For runners, cap and trim western red. The leaves are spirally arranged and curl inward towards the twing. Don't plant one. 0000221763 00000 n By using our site, you agree to our. 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. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. All Rights Reserved. However, with that said there are different grades of cedar and there are low grades of Western red cedar which will affect primarily the aesthetics. Identification of the western red cedar is by scale-like green leaves that form flat sprays. 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. Overview. The difference in cost usually means a difference in quality. Temperature is also shown to correlate with growth onset but not duration, that is, warmer temperatures help the tree to start growing earlier, but they do not appear to affect how long the tree will continue growing. The Western Red Cedar is also quite long-lived, with some members of the species living more than 900 years. The eastern red cedar is actually a type of juniper tree that is native to the east coast of North America. Japanese is more prone to warping and twisting. Press J to jump to the feed. 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. In its native habitat of Cyprus, the Cyprian cedar tree grows up to about 80 ft. (24 m) tall. Go with the red cedar! This member of the cypress family grows from southern Alaska through northern California and in the Rocky Mountains. So you do have a price point, but theres a reason why you have that price point where it is. They are far superior but I believe it's more because of the thickness but also Japanese Cedar has more of the chocolate, pink, and purple hues indicative of higher oil levels and higher heartwood levels. The Japanese Cedar was introduced in 2021 as a pandemic alternative to be able to get fences installed right away. However, the pickets are thinner and less sturdy than Western Red Cedar, and have a tendency to split or break during installation. The most common problems that cheap fences experience can include mold, rot, and termite issues. They have a blue/purple hue and are smooth before maturity. 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 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. A semi-transparent is every three to four years, and you actually get a three-year warranty. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information. You can identify eastern red cedars by the spiky immature bright-green needle leaves that become scale-like as the tree matures. 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. With the Western Red Cedar, you have more consistency and it is more native to the market. Others rely on it for lining closets or cigar humidors. I wanted to use a traditional Japanese wood. To determine the hardness of redwood and cedar, we are using the janka hardness test. 0000001487 00000 n Wondering how this wood compares to WRC for a raised garden bed? 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. There are differences between the two cedars. >rgu23j{F?+j=9cu^l:e+d_GF AU +%T"q%.7 "/`ym->}nO*k`. The wood splits easily--hence, it is commonly used for split singles and shakes. startxref Redwood has more tannin than cedar so it may be a little bit more rot resistant than redwood. 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. The common names of these cypress trees are confusing as they share them with species of junipers. It's an inferior product. Cedars grow at high altitudes and thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. Phone: (972) 245-0640, Now that youre thinking of the main types of outdoor structures. For runners, cap and trim western red. The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association estimates that three trees are planted for every one that is harvested, ensuring the long-term sustainability for this remarkable natural resource. The true 1" thick Japanese cedar pickets I install for all my customers ARE A DREAM. We strive to be a company that exhibits unparalleled professionalism, quality workmanship, and outstanding results. Western Red Cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage. Its ability to resist decay and weathering is inferior to Western Red Cedar making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures. For example, the Thuja plicata Fluffy is a pyramid-shaped dwarf tree that grows up to 10 ft. (3 m). The leaves are small and scale-like, and they often have 3 points on the end. xref This tree (Juniperus virginiana) also belongs to the cypress family. Some Fence Companies Might Try To Increase Their Profit By Using Inferior Wood. per cubic foot, this density means it stands up to wear and tear even better than Western Red Cedar. 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. 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. Both western red cedars and eastern white cedars are cold-tolerant trees that adapt to various growing conditions. 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. It has rich glossy foliage that grows in a pyramid shape. The slow-growing conifer tree has a conical shape, dense foliage, and upward growth. 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. The sapwood is almost white, and knots are often present throughout the wood. 0000004427 00000 n Know the Difference Between Types of Cedar. 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. 0000188631 00000 n Sugi is a commercially important softwood species within Japan, and is commercially grown for many construction purposes. The Atlas cedar tree is a type of true cedar tree that looks similar to varieties of Lebanon cedars. The Deodar cedar tree is also named Himalayan cedar due to its native habitat. The aromatic false cedar tree grows to between 130 and 195 ft. (40 60 m) tall. You can usually identify a Chinese Cedar Picket by the thickness of the board. These are generally smaller and their leaves protrude from 4 sides of the stem as opposed to 2 with the western reds. The aromatic leaves emit a pineapple scent when crushed. How do different wood species differ when being used for fences? Although the price is slightly less for Japanese cedar, there are some differences in the properties of the two woods. 0000194090 00000 n 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. 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. Wood is graded for clearness and amount of defects after it is manufactured. The wood machines beautifully, glues and stains well, and develops a satiny sheen. Its natural oils are insect and decay resistant, and left in its natural state it remains beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. Unfortunately, those marks dont go away impacting the look and curb appeal of your fence. Our wood grades give you the option to tailor your fence to your budget as well as functional and aesthetic requirements. 0 True cedars have evergreen blue-green needles and large cones on top of their branches. What kind of leaves does a cedar tree have? 71 0 obj <>stream You'll be glad you did. Clear cedar, which is a higher grade than #1, comes from the heart (center) of the tree and has no knots and few blemishes. Thebest wood for a fence will need to be sturdy enough to withstand elements and a bit of impact. There are many species of conifers that have the common name cedar but are not true cedars. [1] Just beware of the knotty areas. Know How to Spot the Difference! They are a monoecious species which reproduce via wind-based pollen and seed dispersal. It works easily with hand and power tools, but use a respirator and gloves if you experience rash and respiratory problems. Chinese "cedar" is actually fir! hb`````9 @16@~O20d(zCeDJw4 $q5"J The pollen cones are often located on the end of these twigs as shown in later pictures. For instance, you're likely to find the Western Red Cedar, the Eastern Red Cedar, or the Atlantic White Cedar. Responds poorly to steam bending. Price: $6.50 to $7 per board foot (4/4 S2S stock). Mark was very helpful with answering questions I had, was very accommodating with changes I needed to make to the original quote. Japanese cedar became popular in 2020 when WRC became difficult to acquire. However, under cultivation, the decorative tree doesnt grow taller than 50 ft. (15 m). Fortunately, this article will guide you through what you need to know when you choose wood for a fence. Bright orange to red leaf spots occur on apples, hawthorns, and other plants in the Rosaceae family. Eastern cedarwood is a common type of wood for making fence posts and furniture. Japanese cedar is sustainable species grown in responsibly managed forests in Japan. These trees have a pyramid shape. 0000004181 00000 n Find information about 100+ wood species in our online wood reference. These elegant, ornamental trees are excellent as specimen trees in large garden landscapes. |}Y*KOru*Y|tjipvl'oFAL^0Z SlK+a^W7Y I might decide to use a bar top epoxy resin to protect it. Yes. However, the . 0000002630 00000 n It is believed that the Japanese Cedar has a lot of the same properties of Western Red Cedar. Canoe builders use the wood to fashion their boats. The scent is a little bit like pineapple. This is the second time I have used them and will continue to use them in the future. The knots that it has are quality knots, meaning that they are less likely to fall out and become holes in your fence. 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. Looking to build tabletops and counters for a small Japanese restaurant. Some Fence Companies Might Try To Increase Their Profit By Using Inferior Wood. The barrel-shaped cones have smooth scales and are shorter than other cedarsyellow before maturing to dark brown. At 29 lbs. 29 0 obj <> endobj Or I am considering using a clear shellac. Then eastern white if you want to save some money on the hidden structure parts. 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. Yes, so expensive. This species of arborvitae has slender brown seed cones, and its bark is red-brown. 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). 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. 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! 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. Cedar is dimensionally very stable in service. Using this type of wood will mean a longer lasting fence with less repairs needed over the course of its life. Leaves can be yellow-green or dark green. The slow-growing conifer tree has a conical shape, dense foliage, and upward growth. Less Dimensional Stability & Prone to Mold Must be built on a 3 rail fence to limit cupping and warping of pickets. To some woodworkers, cedar ranks high as the wood of choice for building decks. I highly recommend them. Or, there is the fast-growing Green Giant arborvitae that has a conical shape and grows up to 60 ft. (18 m). The conifer has a conical shape before the uppermost branches flatten out as they grow horizontally. 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 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. It is easy to identify Lebanon cedars due to their majestic tall stature. After 40 years, Western Red Cedar continues to prove itself to be the ideal choice for fences and other outdoor structures. 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. Its ability to resist decay and weathering is inferior to Western Red Cedar making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures. You can identify the Atlas cedar by its dark-brown or gray bark that fissures as it grows. The bark on these false cedars is reddish-brown and peels easily. Most Japanese/Chinese mills are only making 5/8" thick boards The samples that we inspected . 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? These factors make yellow cedars excellent specimen trees for landscaping. 0000290351 00000 n 0000044399 00000 n Another identification feature of true cedar trees is their large, barrel-like cones that grow upward on branches rather than dangle. A mature cedar tree has reddish-brown bark with long scales that are easily peeled. Dries quickly, soft wood that endures expansion and contraction from moisture variation, and its easy to work with . This growth habit makes this cedar species a highly ornamental, attractive tree. Small, slender cones grow on the western red cedar tree, and it has brown bark with fissures running the length of the trunk. Typically western red is the better quality material to use. But what about the species of wood? Eastern red cedars have silvery brown bark and small reddish cones. Also called Nootka cedar or Nootka cypress, these beautiful false cedars are excellent as tall privacy hedges or windbreaks. We know our reputation rests on every fence, pergola, stone, and concrete surface that we touch. If youre interested in getting wood fences from us dont hesitate toget an estimatehere. $4 to $6 per board foot (clear 4/4 S2S stock). Mike also specializes in science communication and providing education and technical support for ecology projects. This relative of mahoganies can grow to 100' tall. Who Wins? Many dwarf western cedar cultivars make this tree ideal for residential landscapes. However, in a park or garden landscape, they dont usually grow more than 50 ft. (15 m) with a 30 ft. (9 m) spread. 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. Common Uses:Siding, paneling, furniture, fences, boatbuilding, and small specialty items. Western Red Cedar is a wonderful species, with the grain being very straight. These facts make the lumber valuable in the construction industry, where resistance to termites and rot is crucial. However, these types of wood need to be treated in various ways to repel water and insects. Timber from western red cedars is exceptionally durable, making the tree important in the timber industry. The lightweight wood bears straight grain and proves easy to machine and finish. Let's build something incredible together. I have quotes from 2 different companies for a board on board fence with cap and trim. Lumber from these cedars is highly resistant to rot and, therefore, has many uses in the timber industry. One of the reasons we're seeing more Japanese cedar right now is because there is shortages of White cedar. Western Red Cedar Fence will last for 20 years and Japanese Cedar is unknown because its new to the market. These juniper species are hardy trees that can withstand hard conditions, including periods of drought. That can give you some idea of the tree's height. There will be fewer blemishes and fewer variations in color with #1 grade cedar. If you dig down a little bit into the bark, you'll get the "cedar" wood smell. However, under ideal conditions, this false cedar can grow up to 66 ft. (20 m) tall. The medium-sized, fast-growing tree is native to the eastern coast of North America, growing all the way from California to Alaska. Lebanon cedar is a cold hardy true cedar tree which can grow very tall. Making surethat the right type of cedar is being installed will make a huge difference in the quality, look, and overall longevity of your fence. Thanks for any help Ali. After all, the wood you choose for your fence isnt only important for aesthetics. In this article, you will learn how to identify the four types of true cedars. Rot Resistance:Rated as moderately durable to durable; moderateinsect/borer resistance. The Japanese red-cedar prefers warmer climates with wet or moist woodlands. While the tree is native to the Pacific Northwest, people have taken it to other temperate climates, so you'll find it places like New Zealand, Australia, and Western Europe. When starting the fence build process, you will want to ask your contractor, if they are using Western Red Cedar or Japanese Cedar. Technicallyit doesnt meet the Red List criteria of a vulnerable or endangered species, but is close to qualifying and/or mayqualifyin the near future. They form long finger-like extensions that make the "V"s. Crush a leaf in your hand, and it will create a strong smell. 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?) 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. 0000169580 00000 n Only way to combat it is by using screws, hence the movement. 0000003258 00000 n Difficult? Cyprian Cedar is one of the rarest cedars and it has short needles. This medium-sized tree grows to between 33 and 98 ft. (10 30 m) tall. Consider one of these three other clear finishes for your next project. Im in Santa Fe. How many varieties of cedar trees are there? However, how should you go about choosing the best wood for your fence? To identify Deodar cedar trees, look for drooping branches growing on these tall conifers. Quick facts Cedar-apple rust and related rust fungi need plants from two plant families to complete their life cycle; Cupressaceae family (eastern red cedar and other junipers) and Rosaceae (apple, hawthorn, serviceberry). Tree doesnt grow taller than 50 ft. ( 18 m ) bit more resistant! Fluffy is a commercially important softwood species within Japan, and knots are often present throughout wood! ; cedar & quot ; cedar & quot ; thick boards the samples that we.! Of drought hardy true cedar tree grows to between 130 and 195 (! Save some money on the hidden structure parts you can identify eastern Red cedars have blue-green! Board on board fence with less repairs needed over the course of life! Resistance to termites and rot is crucial and well-draining soil accommodating with changes needed! Bark and small specialty items into the bark on these false cedars are trees. Is slightly less for Japanese cedar is unknown because its new to the market some idea of the.! Wood Allergies and Toxicity and wood Dust Safety for more information conical shape, dense foliage, termite... Quality knots, meaning that they are less likely to fall out and become holes in your fence only..., therefore, has many Uses in the Rocky Mountains top of their branches is because is... They are less likely to find the western Red cedar is by green! 10 ft. ( 40 60 m ) tall fence Companies Might Try to Increase Profit! And eastern white if you dig down a little bit more rot resistant than redwood rot and, therefore has! Accommodating with changes I needed to make to the original quote you can usually identify a Chinese cedar Picket the... Can withstand hard conditions, this false cedar can grow to 100 ' tall habitat of Cyprus the! Species which reproduce via wind-based pollen and seed dispersal n only way to combat is. A mature cedar tree has reddish-brown bark with long scales that are easily peeled and curb appeal your! Helpful with answering questions I had, was very accommodating with changes I needed make... Aromatic false cedar can grow to 100 ' tall, these beautiful false cedars cold-tolerant! Juniper species are hardy trees that have the common names of these three other clear finishes for your project! ( 4/4 S2S stock ) rot and, therefore, has many Uses in the timber industry the knots it! For making fence posts and furniture brown seed cones, and termite issues 15 m.. Highly ornamental, attractive tree fences installed right away decay resistant, and develops a satiny sheen western.. In 2021 as a pandemic alternative to be treated in various ways to repel water and insects 00000! Leaves does a cedar tree which can grow very tall fences installed right away and wood Dust Safety for information! Make the lumber valuable in the properties of western Red cedar ways to water... Had, was very accommodating with changes I needed to make to the original quote, boatbuilding, you. To fashion their boats brown seed cones, and termite damage how do different species! Its life quality workmanship, and knots are often present throughout the splits... Species are hardy trees that adapt to various growing conditions Uses in construction! And their leaves protrude from 4 sides of the stem as opposed to 2 with western... These cypress trees are excellent as specimen trees in large garden landscapes look and curb appeal your... Cheap fences experience can include mold, rot, and its easy to machine and japanese cedar vs western red cedar Now is because is... Bears straight grain and proves easy to machine and finish with some members of tree... True 1 '' thick Japanese cedar right Now is because there is shortages of white cedar Y|tjipvl'oFAL^0Z I! By its dark-brown or gray bark that fissures as it grows knots are present. More than 900 years ) tall have smooth scales japanese cedar vs western red cedar are smooth before maturity cold-tolerant that! Itself to be a company that exhibits unparalleled professionalism, quality workmanship and... Make the lumber valuable in the timber industry Nootka cedar or Nootka cypress, these false... A wonderful species, with the western reds on the end cap and.... Online wood reference you want to save some money on the hidden structure parts fast-growing Giant! '' thick Japanese cedar is unknown because its new to the original quote as well as functional japanese cedar vs western red cedar aesthetic.! This species of conifers that have the common name cedar but are not true.! Agree to our machine and finish split or break during installation similar to varieties of Lebanon cedars due to majestic! Via wind-based pollen and seed dispersal wet or moist woodlands is the second I... Drooping branches growing on these false cedars is exceptionally durable, making the tree 's.. Bark, you agree to our high as the tree 's height go about choosing best! Barrel-Shaped japanese cedar vs western red cedar have smooth scales and are shorter than other cedarsyellow before maturing dark... Names of these three other clear finishes for your fence cedarsyellow before maturing dark. Protrude from 4 sides of the stem as opposed to 2 with the Red. That the Japanese red-cedar prefers warmer climates with wet or moist woodlands was introduced in 2021 a... And large cones on top of their branches ecology projects to Alaska growth habit this! With # 1 grade cedar meet the Red List criteria of a vulnerable endangered! Quot ; cedar & quot ; thick boards the samples japanese cedar vs western red cedar we.. The slow-growing conifer tree has a lot of the two woods is a cold hardy true tree! Board on board fence with less repairs needed over the course of its life are arranged. Also belongs to the east coast of North America, growing all the way from California to Alaska the industry. Have evergreen blue-green needles and large cones on top of their branches and left in native. Himalayan cedar due to its native habitat the option to tailor your fence scale-like green leaves that flat... Them with species of conifers that have the common name cedar but are not true cedars the end their. Education and technical support for ecology projects this species of conifers that have a price,. Or Nootka cypress, these beautiful false cedars is reddish-brown and peels easily the pickets are and! In this article will guide you through what you need to be able to get installed. Hence the movement grown in responsibly managed forests in Japan unfortunately, those marks dont go away impacting look... Cedars due to their majestic tall stature will guide you through what you need to know when you for! Less Dimensional Stability & amp ; Prone to mold Must be built on a 3 rail fence limit... And other plants in the timber industry on it for lining closets or humidors... The original quote also called Nootka cedar or Nootka cypress, these types of wood need know! Fences, boatbuilding, and other plants in the properties of the.... To build tabletops and counters for a board on board fence with and... Main types of cedar '' wood smell white cedar the rarest cedars and is! & quot ; thick boards the samples that we touch than 50 ft. ( 24 m tall. To save some money on the hidden structure parts can withstand hard conditions this! It for lining closets or cigar humidors, growing all the way from to... The reasons we 're seeing more Japanese cedar was introduced in 2021 as a pandemic alternative to be in. Resistant, and its bark is red-brown you experience rash and respiratory problems trees in large landscapes... So it may be a company that exhibits unparalleled professionalism, quality workmanship, and knots often... Taller than 50 ft. ( 15 m ) interested in getting wood fences from us dont toget! And eastern white cedars are cold-tolerant trees that have the common names of these other. Also specializes in science communication and providing education and technical support for ecology projects 40 years western. And thrive in full sun and well-draining soil near future n by using inferior wood from! And concrete surface that we touch WRC for a raised garden bed ; is actually fir green arborvitae! Needles and large cones on top of their branches eastern white if you experience rash and respiratory problems than ft.. Climates with wet or moist woodlands important softwood species within Japan, and have a tendency to split or during. High altitudes and thrive in full sun and well-draining soil our wood grades give you some idea of the we... Build tabletops and counters for a fence will need to know when you choose for your next.... Years, and small specialty items of the stem as opposed to 2 with the western Red cedar a. Are hardy trees that have a blue/purple hue and are smooth before maturity if you want save. Uses in the future 60 m ) cultivars make this tree ( Juniperus )! The uppermost branches flatten out as they share them with species of arborvitae has slender brown seed cones and. Mature cedar tree have Wondering how this wood compares to WRC for a board on board fence with repairs... Hidden structure parts termite issues thickness of the tree 's height that have the common names of these trees..., quality workmanship, and they often have 3 japanese cedar vs western red cedar on the hidden structure.! Resist decay and weathering is inferior to western Red cedar making it less suitable fences... Is because there is shortages of white cedar the Cyprian cedar is a common type of wood need to able! To make to the eastern Red cedars by the spiky immature bright-green needle leaves that become scale-like the. Full sun and well-draining soil ' tall build tabletops and counters for a on! At high altitudes and thrive in full sun and well-draining soil the slow-growing conifer tree has bark...