japanese cedar vs western red cedar

In these pictures: Cedrus Atlantica Glauca Pendula (left) and Cedrus Atlantica Aurea (right). Japanese cedar is sustainable species grown in responsibly managed forests in Japan. 0000003443 00000 n Lean towards red cedar, the Japanese cedar is not a stable and can be a pain in the ass. Most Japanese/Chinese mills are only making 5/8" thick boards The samples that we inspected . Price: $3.50 per board foot (4/4, S2S stock). Immature incense cedar trees have orange-brown bark before turning gray and fissured. It is a pyramidal and sometimes irregular evergreen conifer with tiered horizontal branching. Thanks Eric. This tree is cultivated for its timber, which is why it has been deemed economically productive. Amarillo, Texas Western red you can slam a 16 penny nail in and no splits. If you have a faade siding or interior wall siding project, and you love the beautiful and naturally durable, go with Western Red Cedar. 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. 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. Cyprian cedar has grayish-brown bark that fissures as the tree matures. This type of conifer tree gets its name from the Atlas mountain of Morocco. 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. The type of wood you choose also has a lot to do with the durability of your fence. Leaves can be yellow-green or dark green. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). X 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. Prices for instrument-grade wood run much higher. 0000001156 00000 n 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 . By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. But what about the species of wood? Thanks for any help Ali. The seed cones from the tree are just over an inch (2.5 cm) long and are an orange-yellowish color. Leaves can be yellow-green or dark green. Its cones emerge as green before turning to light brown as they mature. Support me directly through PatreonIf youve been helped by the Wood Database, consider saying thanks and helping to support the project. Identification of the western red cedar is by scale-like green leaves that form flat sprays. The bark has been known to be a vital food source for some moth larvae of the genus Endoclita including E. auratus, E. punctimargo and E. undulifer. Smooth and supple as butter, straighter, and they never crack or split or warp like western red cedar. It has little shrinkage. Responds poorly to steam bending. All WFP's LIFESTYLE CEDAR Japanese cedar fencing products are kiln-dried, making them . Phone: 806-799-3729 Prices are in the mid range for an imported softwood. The Alaskan yellow cedar is a false cedar that doesnt belong to the genus Cedrus, but the cypress family. These facts make the lumber valuable in the construction industry, where resistance to termites and rot is crucial. 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?) Cedars are evergreen trees that can be identified by their needles, cones and bark. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Mahalo, Opi and Satu. In Japan, red cedars located at low latitudes begin radial growth before ones at higher latitudes. $4 to $6 per board foot (clear 4/4 S2S stock). 0000003258 00000 n Can say for the western red cedar, but there is no category in the Sugi here in Japan. Notice the cupping even before it's installed. They have a blue/purple hue and are smooth before maturity. Some Fence Companies Might Try To Increase Their Profit By Using Inferior Wood. There are also red cedar trees, which you can find outside of the Mediterranean. Any cedar for the interior wood be a good choice. The Japanese cedar runners are crooked as fck and will likely warp even more over time. 0000188507 00000 n 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. Know the Difference Between Types of Cedar. 0000327325 00000 n This false cedar is an evergreen conifer from the family Cupressaceae. hb`````9 @16@~O20d(zCeDJw4 $q5"J One of the attractive features of the Alaskan yellow cedar is its pyramidal shape and soft, dense foliage. Chinese "cedar" is actually fir! Its ability to resist decay and weathering is inferior to Western Red Cedar making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures. Im finding very little about it online. Yes. Scientific Name: Calocedrus decurrens (syn. 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. 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. This cedar (Thuja occidentalis) is sometimes called "arbor vitae" (tree of life). Probably going to depend on the lumber quality itself. 0000189292 00000 n The soft, dense foliage makes these ornamental plants ideal as a specimen plant or for growing a privacy hedge. Japanese cedar became popular in 2020 when WRC became difficult to acquire. <<7AB6FFACB46CC341A74CC5BEA63AE7FA>]/Prev 884225>> 0000442052 00000 n However, the pickets are thinner and less sturdy than Western Red Cedar, and have a tendency to split or break during installation. Color/Appearance:Heartwood is typically reddish brown. Press J to jump to the feed. It works well. Western Red Cedar, and Japanese Cedar can be allowed to weather naturally to a silvery grey look, or a range of stains and coatings can be applied to ensure maximum performance. We strive to be a company that exhibits unparalleled professionalism, quality workmanship, and outstanding results. Lewisville, Texas 75057 It is believed that the Japanese Cedar has a lot of the same properties of Western Red Cedar. Sources: Tough to locate outside its range; within the range, check lumber dealers and local sawmills. Incense Cedar (Caldocedrus decurrens) Common Name (s): Incense Cedar, California White Cedar. Know How to Spot the Difference. The common names of these cypress trees are confusing as they share them with species of junipers. Are Rosewoods (and Bubinga) really banned by CITES? 0 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. Good Luck. Twenty-first century Seattle contains many large specimens . As mentioned before, choosing the right species of wood for a fence goes beyond aesthetics alone. This species of arborvitae has slender brown seed cones, and its bark is red-brown. 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. A number of trees are given the common name of "cedar" in the US, despite belonging to other genera, such as the Juniper genus. Saturday 8:00 AM 1:00 PM. Will be prone to cupping and warping. Ironwood Tree: Facts, Leaves, Flowers, Bark (Pictures) - Identification and Care, Types of Redbud Trees: Eastern, Western, Chinese, and More (Pictures), Dwarf Japanese Maples (Including Weeping): Types, Leaves (With Pictures) Identification, Wisteria Trees (Including Blue Chinese Wisteria Tree) - Pictures and Care, Types of Cedar Trees with Identification Guide (Pictures, and Name) Including False Cedar Trees, Types of Spruce Trees and Shrubs With Identification Guide, Types of Fir Trees with Identification Guide and Pictures, Types of Pine Trees with Identification Guide and Pictures. Most people refer to this wood as "aromatic cedar" because of its pungent natural oils, and use it to line closets and hope chests to ward off insects. It's an inferior product. Most fence suppliers in North Texas do not offer Pre-Stained #1 grade Western Red Cedar pickets. As a guide, 60 feet (18m) is about the length of a bowling lane. Bright orange to red leaf spots occur on apples, hawthorns, and other plants in the Rosaceae family. 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. This is the second time I have used them and will continue to use them in the future. WRC is still the dominant cedar in the U.S. for fencing. The scales fall off when the cone matures. 0000001487 00000 n per cubic foot, this density means it stands up to wear and tear even better than Western Red Cedar. Glues, stains, and finishes well. 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. Price: $1 to $3 per linear foot in dimensional sizes. Phone: 432-563-1111 Many people also consider the timber from Alaskan yellow cedars as some of the finest available. They grow from 100 to 200 feet in height and their scaly leaves fan out in 90-degree V-shapes. Most pollen cones are longer than their subtending leaf and have 20-30 cone scales, each bearing 2-5 seeds. They are a monoecious species which reproduce via wind-based pollen and seed dispersal. Unlike the eastern red cedar, the western red cedar is a massive type of tree, reaching up to 230 ft. (70 m) tall. Look for horizontal branches growing on a multi-stemmed tree. In some growing conditions, the eastern red cedar never grows taller than a small shrub-like evergreen tree. Q.: To help you estimate the height, think about your own height. This member of the cypress family grows from southern Alaska through northern California and in the Rocky Mountains. Cedar trees are large evergreen conifers that have needle-like leaves that are arranged spirally on scented woody branches. Wood is graded for clearness and amount of defects after it is manufactured. They actually are LESS brittle than the western red cedar and tend to accept fasteners BETTER than western red cedar. 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. I had a similar question- is this reliable material for fencing compared to western red cedar and are most japanese cedar fences similar or are there different levels of quality within the japanese cedar wood? Let's build something incredible together. For smaller spaces choose dwarf cultivars such as Juniperus virginiana Skyrocket and Juniperus virginiana Brodie.. The sapwood is almost white, and knots are often present throughout the wood. 0000153101 00000 n This relative of mahoganies can grow to 100' tall. This can be seen in the similar blondes, purples, and black color tones that are common in the western red cedar. This species of cypress can be identified by its soft green, feathery foliage and drooping branches. 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. These faux cedars grow up to 130 ft. (40 m). Typically western red is the better quality material to use. trailer woodmagazine.com/blanketchest $, Construct a made-in-the-shade cedar tree bench for your backyard. The last wood material is the builder-grade option, which is the spruce. Also called the Atlanta cedars, these cedars are suitable for planting in large backyards. 12116 Slide RoadLubbock, Texas 79424Phone: 806-799-3729Fax: 806-783-8632Email: sales@allstate-fence.com, I-27 & Rockwell Rd.Amarillo, TexasPhone: 806-655-5700Fax: 806-655-5802Email: sales@allstate-fence.com, 10200 Highway 191Midland, Texas 79707Phone: 432-563-1111Fax: 432-563-1159Email: sales@allstate-fence.com, I-27 & Rockwell Rd. You can tell if you are looking at a yellow cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis), red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), or western red cedar (Thuja plicata) and not at a pine tree because these species dont have needles like pine or spruce trees. The wood tends to be brittle, tearing out without sharp cutters and backer boards. If you dig down a little bit into the bark, you'll get the "cedar" wood smell. Its ability to resist decay and weathering is inferior to Western Red Cedar making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures. Heres how. 0000221763 00000 n Consider one of these three other clear finishes for your next project. Native to Lebanon and the Middle East, these evergreen conifers are enormous trees that can reach up to 130 ft. (40 m) tall. Another way to identify cedars is by their enormous heightgrowing up to 160 ft. (50 m). Atlas cedar identification is by the glaucous bluish-green clumps of needles growing on aromatic stems. You can distinguish between true cedars and false cedars by looking at their evergreen needle leaves. Low density and light weight make it easy to cut and shape using hand or power tools. New cedar that is going to be finished should be protected from the weather before finish has been applied. You generally find western red cedars in the Midwestern United States. Eastern cedarwood is a common type of wood for making fence posts and furniture. Depending on the cultivar, foliage color can range from bright, golden yellow to dark, luscious green. 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. 0000003556 00000 n They keep their shape well with little maintenance and pruning. It serves as the national tree of Japan and is often planted around shrines and temples. 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. Texture is fine but uneven due to the prominent growth rings. 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. ETA: if you are in the desert, there are beautiful options other than cedar with your budget that arent suitable for most of the rest of us. Don't plant one. Japanese Cedar When you choose cedar as a fencing material, you expect strength to be a top benefit. Q.: How long do cedar fence panels last? In its native habitat of Cyprus, the Cyprian cedar tree grows up to about 80 ft. (24 m) tall. You can be sure that your yard will be much more secure and private once you put up a high-quality fence. All Rights Reserved. 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. Lebanon cedars bark is gray-brown and smooth before becoming rough as it matures. One of the reasons we're seeing more Japanese cedar right now is because there is shortages of White cedar. What do you like in the desert. They form long finger-like extensions that make the "V"s. Crush a leaf in your hand, and it will create a strong smell. And some woodworkers report rash and respiratory problems. Also, if you're toe nailing on fences, you have no idea how to properly install a long lasting high quality fence- take that shit back to framing homes with SPF (spruce-pine-fur for anyone not in construction). To identify Deodar cedar trees, look for drooping branches growing on these tall conifers. 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. Timber from Spanish cedar trees is high-quality and resistant to insects and decay. 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. Construction or premium grade wood is the best kind of wood you can buy, though it is also some of the most expensive. Registered Professional Biologist. 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. For example, western red cedars have a reddish hue to their bark and cones, which gives them their name. Though the trees are extensively (and sustainably) grown on plantations, the natural stands where the tree grows are fragmented and small, and not easily distinguished from the plantations which grow the same species. There are only four recognised species of true cedar, all in the genus Cedrus. Libocedrus decurrens) Distribution: Western North America (primarily California) Tree Size: 65-100 ft (20-30 m) tall, 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) trunk diameter. The wood from Deodar cedars is prized for its durability and attractive grain. Western Red Cedar continues to prove itself to be the ideal choice for fences and other outdoor structures. 0000001424 00000 n Also unlike most softwoods, Yellow Cedar's density across single growth rings is quite uniform, making it a good species for carving and woodworking. How do different wood species differ when being used for fences? Would Sugi Pine be a good choice for this project t? Sources: Find knotty grades in dimensional sizes at home centers and lumber yards; clear grades at hardwood dealers. Who Wins? In confined spaces, the resins in eastern red cedar can cause finishing problems, as they inhibit proper hardening of oil finishes. Its natural oils are insect and decay resistant, and left in its natural state it remains beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. Even though youve saved money initially when buying more affordable fences, youll end up spending more money in maintenance. How many varieties of cedar trees are there? The incense cedar is another false cedar in the cypress family Cupressaceae. The Japanese Red-Cedar is an irregular evergreen conifer with tiered horizontal branching. 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. The Japanese Cedar was introduced in 2021 as a pandemic alternative to be able to get fences installed right away. 0000188965 00000 n Although it is an evergreen, some of . Sustainability:This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, butis reported by the IUCN as being near threatened. 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. True cedar trees such as Atlas cedar (Cedrus Atlantica) belong to the Cedrus genus. Also, it's often one of the first trees to return to an area that's suffered damage, such as wildfire. The Japanese cedar runners are crooked as fck and will likely warp even more over time. 0000290351 00000 n Allergies/Toxicity:Sugi sawdust has been reported to cause unspecified allergic reactions. Sources: Luthier's supply companies, specialty hardwood dealers. At 29 lbs. This growth habit makes this cedar species a highly ornamental, attractive tree. 0000002094 00000 n The Atlas cedar tree is a type of true cedar tree that looks similar to varieties of Lebanon cedars. There are many species of conifers that have the common name cedar but are not true cedars. 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. Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. Normally red cedar will of being my choice but since using Japanese cedar for last year and a half on jobs I noticed theres less shrinkage between boards and lets go in with the board and batten style or shrink it doesnt matter. The eastern red cedar is actually a type of juniper tree that is native to the east coast of North America. Interestingly, after growth onset, the time at which growth stopped was independent of latitude. Northern white cedar resists decay and insect infestation like its western red cousin, making it similarly suitable for outdoor projects, such as shingles, posts, and decking. One company says western red is the best and the other says Japanese cedar is grade 1 and the best. Expert Interview. Many dwarf western cedar cultivars make this tree ideal for residential landscapes. Or, there is the fast-growing Green Giant arborvitae that has a conical shape and grows up to 60 ft. (18 m). @ k>262780/t05E'i[hhd0`pZja-\S?9i>PA:F _ * 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. 0000237930 00000 n Expert here. The cones mature in the fall, and turn a reddish brown with small scales. One of the most common arborvitaes is the northern white cedar, which is a member of the cypress family. Cedar wood only shrinks moderately, dries quickly and easily. Alaskan yellow cedar can be identified by its droopy branches, small cones and grayish brown bark. I own and operate a fence company and have installed TENS OF THOUSANDS of Japanese Cedar pickets, 2x4's, and 2x6's. The Deodar cedar tree is also named Himalayan cedar due to its native habitat. 0000004086 00000 n There are several types of cedar trees, but true cedars are usually found in the Mediterranean, like Northern Africa, Turkey, Northern India, and Cyprus. woodmagazine.com/treebenchplan $. 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. The female cones are brown, globular, and solitary. ), You can help support the site by buying one of these resources, designed and published by The Wood Database. Deodar heartwood is a yellow brown. Cedar however, makes the guitar sound darker, warmer and generally fuller. They are in the same family as pines, so you will get a clue that you are looking at a true cedar from the pine-like needles. Which hand planes should a power-tool woodworker buy first? Did you know that abouthalf of all yardsin America have fences? And hello- a screw will split the board MORE than a nail. 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. Its scientific namebrevifoliameans small foliage and refers to the short needles and compact growth of this sun-loving cedar. Wondering how this wood compares to WRC for a raised garden bed? The difference in cost usually means a difference in quality. 0000044399 00000 n To determine the hardness of redwood and cedar, we are using the janka hardness test. See my page on donating wood samples for more info. Unlike other types of true and false cedars, the Spanish cedar is native to tropical countries. To some woodworkers, cedar ranks high as the wood of choice for building decks. The large woody, barrel-shaped cones grow up to 5 (13 cm) long and 2.4 (6 cm) wide. We are professionals who know exactly how to install fences so they will stick around for a long time to come. Our wood grades give you the option to tailor your fence to your budget as well as functional and aesthetic requirements. If you're looking for true cedars in the United States, you're not likely to find them, as they are mainly found in the Mediterranean. 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. Many gardeners consider eastern white cedars as the easiest-to-grow conifers for front or backyards. Comments:Sometimes called Japanese Cedar, the wood is in theCupressaceae family, which includes many cedar-like species. Thuja heartwood is generally a pinkish salmon to red colour but can also be chocolate brown. Before you choose any species, you need to consider the quality of the wood first. Common Uses: Siding, paneling, furniture, fences, boatbuilding, and small specialty items. A Sub-Reddit dedicating to fences & barriers; showing your labor, sharing your wisdom, pretty pictures and learning from others. Chinese Cedar Here is an example of a product being misnamed. Im not sure who to believe. Although, all three are perfectly suitable choices. 0000188631 00000 n Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) is a majestic conifer (a "cone-bearing" tree that has needlelike or scalelike foliage, usually evergreen) - and, I believe, the Pacific Northwest's most important native tree.Because of its many uses and resistance to rot, it was called the "tree of life" by the native peoples of its range. Cedars grow at high altitudes and thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. These trees include varieties of juniper and cypress trees. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Identify-Cedar-Trees-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Cedar-Trees-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Identify-Cedar-Trees-Step-1.jpg\/aid10122095-v4-728px-Identify-Cedar-Trees-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"