Eastern Red Cedar Vs Western Red Cedar For Fence

The main differences between white cedar and red cedar are in terms of durability and strength.

Eastern red cedar vs western red cedar for fence.

Both white cedar and red cedar can air dry easily. Eastern and western red cedar are rated as highly durable by the university with eastern red cedar having a lifespan of more than 30 years. Western red cedar. Sources are inconsistent on the treatment of the common name variously referring to it as eastern red cedar two words eastern.

When it s an eastern redcedar. 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. The latin name for western red cedar is thuja plicata thuja is the name of the resin that produces that distinct aroma of the red cedar. Eastern white cedar is a close relative of western red cedar genetically speaking.

The wood is light weight 21 lbs per cu ft or 335 kg cu m and so is weaker than red cedar by a considerable amount. This chart compares the average cost of western red cedar vs. In addition white cedar and red cedar can absorb paints and oils without any problem. Canoe builders use the wood to fashion their boats.

This plant is actually a juniper as its botanical name juniperus virginiana indicates true cedars belong to the cedrus genus and are not native to this country. The northern variety proves less dense than western red cedar contributing to good workability with power and hand tools. The western red cedar is also quite long lived with some members of the species living more than 900 years. Not all types of cedar are created equal however.

At a better fence company we use only western red cedar for our cedar fences arbors and pergolas. These fences look extremely beautiful. Note that this cost benefit analysis would change if you were building a fence on the west coast instead. This is a naturally occurring resin that not only prolongs the life of the western red but enhances its durability.

Western red cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering rotting decay and termite damage. The name is a misnomer. 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. In that case red cedar would be more local.

However the white cedar tree is much smaller and so the lumber is quite knotty compared to the very clear lumber of red cedar. When is a cedar not a cedar. Unfortunately this resin in not inherent in eastern white cedar. Alaskan yellow cedar per square foot depending on the style of custom home you build.