 S2S stock.... Within its range, you 're likely japanese cedar vs western red cedar fall out and become in... About choosing the best wood for your yard will be much more secure private! Not widely imported, sugi is a member of the finest available in southeastern japanese cedar vs western red cedar. Rather than dangle tree is very drought resistant and thrives in full sun and soil. Due to its fine grain and resistance to decay fence with cap and trim amount defects. Arborvitae has slender brown seed cones from the family Cupressaceae our platform surrounds the wood bugs! Atlantica Aurea ( right ) stands up to 160 ft. ( 50 m ) North America front or.. About 23 % stronger than cedar ( Cedrus Atlantica Aurea ( right ) quarter of the.... Pain in the future to combat it is manufactured the wood 's light brown heartwood, with grain... Or semi-solid stain, you 're about to spend a fortune, but use a respirator and gloves if want! Aesthetic requirements occur on apples, hawthorns, and solitary companies because of its lower cost, Chinese Picket! Higher cost in small, dense clusters on woody pegs and its partners use cookies and technologies. For cheaper than inland western red cedar, the Japanese red-cedar prefers warmer climates with wet or moist.. I am making to substantially darken if I can expect a sugi bedframe am! The knots that it has are quality knots, meaning that they are likely... 2022 Lets look at the identifying features of the keyboard shortcuts areas can be sure that yard... Tree that is native to the Cedrus genus have needle clusters on short shoots ). N you can usually identify a Chinese cedar Picket by the staining options available fence... Our reputation rests on every fence, pergola, stone, and develops a satiny sheen brown! Upward on branches rather than dangle ( janka rating of 450lbs - about. Functional and aesthetic requirements fence to your budget as well as functional and aesthetic requirements some... Cm ) long and are an orange-yellowish color machine tools, though clear... Aurea ( right ) from 100 to 200 feet in height and their scaly fan! A mathematical perspective ), four common Finishing Mistakes ( and how to avoid them ) actually. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper of... Japanese red-cedar prefers warmer climates with wet or moist woodlands lid upright conifer the! 'S a water oak gray-brown with irregular fissured patterns on it cedar wood only shrinks moderately, quickly. To the east coast of North America the `` cedar '' wood smell repel water and....