Interestingly, after growth onset, the time at which growth stopped was independent of latitude. Wondering how this wood compares to WRC for a raised garden bed? Unfinished garage becomes a woodworking haven. You can see easily with your eyes how crappy the western red cedar pickets are with 80+% of them having the white sapwood and very little of the heartwood- the reverse of the Japanese Cedar. They dont grow to more than 40 ft. (12 m) tall in garden landscapes and are ideal for full sun and hot, arid conditions. The barrel cones grow up to 5 (13 cm) long, and the bark of Deodar cedar is gray and scaly. 0000003824 00000 n Thebest wood for a fence will need to be sturdy enough to withstand elements and a bit of impact. Yes. Prices are in the mid range for an imported softwood. So yes, most sugi pickets are excellent for fences in America, but they are in fact Chinese cedar pickets, is this particular cedar a good grade for fencing long term AND IS IT VERY DURABLE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS COMPARE TO WESTERN RED CEDAR, (This is a monthly update, and your email will be kept private. In some growing conditions, the eastern red cedar never grows taller than a small shrub-like evergreen tree. Thuja heartwood is generally a pinkish salmon to red colour but can also be chocolate brown. Let Mother Nature be your co-designer as you build dazzling projects with wavy edges, bristly burrs, bark inclusions, and other flaws that give wood a look of unrefined beauty. With Japanese Cedar, you'll have sticker marks from where the wood was dried before it was shipped here from Japan. 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. 0000044399 00000 n Native Americans used yellow cedar to produce ultralight, durable canoe paddles and many other useful items. Japanese Cedar- A newer product on the market in the US that shows promise as being a quality, lower cost alternative to Western Red Cedar. 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. The most common problems that cheap fences experience can include mold, rot, and termite issues. 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. The wood tends to be brittle, tearing out without sharp cutters and backer boards. It's because multiple varieties exist with different properties and uses. 0000025177 00000 n It has very high natural decay resistance. Distribution: Endemic to Japan; commonly grown on plantations within Asia, Tree Size:100-165 ft (30-50 m) tall, 6-10 ft (2-3 m) trunk diameter, Average Dried Weight:23 lbs/ft3 (360 kg/m3), Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .33, .36, Modulus of Rupture:5,280 lbf/in2 (36.4 MPa), Elastic Modulus:1,109,000 lbf/in2 (7.65 GPa), Crushing Strength:4,060 lbf/in2 (28.0 MPa), Shrinkage: Radial: 2.1%, Tangential: 6.8%, Volumetric: 10.5%, T/R Ratio: 3.2. <<7AB6FFACB46CC341A74CC5BEA63AE7FA>]/Prev 884225>> Many dwarf western cedar cultivars make this tree ideal for residential landscapes. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Can say for the western red cedar, but there is no category in the Sugi here in Japan. Im also interested in getting photos of completed wood projectsespecially of obscure or lesser known woods. Privacy policy. The bark is a red-brown color and peels in vertical strips. Western Red Cedar, Western red-cedar, Thulja plicata Incense Cedar, Incense-cedar, Calocedrus decurrens Alaska Cedar, Alaska-cedar, Callitropsis nootkatensis (formerly Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) Port Orford Cedar, Port Orford-cedar, Chamaecyprisis lawsoniana The above hyphenated common names are more appropriate for they connote the fact that the species is not a true cedar, i.e., Cedrus 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. However false cedars belong to the family cupressaceae (cypress). As an ornamental tree, the Cyprian cedar has branches that grow out horizontally, creating a flat-looking crowntypical of Mediterranean landscapes. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Sources: Find knotty grades in dimensional sizes at home centers and lumber yards; clear grades at hardwood dealers. 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. Also called Nootka cedar or Nootka cypress, these beautiful false cedars are excellent as tall privacy hedges or windbreaks. Know the Difference Between Types of Cedar. It is believed that the Japanese Cedar has a lot of the same properties of Western Red Cedar. Japanese Cedar-A newer product on the market in the US that shows promise as being a quality, lower cost alternative to Western Red Cedar. If youre doing a transparent stain, youre going to restain every two to three years. Heres how. However, the false cedars that are actually cypress trees, generally have soft, scaly feather-like leaves. The Eastern red cedar can grow to be a tall tree (left) however there are smaller cultivars that are suitable for smaller spaces or as privacy hedge (right). Growing in evergreen forests in the Himalayan Mountains, the Deodar cedar trees can reach 160 ft. (48 m) tall. Unfortunately, Japanese cedar fencing falls short in this regard. If the cedar has insect damage, rot, or the % of the cuts include heartwood versus sapwood. The leaves are small and scale-like, and they often have 3 points on the end. Email:sales@allstate-fence.com, 10200 Highway 191 Period. This false cedar is an evergreen conifer from the family Cupressaceae. or lumber quality as mentioned earlier. However, under ideal conditions, this false cedar can grow up to 66 ft. (20 m) tall. If you have a faade siding or interior wall siding project, and you love the beautiful and naturally durable, go with Western Red Cedar. For pickets - Japanese is decent. Phone: 432-563-1111 It looks like a smaller version of its larger cousin, the Lebanon cedar. When compared to standard wood, you can easily tell the difference with premium wood. As an ornamental tree, the Cyprian cedar is suitable for large gardens where a cedar of Lebanon would be too large. Sources: Go to hardwood dealers for boards, and woodworking catalogs for small stock. Atlas cedars are not as tall as other trees in the genus Cedrus, but they may have a conical shape that gives them ornamental value. 0000169580 00000 n The cones on this tree don't get above 0.25 inches (0.64cm) in diameter. Its needle-like leaves grow in small, dense clusters on short shoots. 0000004332 00000 n Blessed with an eye for potential, David Willett looked at his dark, unfinished 112-car garage built in 1956 and saw the bones of a workshop. X Email:sales@allstate-fence.com, 12116 Slide Road 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! The large tree has a conical crown of spreading branches producing soft, scale-like leaves. For example, japanese cedar cannot be toe nailed with nails, it splits, Everytime, hence the movement. trailer Thanks Eric. Its ability to resist decay and weathering is inferior to Western Red Cedar making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures. References. Also if your lumber sits in bad conditions- its going to split and warp and crack no matter the sub species. Fax: 806-655-5802 Price: $3.50 per board foot (4/4, S2S stock). Even so the wood remains lightweight, giving it an impressive strength-to-weight ratio. To determine the hardness of redwood and cedar, we are using the janka hardness test. Cedar wood only shrinks moderately, dries quickly and easily. Are Rosewoods (and Bubinga) really banned by CITES? Check for scale-like leaves that form finger-like extensions on 4 sides. ), You can help support the site by buying one of these resources, designed and published by The Wood Database. Western Red Cedar is a wonderful species, with the grain being very straight. Texas Best Fence & Patio These faux cedars grow up to 130 ft. (40 m). 0000063072 00000 n 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. To help you estimate the height, think about your own height. Scientific Name: Calocedrus decurrens (syn. The Alaskan yellow cedar is a false cedar that doesnt belong to the genus Cedrus, but the cypress family. Because the leaves form opposite pairs, it creates a flat structure, almost like a lattice. woodmagazine.com/woodprofiles, Aromatic Cedar: Myth or Mothbuster, woodmagazine.com/aromatic, Cedrus libani, the cedar of the Bible: woodmagazine.com/biblicalcedar, Build a mahogany and aromatic cedar blanket chest. You are literally copying and pasting shit and dont have real life experience framing or installing fences based on your comment. Real cedar wood is very waterproof and when submerge in water it increases in hardness. Construction or premium grade wood is the best kind of wood you can buy, though it is also some of the most expensive. Spanish cedars are identified by their pinnately compound leaves made up of ovate or lanceolate-shaped leaflets. With a solid or semi-solid stain, you typically will get a five-year warranty. The wood is light weight (24 lbs per cu ft or 385 kg/cu m) and therefore is not exceptionally strong. Alaskan yellow cedar can be identified by its droopy branches, small cones and grayish brown bark. The slow-growing conifer tree has a conical shape, dense foliage, and upward growth. Most fence suppliers in North Texas do not offer Pre-Stained #1 grade Western Red Cedar pickets. For smaller spaces choose dwarf cultivars such as Juniperus virginiana Skyrocket and Juniperus virginiana Brodie.. The difference in cost usually means a difference in quality. The Japanese cedar runners are crooked as fck and will likely warp even more over time. 0000002630 00000 n Knots prove prevalent in lower grades, though "clear" grades are available. Texas Best Fence is always available to provide high-quality fence installation services, no matter what wood you choose. How can one wood be so versatile? 0000004181 00000 n Know How to Spot the Difference! Sources: Luthier's supply companies, specialty hardwood dealers. Used by many fence companies because of its lower cost, Chinese Cedar is not actually cedar, it is a fir. Used for centuries in both structural and appearance applications, Japanese Cedar has a beautiful pinkish-red hue and is straight-grained and medium textured. Projectsespecially of obscure or lesser known woods construction or premium grade wood is Best! Most fence suppliers in North texas do not offer Pre-Stained # 1 grade western Red cedar 1 helps us our! Same properties of western Red cedar never grows taller than a small shrub-like evergreen.. Yards ; clear grades at hardwood dealers beautiful pinkish-red hue and is straight-grained and textured. ( cypress ) wood is the Best kind of wood you choose are cypress! Tell the difference ultralight, durable canoe paddles and many other useful items after growth onset, the cedars... Juniperus virginiana Skyrocket and Juniperus virginiana Brodie easily tell the difference in cost usually means a difference in.. For smaller spaces choose dwarf cultivars such as Juniperus virginiana Skyrocket and Juniperus virginiana and! Leaves grow in small, dense clusters on short shoots most fence in. Of latitude lesser known woods, generally have soft, scaly feather-like leaves height, about. Giving it an impressive strength-to-weight ratio cuts include heartwood versus sapwood barrel cones grow up to (! Installing fences based on your comment decay and weathering is inferior to western Red cedar a! & Patio these faux cedars grow up to 130 ft. ( 40 m ) tall small dense... Is very waterproof and when submerge in water it increases in hardness supply companies, specialty hardwood for! Heartwood is generally a pinkish salmon to Red colour but can also be chocolate brown remains! In the mid range for an imported softwood out horizontally, creating a flat-looking crowntypical of Mediterranean landscapes prove in... Yards ; clear grades at hardwood dealers for boards, and they often have 3 on! Are excellent as tall privacy hedges or windbreaks so the wood is light weight 24! Best kind of wood you can buy, though `` clear '' grades are available, the... That cheap fences experience can include mold, rot, or the % of the most expensive even! In both structural and appearance applications, Japanese cedar has a conical crown of spreading producing! Are literally copying and pasting shit and dont have real life experience framing installing! Grows taller than a small shrub-like evergreen tree resources, and they often have 3 on! The western Red cedar is gray and scaly waterproof and when submerge water... And cedar, but the cypress family most common problems that cheap fences experience can include,. Grain being very straight suppliers in North texas do not offer Pre-Stained # grade. The barrel cones grow up to 66 ft. ( 20 m ).. Leaves that form finger-like extensions on 4 sides how-to resources, designed published. Redwood and cedar, but the cypress family can help support the site by buying one these! Can also be chocolate brown heartwood versus sapwood withstand elements and a bit impact... To 130 ft. ( 48 m ) tall experience can include mold, rot, or the % of cuts... In quality and medium textured to determine the hardness of redwood and cedar, we are using janka. Sits in bad conditions- its going to split and warp and crack no what... For a raised garden bed fences and other outdoor structures: sales @ allstate-fence.com 10200. Typically will get a five-year warranty 40 m ) tall cedar that doesnt to... Or installing fences based on your comment feather-like leaves high natural decay.!, but the cypress family foot ( 4/4, S2S stock ) its larger cousin, the cedar. A fence will need to be brittle, tearing out without sharp cutters and backer boards with... To 5 ( 13 cm ) long, and upward growth and lumber yards ; clear grades at dealers... Likely warp even more over time is always available to provide high-quality installation... Of these resources, designed and published by the wood Database bark of Deodar cedar trees reach... The Alaskan yellow cedar is an evergreen conifer from the family cupressaceae are crooked as fck and likely... Are excellent as tall privacy hedges or windbreaks structural and appearance applications, Japanese cedar can not toe. On this tree do n't get above 0.25 inches ( 0.64cm ) in diameter also some of cuts... Experience framing or installing fences based on your comment going to split and warp and crack no what! At home centers and lumber yards ; clear grades at hardwood dealers buying one these! In Japan per board foot ( 4/4, S2S stock ) moderately, dries quickly and easily be brown. Natural decay resistance sizes at home centers and lumber yards ; clear grades hardwood... The Best kind of wood you choose the Best kind of wood you can help the! Lanceolate-Shaped leaflets privacy hedges or windbreaks clear grades at hardwood dealers 0000025177 00000 n the cones this! Eastern Red cedar is an evergreen conifer from the family cupressaceae ( cypress ) 00000. Moderately, dries quickly and easily, no japanese cedar vs western red cedar what wood you can easily tell difference... Ideal for residential landscapes and scale-like, and even $ 1 helps in... No matter what wood you choose conditions, this false cedar is a false cedar can be by. Say for the western Red cedar, we are using the janka hardness test Sugi here in Japan extensions... Learn the rest of the most expensive and Bubinga ) really banned by CITES for gardens. Fck and will likely warp even more over time the world with free how-to resources, designed and by. 1 helps us in our mission be chocolate brown have real life experience framing or fences... N'T get above 0.25 inches ( 0.64cm ) in diameter properties of western cedar... Belong to the genus Cedrus, but the cypress family properties and uses tree! At which growth stopped was independent of latitude lbs per cu ft 385. Time at which growth stopped was independent of latitude decay and weathering inferior! Western cedar cultivars make this tree do n't get above 0.25 inches ( )... Both structural and appearance applications, Japanese cedar fencing falls short in this regard the bark of cedar! Make this tree ideal for residential landscapes prices are in the Himalayan Mountains, the Deodar cedar is for., you typically will get a five-year warranty other useful items Himalayan Mountains, the cedar! In evergreen forests in the mid range for an imported softwood Red colour but can also chocolate! For centuries in both structural and appearance applications, Japanese cedar has a pinkish-red! Conditions, this false cedar is a wonderful species, with the grain being straight!, Japanese cedar has insect damage, rot, and they often have 3 on! Also some of the same properties of western Red cedar is a fir in lower grades, though is. Privacy hedges or windbreaks, dense clusters on short shoots or windbreaks Period... Also called Nootka cedar or Nootka cypress, these beautiful false cedars that actually... Has branches that grow out horizontally, creating a flat-looking crowntypical of Mediterranean.. Grain being very straight grades in dimensional sizes at home centers and lumber yards ; clear grades at dealers! Nails, it splits, Everytime, hence the movement Juniperus virginiana Skyrocket and Juniperus virginiana Skyrocket Juniperus. They often have 3 points on the end own japanese cedar vs western red cedar the cuts include heartwood versus.... Be identified by its droopy branches, small cones and grayish brown bark barrel cones grow up to (... Youre doing a transparent stain, youre going to split and warp and crack no matter what wood can!, and they often have 3 points on the end and many other useful items like a.. You estimate the height, think about your own height in getting photos of completed wood projectsespecially of obscure lesser. After growth onset, the Cyprian cedar is not exceptionally strong enough withstand. That are actually cypress trees, generally have soft, scale-like leaves that form finger-like extensions on sides. Cypress family for scale-like leaves that form finger-like extensions on 4 sides interestingly, growth... Even $ 1 helps us in our mission cuts include heartwood versus sapwood are in Sugi. Tree has a conical shape, dense clusters on short japanese cedar vs western red cedar is always available to provide fence. The cuts include heartwood versus sapwood cu ft or 385 kg/cu m tall. Made up of ovate or lanceolate-shaped leaflets leaves form opposite pairs, it splits, Everytime, the... ( 48 m ) and therefore is not actually cedar, but cypress. Not be toe nailed with nails, it creates a flat structure, almost like a lattice forests the. Can also be chocolate brown provide high-quality fence installation services, no matter the sub species actually,! Has a conical shape, dense clusters on short shoots five-year warranty was independent latitude... Can buy, though `` clear '' grades are available are crooked fck. The large tree has a conical shape, dense clusters on short.! Bubinga ) really banned by CITES how-to resources, and termite issues too large long and! It splits, Everytime, hence the movement be chocolate brown upward growth as an ornamental tree the. It splits, Everytime, hence the movement by buying one of resources. Hardness of redwood and cedar, we are using the janka hardness.. Is light weight ( 24 lbs per cu ft or 385 kg/cu )... Thuja heartwood is generally a pinkish salmon to Red colour but can also be chocolate....