japanese cedar vs western red cedar

Redwood - with a janka rating of 450lbs - is about 23% stronger than cedar (janka rating of 350lbs). Its cones emerge as green before turning to light brown as they mature. Hello! 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. Western Red Cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage. The barrel cones grow up to 5 (13 cm) long, and the bark of Deodar cedar is gray and scaly. I have quotes from 2 different companies for a board on board fence with cap and trim. The large tree has a conical crown of spreading branches producing soft, scale-like leaves. See my page on donating wood samples for more info. The type of wood you choose also has a lot to do with the durability of your fence. It serves as the national tree of Japan and is often planted around shrines and temples. Another identification feature of true cedar trees is their large, barrel-like cones that grow upward on branches rather than dangle. Feature Easily Assembled Usage Garden Fence Type Fence Panels with dog ear Features You Don't . Look for horizontal branches growing on a multi-stemmed tree. Enjoy! Lumber from these cedars is highly resistant to rot and, therefore, has many uses in the timber industry. Native to Lebanon and the Middle East, these evergreen conifers are enormous trees that can reach up to 130 ft. (40 m) tall. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Otherwise, the elements would slowly eat away at them. 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. In these images: A mature incense cedar tree (left), cones (center) and foliage (right). 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? A mature Deodar cedar (left) and Deodar cedar cones and its needle like leaves (right). 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. Cedars have bluish-green needles, growing in groups along woody branches. 0000025177 00000 n 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. Research source In colder climates, incense cedars grow naturally as tall columnar trees. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Overview. If you dig down a little bit into the bark, you'll get the "cedar" wood smell. Also if your lumber sits in bad conditions- its going to split and warp and crack no matter the sub species. The slow-growing conifer tree has a conical shape, dense foliage, and upward growth. For runners, cap and trim western red. 0000442052 00000 n This medium-sized tree grows to between 33 and 98 ft. (10 30 m) tall. 0000044399 00000 n Some of the most decorative western arborvitaes are small evergreens that dont take up much space in a back yard. These trees also have distinctive cones that are small and grow in clusters. Dr. Michael Simpson (Mike) is a Registered Professional Biologist in British Columbia, Canada. 0000063072 00000 n It works easily with hand and power tools, but use a respirator and gloves if you experience rash and respiratory problems. Also, it's often one of the first trees to return to an area that's suffered damage, such as wildfire. Like most cedars, the wood is soft, light, aromatic, and resistant to decay. There are four species of cedar trees in the genus Cedrus, belonging to the pine (Pinaceae) family. It looks like a smaller version of its larger cousin, the Lebanon cedar. 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. For example, some fences might be affordable and might look good while theyre still new, but once you buy them, youll see that problems will arise. Had to see which one was faster, so I made two Spollettes 1" long. Are Rosewoods (and Bubinga) really banned by CITES? I highly recommend them. Rout the recesses right to hold a lid upright. At 29 lbs. 0000003293 00000 n The scales fall off when the cone matures. Im also interested in getting photos of completed wood projectsespecially of obscure or lesser known woods. 0000188384 00000 n Because the leaves form opposite pairs, it creates a flat structure, almost like a lattice. Sources: Luthier's supply companies, specialty hardwood dealers. 0000001487 00000 n Japanese cedar fencing comes in two options: Flat Top and Dog Ear. Any cedar for the interior wood be a good choice. Cyprian Cedar is one of the rarest cedars and it has short needles. Being lightweight, the wood becomes easy to handle and operate. Will be prone to cupping and warping. 0000001156 00000 n Before you choose any species, you need to consider the quality of the wood first. 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. Cyprian cedar has grayish-brown bark that fissures as the tree matures. "Helped me determine whether I have a white oak or water oak in my back yard--it's a water oak. Responds poorly to steam bending. The northern variety proves less dense than western red cedar, contributing to good workability with power and hand tools. For smaller spaces choose dwarf cultivars such as Juniperus virginiana Skyrocket and Juniperus virginiana Brodie.. In this article, you will learn how to identify the four types of true cedars. As mentioned before, choosing the right species of wood for a fence goes beyond aesthetics alone. The large woody, barrel-shaped cones grow up to 5 (13 cm) long and 2.4 (6 cm) wide. Thanks for any help Ali. Many dwarf western cedar cultivars make this tree ideal for residential landscapes. The four types of cedar trees are Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) with dark green foliage, Cyprian cedar (Cedrus brevifolia) with bluish-green needle-leaves, Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara) with bright green needles and moderately large cones, and cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) with its glaucous, bluish-green foliage. All WFP's LIFESTYLE CEDAR Japanese cedar fencing products are kiln-dried, making them . Small, slender cones grow on the western red cedar tree, and it has brown bark with fissures running the length of the trunk. or lumber quality as mentioned earlier. Some fence companies will charge you a higher price for #1 Grade Western Red Cedar, but will install #2 Grade Western Red Cedar instead, or worse, a type of wood that is not Western Red Cedar, in order to make a higher profit while hoping that you wont be able to tell the difference. It has very high natural decay resistance. 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. This is because of how you will either need to spend a lot of money on repairs for your fence, or you might need to get a new fence completely. For more tips, including how to identify Atlantic white cedar trees, read on! I have planted si? 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. Registered Professional Biologist. You can usually identify a Chinese Cedar Picket by the thickness of the board. Good Luck. All State Fence was very prompt is giving me a quote on my fence replacement. 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. Western red you can slam a 16 penny nail in and no splits. xref Common Uses: Siding, paneling, furniture, fences, boatbuilding, and small specialty items. Although, all three are perfectly suitable choices. Smooth and supple as butter, straighter, and they never crack or split or warp like western red cedar. 2. Price: $3.50 per board foot (4/4, S2S stock). This type of conifer tree gets its name from the Atlas mountain of Morocco. Unlike the eastern red cedar, the western red cedar is a massive type of tree, reaching up to 230 ft. (70 m) tall. The last wood material is the builder-grade option, which is the spruce. 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. But contact with the sawdust can cause rashes and respiratory problems. In warmer climates, its significant growth has a spreading nature that provides shade underneath. Clear cedar is not commonly used for building fences because of the much higher cost. Find information about 100+ wood species in our online wood reference. We know our reputation rests on every fence, pergola, stone, and concrete surface that we touch. The pollen cones are often located on the end of these twigs as shown in later pictures. 0000004427 00000 n 0000194090 00000 n However, if you pay for a #1 grade cedar fence, it should NOT look like it has a bad case of chicken pox! They grow to between 130 and 160 feet in height. Would you need to treat first? Spanish cedars are identified by their pinnately compound leaves made up of ovate or lanceolate-shaped leaflets. The aromatic leaves emit a pineapple scent when crushed. This species of cypress can be identified by its soft green, feathery foliage and drooping branches. The heartwood of this species bears a consistent reddish-brown tone, sometimes tinged with pink. Timber from these cedars is used in the construction industry. 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. WRC is still the dominant cedar in the U.S. for fencing. Can say for the western red cedar, but there is no category in the Sugi here in Japan. The wood is awfully soft, so youd definitely be faced with a lot of dents and dings. Builders of lightweight racing boats fashion the wood into sleekly curved hulls. One of the reasons we're seeing more Japanese cedar right now is because there is shortages of White cedar. Phone: 806-655-5700 0000097716 00000 n The female cones are brown, globular, and solitary. True cedars have evergreen blue-green needles and large cones on top of their branches. All Rights Reserved. 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 % of people told us that this article helped them. The specific links on this site are affiliate links (as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases) and help support the site at no extra cost to you. The Japanese cedar or cryptomeria, meaning hidden parts, is a coniferous tree widespread within Japan. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Essential cedar oils are also extracted from the trees resin. For pickets - Japanese is decent. Know How to Spot the Difference! In its native habitat of Cyprus, the Cyprian cedar tree grows up to about 80 ft. (24 m) tall. Leaves can be yellow-green or dark green. Scientific Name: Calocedrus decurrens (syn. We'll slice through the five most common species so you can choose the cedar that best suits your project. Growing in evergreen forests in the Himalayan Mountains, the Deodar cedar trees can reach 160 ft. (48 m) tall. Grain/Texture:Grain is straight; medium, even texture. 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. 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? Twenty-first century Seattle contains many large specimens . The barrel-shaped cones have smooth scales and are shorter than other cedarsyellow before maturing to dark brown. However, the cedar lumber isnt ideal for furniture making. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. How many varieties of cedar trees are there? Northern white cedars grow well in full sun and moist soil. Its ability to resist decay and weathering is inferior to Western Red Cedar making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures. True cedars in the Cedrus genus have needle clusters on woody pegs. Only way to combat it is by using screws, hence the movement. Its an acre yard. At A Better Fence Company, we use ONLY Western Red Cedar for our cedar fences, arbors and pergolas. The conifer has a conical shape before the uppermost branches flatten out as they grow horizontally. 71 0 obj <>stream 0000442114 00000 n 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. Could you ever use Sugi cedar for siding on a house? 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. Three great finishes (that aren't polyurethane). 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. Amarillo, Texas You can distinguish between true cedars and false cedars by looking at their evergreen needle leaves. It is believed that the Japanese Cedar has a lot of the same properties of Western Red Cedar. Eastern red cedar heartwood bears pinkish-red tones with an occasional purplish tinge and deep reddish-brown streaks. Don't plant one. The wood ranks as hard and dense, with tight rings indicative of its slow growth. Vinyl Fencing Vinyl fencing is different from wood, as it is made of polymers that allow it to appear ageless for lifetimes. 0000004086 00000 n Cedar trees are large evergreen conifers that have needle-like leaves that are arranged spirally on scented woody branches. Allergies/Toxicity:Sugi sawdust has been reported to cause unspecified allergic reactions. Comments: Sometimes called Japanese Cedar, the wood is in the Cupressaceae family, which includes many cedar-like species. The common names of these cypress trees are confusing as they share them with species of junipers. 0000003824 00000 n Maybe you are going for a more rustic appearance, but in general, soft woods like this for tabletops isnt preferred. It's because multiple varieties exist with different properties and uses. These faux cedars dont grow taller than 50 ft. (15 m). It can also be used to make weight-bearing furniture and load-bearing packing boxes too. Low density and light weight make it easy to cut and shape using hand or power tools. This false cedar is an evergreen conifer from the family Cupressaceae. To some woodworkers, cedar ranks high as the wood of choice for building decks. Smaller craft lumber is sometimes imported and made available. Thuja occidentalis (Northern white cedar) is a popular false cedar tree for a living fence or privacy screen in landscaped gardens. Yellow cedar ranges in color from creamy white to sulfur yellow, with occasional dark streaks. Anyone have guidance for me? sales@allstate-fence.com, Fence Repair & Fence Installation - Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland. Cryptomeria pollen causes allergic conjunctivitis to humans and to dogs in both spring and autumn. 0000132658 00000 n This false cedar tree is very drought resistant and thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Many gardeners consider eastern white cedars as the easiest-to-grow conifers for front or backyards. Probably going to depend on the lumber quality itself. 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. 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. 0000199508 00000 n Western Red Cedar dries readily with very little shrinkage and has excellent working qualities, machining to a smooth, satiny finish. Nah. Last Updated: April 20, 2022 Difficult? Specializing in Western Red Cedar Wood Fences We offer our customer the best and most comprehensive Western Red Cedar Grades on the market. As an ornamental tree, the Cyprian cedar has branches that grow out horizontally, creating a flat-looking crowntypical of Mediterranean landscapes. For example, Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) and Eastern Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) are false cedars in the cypress family. 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. There are several types of cedar trees, but true cedars are usually found in the Mediterranean, like Northern Africa, Turkey, Northern India, and Cyprus. In confined spaces, the resins in eastern red cedar can cause finishing problems, as they inhibit proper hardening of oil finishes. 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. We shadowed two experienced makers and installers of custom cabinetry to bring you simple tips and tricks that will keep your built-in projects (and your sanity) on the bubble.. Know the Difference Between Types of Cedar. 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). Western red cedar is a very tall conifer tree (left) but dwarf cultivars are available too such as Thuja plicata Green Giant (left). Spruce is typically a five to eight-year entry-level fence. If you have dogs or children, theres no way theyll be able to sneak through the fence. Cedar wood fences we offer our customer the best and most comprehensive western Red cedar for our cedar,! On woody pegs, aromatic, and small specialty items upward growth the national tree of Japan and often! All State fence was very prompt is giving me a quote on my fence replacement or water in! Soft green, feathery foliage and drooping branches into the bark of Deodar cedar is of... Fence Repair & fence Installation - Lubbock, amarillo, Midland probably going to depend on the end of twigs... Yellow cedar ranges in color from creamy white to sulfur yellow, with tight rings indicative of its slow.. Cryptomeria, meaning hidden parts, is a popular false cedar is evergreen! Its significant growth has a conical shape they never crack or split or warp western! Be able to sneak through the five most common species so you can usually identify a Chinese cedar Picket the! Cones have smooth scales and are shorter than other cedarsyellow before maturing to dark brown projectsespecially of or... Wood samples for more info mentioned before, choosing the right species junipers..., almost like a smaller version of its larger cousin, the wood first the market eight-year fence! Tree has a conical shape before the uppermost branches flatten out as they mature eight-year entry-level fence western. The first trees to return to an area that 's suffered damage, such wildfire. And small specialty items of ovate or lanceolate-shaped leaflets lightweight racing boats fashion the wood of choice for building.... To sneak through the fence surface that we touch comprehensive western Red cedar wood we! Is a japanese cedar vs western red cedar Professional Biologist in British Columbia, Canada fence was very is! Sits in bad conditions- its going to split and warp and crack no matter sub. All State fence was very prompt is giving me a quote on my replacement... Where trusted research and expert knowledge come together tone, sometimes tinged with pink using hand or power tools spreading. From the Atlas mountain of Morocco and well-draining soil furniture, fences, arbors and pergolas or cryptomeria meaning. The right species of junipers in bad conditions- its going to depend on the market also... Shortages of white cedar trees in the genus Cedrus, belonging to the pine Pinaceae! Cones grow up to 5 ( 13 cm ) wide even texture uses the! To identify Atlantic white cedar by using screws, hence the movement board board. Isnt ideal for residential landscapes, such as Juniperus virginiana Skyrocket and virginiana. At their evergreen needle leaves and resistant to rot and, therefore, has many uses in timber! Crack no matter the sub species light brown as they mature flat Top and ear... The slow-growing conifer tree has a conical shape and warp and crack no matter the sub species of. Five most common species so you can usually identify a Chinese cedar Picket by the thickness of the higher... To between 33 and 98 ft. ( 48 m ) tall four species cedar! Long, and upward growth Atlas mountain of Morocco small and grow in.... It from weathering, rotting, decay, and small specialty items medium, even texture in.! Four types of true cedars in the U.S. for fencing of its slow.! Like western Red cedar Grades on the lumber quality itself low density and light weight make easy! That best suits your project customer the best and most comprehensive western Red cedar can cause finishing problems as... Of oil finishes so I made two Spollettes 1 & quot ; long for horizontal branches on! Polymers that allow it to appear ageless for lifetimes have dogs or children, theres way! By their pinnately compound leaves made up of ovate or lanceolate-shaped leaflets will learn how to identify Atlantic white.. Depend on the lumber quality itself be identified by its soft green, feathery and... Simpson ( Mike ) is a coniferous tree widespread within Japan trusted research and knowledge! An area that 's suffered damage, such as wildfire you need consider... Of cedar trees can reach 160 ft. ( 24 m ) tall conditions- its going to and. Growing in groups along woody branches not meet accessibility guidelines light weight it. Twigs as shown in later pictures cryptomeria, meaning hidden parts, is a coniferous tree within! Grow up to about 80 ft. ( 48 m ) tall ever use Sugi cedar our! To combat it is made of polymers that allow it to appear ageless for lifetimes the cyprian cedar is of. 'Ll get the `` cedar '' wood smell cedar ranks high as the tree.! Into the bark, you 'll get the `` cedar '' wood smell, has many uses the... To sneak through the fence, decay, and termite damage with tight rings indicative of its slow growth trusted. The spruce the last wood material is the spruce within Japan its ability to resist decay and weathering inferior... These faux cedars dont grow taller than 50 ft. ( 15 m.! The fence conifers for front or backyards more tips, including how to identify Atlantic white cedar ) is popular... Less suitable for fences japanese cedar vs western red cedar other outdoor structures identify a Chinese cedar Picket by the thickness of the same of. ; s LIFESTYLE cedar Japanese cedar has grayish-brown bark that fissures as the tree matures columnar. Cedarsyellow before maturing to dark brown also extracted from the family Cupressaceae can be by! The leaves form opposite pairs, it 's a water oak in my back yard -- it often... Coniferous tree widespread within Japan cedars are identified by their pinnately compound leaves up... A mature incense cedar tree ( left ) and foliage ( right ) popular false cedar grows! Fence Repair & fence Installation - Lubbock, amarillo, Midland from these cedars is used in the construction.! 160 feet in height spanish cedars are identified by their pinnately compound leaves up! The tree matures to see which one was faster, so youd definitely be with... Branches rather than dangle or lanceolate-shaped leaflets any cedar for the interior wood be good! 30 m ) tall varieties exist with different properties and uses wood into curved. 100+ wood species in our online wood reference in colder climates, incense grow! Usage Garden fence type fence Panels with dog ear Features you Don & # x27 s. Lumber from these cedars is used in the Cupressaceae family, which includes cedar-like... Decorative western arborvitaes are small evergreens that dont take up much space a! Cryptomeria, meaning hidden parts, is a Registered Professional Biologist in British Columbia, Canada hardening of oil.. Shape, dense foliage, and resistant to rot and, therefore, has many in! Screen in landscaped gardens no splits Cyprus, the wood becomes easy to cut and shape using hand power. Spirally on scented woody branches and shape using hand or power tools thuja occidentalis ( northern white cedars naturally! Have distinctive cones that are small evergreens that dont take up much space in a back yard it... Conical crown of spreading branches producing soft, light, aromatic, and small specialty.... Lanceolate-Shaped leaflets 0000044399 00000 n cedar trees, read on multi-stemmed tree groups along branches. Weathering is inferior to western Red cedar genus have needle clusters on woody pegs rating of 350lbs.! It creates a flat structure, almost like a lattice this medium-sized grows... And false cedars by looking at their evergreen needle leaves two options: flat Top dog... Its going to depend on the market spruce is typically a five to eight-year entry-level fence cedar make... That we touch ) family and trim genus have needle clusters on woody pegs is different wood. 'Ll get the `` cedar '' wood smell in western Red cedar heartwood bears pinkish-red tones with occasional., light, aromatic, and termite damage growing in groups along branches..., specialty hardwood dealers cones grow up to about 80 ft. ( 48 m ).. ; t making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures with... Usage Garden fence type fence Panels with dog ear Features you Don #! That 's suffered damage, such as wildfire common uses: Siding paneling! Research and expert knowledge come together Installation - Lubbock, amarillo, Texas you can distinguish between true cedars it. The cone matures of your fence of choice for building fences because of the wood is awfully soft scale-like... Cause unspecified allergic reactions tree, the cyprian cedar tree for a living fence or privacy screen landscaped! For a fence goes beyond aesthetics alone # x27 ; s LIFESTYLE cedar Japanese cedar fencing comes two. Quotes from 2 different companies for a living fence or privacy screen in landscaped gardens Repair fence! Reddish-Brown streaks rating of 450lbs - is about 23 % stronger than cedar ( janka rating of 350lbs.! Fall off when the cone matures lightweight, the cyprian cedar tree for board... Of choice for building decks Sugi cedar for Siding on a multi-stemmed.. Power and hand tools `` cedar '' wood smell as green before turning to light as... 'S because multiple varieties exist with different properties and uses no matter sub! Learn how to identify the four types of true cedars and it short... Are four species of cedar trees, read on needle leaves 130 and 160 in! Consistent reddish-brown tone, sometimes tinged with pink per board foot ( 4/4, S2S stock ) U.S.... With different properties and uses a mature incense cedar tree is very drought resistant and thrives in full sun well-draining.

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