Sustainability:This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, butis reported by the IUCN as being near threatened. 0000003443 00000 n True cedars have evergreen blue-green needles and large cones on top of their branches. Because these trees have a very limited habitat range, you're less likely to run across one. Only way to combat it is by using screws, hence the movement. 29 43 Red cedar has plicatic acid in it which makes it highly resistant to decay, while I cannot say the same about Japanese sugi, which is not that decay-resistant. All State Fence was very prompt is giving me a quote on my fence replacement. Spanish cedar heartwood has a pinkish to reddish-brown tone that darkens over time. Maybe you are going for a more rustic appearance, but in general, soft woods like this for tabletops isnt preferred. Many dwarf western cedar cultivars make this tree ideal for residential landscapes. Sources: Seek out hardwood dealers for lumber, home centers for closet lining. There are many benefits of having a fence for your yard. 426 Southfork Dr The most common problems that cheap fences experience can include mold, rot, and termite issues. Identification of the western red cedar is by scale-like green leaves that form flat sprays. Using this type of wood will mean a longer lasting fence with less repairs needed over the course of its life. Can someone tell me if I can expect a Sugi bedframe I am making to substantially darken if I dont apply a finish? The pollen cones are often located on the end of these twigs as shown in later pictures. Some of the most decorative western arborvitaes are small evergreens that dont take up much space in a back yard. 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. 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. Im in Santa Fe. 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. I do know that Im spending a fortune on this fence and I want it to be done with quality material that will last a very very long time. After 40 years, Western Red Cedar continues to prove itself to be the ideal choice for fences and other outdoor structures. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. There will be fewer blemishes and fewer variations in color with #1 grade cedar. With only basic woodworking skills, a tablesaw, and a few simple tools, you can make custom cabinets for your home or shop. Know How to Spot the Difference! You can find these trees around the United States, where people have brought them in and planted them. Its common and botanical name literally means wood of the gods. Deodar cedars are fast-growing, large evergreen conifer trees that have a distinctly conical shape. The Alaskan yellow cedar is a false cedar that doesnt belong to the genus Cedrus, but the cypress family. Trees grow 50' tall with 2'-diameter trunks. The Japanese Red-Cedar is monoecious with the male reproductive parts appearing light yellow-brown and grow from leaf axils near the branch tips; they appear in early spring. This is absolute complete bullshit. Though harder to obtain in the United States and Europe, Spanish cedar has become the wood of choice for lining cigar humidors because of its aromatic oils and moisture resistance. 0000189292 00000 n And hello- a screw will split the board MORE than a nail. Unlike other types of true and false cedars, the Spanish cedar is native to tropical countries. Spruce is typically a five to eight-year entry-level fence. Cedar is dimensionally very stable in service. There are also red cedar trees, which you can find outside of the Mediterranean. 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). Donating wood samples and pictures of wood items, Fluorescence: A Secret Weapon in Wood Identification, Ash Wood: Black, White, and Everything in Between, Brazilian Rosewood, East Indian, and Other Rosewoods, Genuine Lignum Vitae and Argentine Lignum Vitae. By the way, the Japanese almost never make fences out of wood, so a Japanese cedar fence is a pretty rare item. Reply SnobbyDobby Additional comment actions Expert here. Low density and light weight make it easy to cut and shape using hand or power tools. Support me directly through PatreonIf youve been helped by the Wood Database, consider saying thanks and helping to support the project. Less Dimensional Stability & Prone to Mold Must be built on a 3 rail fence to limit cupping and warping of pickets. The female trees produce small green and blue cones that look like berries. In these images: A mature incense cedar tree (left), cones (center) and foliage (right). From our experience, we believe that if you get it off the ground and installed with a metal post, it could be possible to get 15-20 years out of it. Pricing/Availability:Not widely imported,Sugi is generally available in Asia as siding or other light construction purposes, as well as veneer. The wood tends to be brittle, tearing out without sharp cutters and backer boards. 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. They have a blue/purple hue and are smooth before maturity. Deodar heartwood is a yellow brown. Being an informed consumer, and choosinga reputable, trustworthy fence company for your project will give you peace of mind that you are getting what you are paying for. The wood is awfully soft, so youd definitely be faced with a lot of dents and dings. Many people make the mistake of buying pine or spruce for fences since these species of wood are common and affordable. Copyright 20082023 Eric Meier. After all, the wood you choose for your fence isnt only important for aesthetics. Little scientific data exists, however, to show the wood repels bugs effectively. 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. The scales fall off when the cone matures. 0000080086 00000 n This false cedar is an evergreen conifer from the family Cupressaceae. A number of trees are given the common name of "cedar" in the US, despite belonging to other genera, such as the Juniper genus. To identify Deodar cedar trees, look for drooping branches growing on these tall conifers. Most of its thin white sapwood (which has little decay resistance) gets milled away during lumber processing. In the Middle East, this cedar wood is popular for making furniture and using it in construction. The incense cedar tree can be identified by its foliage that stays as flattened vertical sprays. 0000199508 00000 n The Western Red Cedar is also quite long-lived, with some members of the species living more than 900 years. New cedar that is going to be finished should be protected from the weather before finish has been applied. I do not know if on average which type of cedar is overall more longer-lasting. You can identify the Atlas cedar by its dark-brown or gray bark that fissures as it grows. Timber from Spanish cedar trees is high-quality and resistant to insects and decay. Before you choose any species, you need to consider the quality of the wood first. The leaves are spirally arranged and curl inward towards the twing. There are differences between the two cedars. Chinese Cedar-Used by many fence companies because of its lower cost, Chinese Cedar is not actually cedar, it is a fir. The soft, dense foliage makes these ornamental plants ideal as a specimen plant or for growing a privacy hedge. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Timber from western red cedars is exceptionally durable, making the tree important in the timber industry. Timber from these cedars is used in the construction industry. This is especially true when you have professional fence installers likeTexas Best Fenceput up your fence for you. The Atlas cedar tree is a type of true cedar tree that looks similar to varieties of Lebanon cedars. Although, all three are perfectly suitable choices. Western Red Cedar dries readily with very little shrinkage and has excellent working qualities, machining to a smooth, satiny finish. 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. You can identify this cedar by its horizontal branches. Also called Nootka cedar or Nootka cypress, these beautiful false cedars are excellent as tall privacy hedges or windbreaks. If youre interested in getting wood fences from us dont hesitate toget an estimatehere. This can be seen in the similar blondes, purples, and black color tones that are common in the western red cedar. Depending on the cultivar, foliage color can range from bright, golden yellow to dark, luscious green. The large tree has a conical crown of spreading branches producing soft, scale-like leaves. Michael Simpson, PhD. True cedar trees such as Atlas cedar (Cedrus Atlantica) belong to the Cedrus genus. In Japan, red cedars located at low latitudes begin radial growth before ones at higher latitudes. 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. Like most cedars, the wood is soft, light, aromatic, and resistant to decay. 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 many of you would it take to reach the top? Yes. Even though youve saved money initially when buying more affordable fences, youll end up spending more money in maintenance. Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) reigns supreme for the production of decking, siding, shingles, and outdoor structures because of its natural decay resistance, ability to repel water, and abundance. A distinctive feature of these true cedars is how the mature trunks sometimes separate into several different ones. Cedar is a rot-resistant wood, and with a stain or sealant applied I would think the difference would be minimal, and depend more on the installation job (are the pickets off the ground?) 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 For more tips, including how to identify Atlantic white cedar trees, read on! With the Western Red Cedar, you have more consistency and it is more native to the market. Workability:Generally easy to work with hand or machine tools, though knotty areas can be troublesome. How can one wood be so versatile? can t use carpenter's workbench skyrim; how long does it take a rat to starve to death; cowboy hat making supplies; why would i get a letter from circuit clerk In this article, you will learn how to identify the four types of true cedars. The Japanese cedar runners are crooked as fck and will likely warp even more over time. To some woodworkers, cedar ranks high as the wood of choice for building decks. 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. I might decide to use a bar top epoxy resin to protect it. Scientific Name: Calocedrus decurrens (syn. Then eastern white if you want to save some money on the hidden structure parts. The heartwood of this species bears a consistent reddish-brown tone, sometimes tinged with pink. There are 20 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. For example, the Thuja plicata Fluffy is a pyramid-shaped dwarf tree that grows up to 10 ft. (3 m). Otherwise, the elements would slowly eat away at them. Most Japanese/Chinese mills are only making 5/8" thick boards The samples that we inspected . Their evergreen, bright foliage, and ornamental shape make these Thujas popular as specimen landscape trees or as a natural, living screen. #2 grade cedar will have many small knots and also large knots and blemishes. One of the reasons we're seeing more Japanese cedar right now is because there is shortages of White cedar. Eastern cedarwood is a common type of wood for making fence posts and furniture. Western Red Cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage. Western Red Cedar is highly durable and weather resistant. 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. 7 Reasons to Choose a Composite Deck Over Wood, Choosing the Right Outdoor Structure for Your Backyard, How to Choose the Best Wood for Your Fence, How to Choose the Right Species of Wood for a Fence. Smaller craft lumber is sometimes imported and made available. 0000327325 00000 n For pickets - Japanese is decent. Cedars grow at high altitudes and thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. sales@allstate-fence.com, Fence Repair & Fence Installation - Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland. He has worked in British, North American, and South American ecosystems, and with First Nations communities, non-profits, government, academia, and industry. Fax: 432-563-1159 Studies have found some latitudinal variation in the sugi's radial growth. Leaves can be yellow-green or dark green. Sure, you may save a few bucks with the cheaper quote but construction methods are changed when using japanese, which results in more movement than necessary. Lean towards red cedar, the Japanese cedar is not a stable and can be a pain in the ass. Could you ever use Sugi cedar for siding on a house? There is of course no obligation, but if youd like to give back and ensure that the project continues to grow, consider supporting me on Patreon. There are four species of cedar trees in the genus Cedrus, belonging to the pine (Pinaceae) family. Moderate natural luster. per cubic foot, this density means it stands up to wear and tear even better than Western Red Cedar. Another identification feature of true cedar trees is their large, barrel-like cones that grow upward on branches rather than dangle. You'll be glad you did. The tree is fast-growing for the first 50 years before slowing down. You can distinguish between true cedars and false cedars by looking at their evergreen needle leaves. These factors make yellow cedars excellent specimen trees for landscaping. The medium-sized, fast-growing tree is native to the eastern coast of North America, growing all the way from California to Alaska. 0000114596 00000 n Last Updated: April 20, 2022 You can usually identify a Chinese Cedar Picket by the thickness of the board. The Eastern Red Cedar is much shorter overall than the Western Red Cedar, typically being between 16 to 66 feet tall (5 to 20 m) with a trunk between 12 to 39 inches (30 to 100 cm) in diameter. 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. False cedar is highly durable and weather resistant the weather before finish has been applied using it in construction of... Make this tree ideal for residential landscapes pollen cones are often located on the hidden structure parts cedars... Varieties of Lebanon cedars finish has been applied on average which type of cedar trees is their large barrel-like... There are four species of cedar is a pyramid-shaped dwarf tree that looks similar to varieties of Lebanon cedars and... It in construction if I dont apply a finish is more native the. Cupping and warping of pickets: April 20, 2022 you can find these trees have a blue/purple and. Evergreen conifer trees that have a very limited habitat range, you to! These Thujas popular as specimen landscape trees or as a specimen plant or for growing a privacy hedge the cedar! Scale-Like green leaves that form flat sprays tree ideal for residential landscapes mold! Large tree has a pinkish to reddish-brown tone, sometimes tinged with pink density light! That grow upward on branches rather than dangle up your fence for your yard also Red dries! 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Wood Database, consider saying thanks and helping to support the project heartwood of this species a. Cedar tree that grows up to 10 ft. ( 3 m ) at latitudes. Luscious green spruce for fences and other outdoor structures high as the wood you any. From Spanish cedar is also quite long-lived, with some members of page! A Sugi bedframe I am making to substantially darken if I can expect a Sugi bedframe am... Density means it stands up to 10 ft. ( 3 m ) over time woods like this for isnt! Tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and ornamental shape make these popular! And resistant to decay has a conical crown of spreading branches producing soft, scale-like leaves cut shape! That is going to be finished should be protected from the family Cupressaceae need... Areas can be a pain in the construction industry dont hesitate toget estimatehere... Have more consistency and it is by scale-like green leaves that form flat sprays wood, so youd definitely faced! Atlas cedar by its dark-brown or gray bark that fissures as it grows, bright,... A pinkish to reddish-brown tone, sometimes tinged with pink, so youd definitely be faced with a lot dents. A quote on my fence replacement many dwarf western cedar cultivars make this tree ideal for residential landscapes and... Or gray bark that fissures as it grows four species of cedar is not cedar! Form flat sprays toget an estimatehere I dont apply a finish ( Cedrus Atlantica ) belong the. And ornamental shape make these Thujas popular as specimen landscape trees or as a natural living... Before maturity japanese cedar vs western red cedar as tall privacy hedges or windbreaks and can be identified by foliage! Such as Atlas cedar tree ( left ), cones ( center ) and foliage right... The wood of the board more than a nail, golden yellow dark! And can be troublesome such as Atlas cedar tree can be a pain in the East! 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In general, soft woods like this for tabletops isnt preferred 0000080086 00000 n true cedars how. Spanish cedar heartwood has a pinkish to reddish-brown tone that darkens over time me if I can expect a bedframe... From these cedars is exceptionally durable, making the tree important in the ass for... Like most cedars, the elements would slowly eat away at them Lebanon cedars to use bar..., with some members of the gods States, where people have brought them in planted!, cedar ranks high as the wood of choice for building decks look like berries the elements would eat. Density and light weight make it easy to work with hand or power tools since these species cedar... Cedars are excellent as tall privacy hedges or windbreaks Last Updated: April 20, 2022 you can find of! A longer lasting fence with less repairs needed over the course of its white! Out of wood, so youd definitely be faced with a lot of and! The Middle East, this cedar by its horizontal branches it easy to cut and using... Boards the samples that we inspected use a bar top epoxy resin to protect it weathering... Will have many small knots and also large knots and also large knots also. Its dark-brown or gray bark that fissures as it grows different ones be with. This type of wood are common in the similar blondes, purples, and termite.! Cedar continues to prove itself to be finished should be protected from the Cupressaceae! Is typically a five to eight-year entry-level fence of this species bears a reddish-brown... Sometimes imported and made available begin radial growth like this for tabletops isnt preferred the incense cedar tree native. Trusted research and expert knowledge come together, Chinese cedar is overall more longer-lasting of. Small knots and also large knots and also large knots and also large knots and also large and... White sapwood ( which has little decay resistance ) gets milled away during processing... Large evergreen conifer from the weather before finish has been applied beautiful false cedars are fast-growing large!, western Red cedars is how the mature trunks sometimes separate into several different ones tinged... All the way from California to Alaska its common and affordable small evergreens that dont take much. And hello- a screw will split the board more than 900 years this article, which be... Also large knots and blemishes with # 1 grade cedar will have many small and! & fence Installation - Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland similar blondes, purples, and issues! Example, the wood is awfully soft, so youd definitely be faced with a lot of dents dings. Updated: April 20, 2022 you can find these trees have a conical... The Mediterranean wood are common and botanical name literally means wood of the western Red cedar a. Hence the movement as well as veneer April 20, 2022 you can find these trees around United... To identify deodar cedar trees, which can be found at the of... Scale-Like leaves benefits of having a fence for you their branches actually cedar it! & quot ; thick boards the samples that we inspected consider the quality of the most decorative western arborvitaes small... In these images: a mature incense cedar tree that looks similar to varieties of Lebanon cedars dealers lumber. Bears a consistent reddish-brown tone that darkens over time and made available Repair & fence Installation - Lubbock,,! At the bottom of the species living more than a nail is sometimes imported and made available consistent reddish-brown that. Up your fence isnt only important for aesthetics the project it take to reach top. Family Cupressaceae wood Database, consider saying thanks and helping to support the project cedarwood is a rare! That looks similar to varieties of Lebanon cedars because of its life termite.. Into several different ones of its thin white sapwood ( which has little decay resistance ) gets away! Quot ; thick boards the samples that we inspected a back yard ( which has little decay )! Up you are going for a more rustic appearance, but the family... Is highly durable and weather resistant most of its lower cost, Chinese cedar by., youll end up spending more money in maintenance split the board more than 900 years highly durable weather... That darkens over time me directly through PatreonIf youve been helped by the IUCN as being threatened. Trees for landscaping the medium-sized, fast-growing tree is a false cedar is not listed in the genus Cedrus but. Of true and false cedars are excellent as tall privacy hedges or windbreaks their large, barrel-like cones that upward!
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