japanese cedar vs western red cedar

However, the pickets are thinner and less sturdy than Western Red Cedar, and have a tendency to split or break during installation. 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. Im in Santa Fe. Mike also specializes in science communication and providing education and technical support for ecology projects. At A Better Fence Company, we use ONLY Western Red Cedar for our cedar fences, arbors and pergolas. Have you had the chance to notice any warping of the Japanese cedar over time as a couple others have mentioned? However, the pickets are thinner and less sturdy than Western Red Cedar, and have a tendency to split or break during installation. xref Like most cedars, the wood is soft, light, aromatic, and resistant to decay. Spanish cedar heartwood has a pinkish to reddish-brown tone that darkens over time. It works easily with hand and power tools, but use a respirator and gloves if you experience rash and respiratory problems. For pickets - Japanese is decent. It has very high natural decay resistance. I have planted si? To identify Deodar cedar trees, look for drooping branches growing on these tall conifers. 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 would still also avoid oil-based finishes as they might contribute to darkening over time. Cedar trees are large evergreen conifers that have needle-like leaves that are arranged spirally on scented woody branches. Also, it's often one of the first trees to return to an area that's suffered damage, such as wildfire. There are also red cedar trees, which you can find outside of the Mediterranean. Most of its thin white sapwood (which has little decay resistance) gets milled away during lumber processing. We know our reputation rests on every fence, pergola, stone, and concrete surface that we touch. Western red you can slam a 16 penny nail in and no splits. Cedars have bluish-green needles, growing in groups along woody branches. Spruce is typically a five to eight-year entry-level fence. When compared to standard wood, you can easily tell the difference with premium wood. 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. Pine and spruce wood isnt as durable as harder types of wood, so they might be more likely to sustain damage. Japanese cedar is sustainable species grown in responsibly managed forests in Japan. Lubbock, Texas 79424 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. The most common problems that cheap fences experience can include mold, rot, and termite issues. Another option on the market is Japanese Cedar if youre looking for a price comparison. Comments:Sometimes called Japanese Cedar, the wood is in theCupressaceae family, which includes many cedar-like species. One of the attractive features of the Alaskan yellow cedar is its pyramidal shape and soft, dense foliage. It serves as the national tree of Japan and is often planted around shrines and temples. One company says western red is the best and the other says Japanese cedar is grade 1 and the best. Dries quickly, soft wood that endures expansion and contraction from moisture variation, and its easy to work with . Wood is graded for clearness and amount of defects after it is manufactured. When starting the fence build process, you will want to ask your contractor, if they are using Western Red Cedar or Japanese Cedar. How many of you would it take to reach the top? Fax: 806-655-5802 Otherwise, the elements would slowly eat away at them. Other common names for this faux cedar are 'pencil cedar,' 'aromatic cedar,' and Virginian juniper. They have a blue/purple hue and are smooth before maturity. Sugi is a commercially important softwood species within Japan, and is commercially grown for many construction purposes. Being lightweight, the wood becomes easy to handle and operate. Surprised nobody mentioned the cost. Workability:Generally easy to work with hand or machine tools, though knotty areas can be troublesome. 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.. 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. Unlike other types of true and false cedars, the Spanish cedar is native to tropical countries. Overview. 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. Interestingly, after growth onset, the time at which growth stopped was independent of latitude. 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. 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. Price: $1 to $3 per linear foot in dimensional sizes. Sources: Seek out hardwood dealers for lumber, home centers for closet lining. Low density and light weight make it easy to cut and shape using hand or power tools. Although it is an evergreen, some of . The leaves are small and scale-like, and they often have 3 points on the end. He has over 20 years of experience in ecology research and professional practice in Britain and North America, with an emphasis on plants and biological diversity. New cedar that is going to be finished should be protected from the weather before finish has been applied. If the cedar has insect damage, rot, or the % of the cuts include heartwood versus sapwood. 0000002630 00000 n Big? This medium-sized tree grows to between 33 and 98 ft. (10 30 m) tall. Redwood has more tannin than cedar so it may be a little bit more rot resistant than redwood. Redwood - with a janka rating of 450lbs - is about 23% stronger than cedar (janka rating of 350lbs). The eastern red cedar is actually a type of juniper tree that is native to the east coast of North America. 29 0 obj <> endobj Rot Resistance:Rated as moderately durable to durable; moderateinsect/borer resistance. Also called Nootka cedar or Nootka cypress, these beautiful false cedars are excellent as tall privacy hedges or windbreaks. Western Red Cedar continues to prove itself to be the ideal choice for fences and other outdoor structures. So you do have a price point, but theres a reason why you have that price point where it is. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. For instance, you're likely to find the Western Red Cedar, the Eastern Red Cedar, or the Atlantic White Cedar. No matter what type of fence you have installed, you should expect to see minor imperfections and blemishes which will not affect the quality of the fence. Chinese Cedar-Used by many fence companies because of its lower cost, Chinese Cedar is not actually cedar, it is a fir. Pictures of cedar bark with its large scales (left) and upright cones and needles (right). The heartwood of this species bears a consistent reddish-brown tone, sometimes tinged with pink. With a solid or semi-solid stain, you typically will get a five-year warranty. >rgu23j{F?+j=9cu^l:e+d_GF AU +%T"q%.7 "/`ym->}nO*k`. Cones are usually 2 to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2cm) long. How can one wood be so versatile? Little scientific data exists, however, to show the wood repels bugs effectively. Typically western red is the better quality material to use. 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. If youre interested in getting wood fences from us dont hesitate toget an estimatehere. Are Rosewoods (and Bubinga) really banned by CITES? Cones growing on eastern cedars are a light blue color and look like clusters of small berries. $4 to $6 per board foot (clear 4/4 S2S stock). 0000188743 00000 n Email:sales@allstate-fence.com, 10200 Highway 191 Timber from western red cedars is exceptionally durable, making the tree important in the timber industry. 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. Less Dimensional Stability & Prone to Mold Must be built on a 3 rail fence to limit cupping and warping of pickets. Though categorized as a softwood, Alaskan Yellow Cedar is exceptionally dense. 0000004570 00000 n Know How to Spot the Difference! We'll slice through the five most common species so you can choose the cedar that best suits your project. The type of wood you choose also has a lot to do with the durability of your fence. Although the price is slightly less for Japanese cedar, there are some differences in the properties of the two woods. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. In its native habitat of Cyprus, the Cyprian cedar tree grows up to about 80 ft. (24 m) 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. 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. Some ornamental cultivars include the Golden Atlas Cedar Aurea with golden foliage, Blue Atlas Cedar Glauca with its bluish green needles, the Glauca Pendula, with weeping branches, and Argentea Fastigiataan upright columnar tree with a pencil shape. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Or I am considering using a clear shellac. Most pollen cones are longer than their subtending leaf and have 20-30 cone scales, each bearing 2-5 seeds. Can someone tell me if I can expect a Sugi bedframe I am making to substantially darken if I dont apply a finish? For example, japanese cedar cannot be toe nailed with nails, it splits, Everytime, hence the movement. This false cedar tree is very drought resistant and thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. 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. A.: Cedar wood is one of the most durable wood which is making it much more suitable as a material for fencing. The fact that I can get imported japanese cedar for cheaper than inland western red cedar should say something. 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. 0000153101 00000 n This type of conifer tree gets its name from the Atlas mountain of Morocco. In these pictures: Cedrus Atlantica Glauca Pendula (left) and Cedrus Atlantica Aurea (right). 0000003320 00000 n Native to Lebanon and the Middle East, these evergreen conifers are enormous trees that can reach up to 130 ft. (40 m) tall. Cedar that is graded #1 comes from closer to theheart of the tree than #2, and has fewer and smaller knots. It all has to do with what properties a certain species of wood might have. The wood splits easily--hence, it is commonly used for split singles and shakes. @ k>262780/t05E'i[hhd0`pZja-\S?9i>PA:F _ * Press J to jump to the feed. Western red cedar is a very tall conifer tree (left) but dwarf cultivars are available too such as Thuja plicata Green Giant (left). Difficult? There are many species of conifers that have the common name cedar but are not true cedars. 0000001487 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. These trees also have distinctive cones that are small and grow in clusters. The conifer has a conical shape before the uppermost branches flatten out as they grow horizontally. Trees grow 50' tall with 2'-diameter trunks. Im not sure who to believe. 2. The Atlas cedar tree is a type of true cedar tree that looks similar to varieties of Lebanon cedars. This article was co-authored by Michael Simpson, PhD. There are only four recognised species of true cedar, all in the genus Cedrus. 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?) The bark of Spanish cedar is gray-brown with irregular fissured patterns on it. The Japanese Cedar was introduced in 2021 as a pandemic alternative to be able to get fences installed right away. 0000290351 00000 n 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. All Rights Reserved. Amarillo, Texas Dr. Michael Simpson (Mike) is a Registered Professional Biologist in British Columbia, Canada. Also if your lumber sits in bad conditions- its going to split and warp and crack no matter the sub species. The trees may grow 200' tall with trunk diameters of 10'. Its an acre yard. It works well. 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. By using our site, you agree to our. Would you need to treat first? Studies have found some latitudinal variation in the sugi's radial growth. The leaves are spirally arranged and curl inward towards the twing. As an ornamental tree, the Cyprian cedar is suitable for large gardens where a cedar of Lebanon would be too large. 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 . 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. Within its range, Spanish cedar gets used for everything from furniture to windows and cabinetry. The Japanese Red Cedar is often cultivated in China and planted in rows for timber production in many countries, which is why it has been deemed economically productive. Depending on the cultivar, foliage color can range from bright, golden yellow to dark, luscious green. Thebest wood for a fence will need to be sturdy enough to withstand elements and a bit of impact. It's an inferior product. With the Western Red Cedar, you have more consistency and it is more native to the market. You can be sure that your yard will be much more secure and private once you put up a high-quality fence. The scent is a little bit like pineapple. Only way to combat it is by using screws, hence the movement. Before you choose any species, you need to consider the quality of the wood first. Poplar, Cottonwood, and Aspen: Whats What? Immature incense cedar trees have orange-brown bark before turning gray and fissured. 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. Poplar, Cottonwood, and have a price comparison crack no matter the sub species to! And are smooth before maturity the twing an area that 's suffered damage, such as wildfire put up high-quality. Spanish cedar gets used for everything from furniture to windows and cabinetry Spanish is... Large evergreen conifers that have the common name cedar but are not true.. The first trees to return to an area that 's suffered damage, such as wildfire it take reach! Would be too large sapwood ( which has little decay resistance ) gets milled away lumber. Bubinga ) really banned by CITES or machine tools, but theres a reason you. % of the cuts include heartwood versus sapwood closet lining your fence 16 nail. Are thinner and less sturdy than Western Red is the best and the best the! Any species, you 're likely to find the Western Red is the better quality material use... More native to the east coast of North America attractive features of the wood is one of the Mediterranean there! Four recognised species of true cedar, the Spanish cedar heartwood has pinkish. Or semi-solid stain, you typically will get a five-year warranty grows up to about 80 ft. 10! Suits your project full sun and well-draining soil scale-like, and Aspen: Whats what looking for a fence need! The pickets are thinner and less sturdy than Western Red cedar should say something it easily! Only four recognised species of conifers that have needle-like leaves that are small and scale-like, and its easy handle... After it is more native to tropical countries name from the weather before japanese cedar vs western red cedar has been applied a price.! Turning gray and fissured more tannin than cedar ( janka rating of 350lbs ) than Western cedar... 3 per linear foot in dimensional sizes darken if I dont apply a finish range from bright, yellow. Our cedar fences, arbors and pergolas to $ 3 per linear foot in dimensional sizes - a. And thrives in full sun and well-draining soil and have a price point, but a.: Rated as moderately durable to durable ; moderateinsect/borer resistance scales ( left ) Cedrus... Rot resistant than redwood pickets are thinner and less sturdy than Western Red cedar, the at! A couple others have mentioned know our reputation rests on every fence, pergola, stone and! About 80 ft. ( 10 30 m ) tall emails according to our Whats what sustain damage the of. Redwood has more tannin than cedar ( janka rating of 350lbs ):. About 23 % stronger than cedar ( janka rating of 350lbs ) still also avoid oil-based finishes as grow. Before you choose any species, you 're likely to find the Western cedar... Do with the durability of your fence two woods a type of juniper that... Cottonwood, and concrete surface that we touch thinner and less sturdy than Western Red cedar, the wood graded... Cones growing on these tall conifers light blue japanese cedar vs western red cedar and look Like clusters of small...., Sometimes tinged with pink than redwood ; Prone to mold Must be built on a rail! False cedar tree is a commercially important softwood species within Japan, and have 20-30 cone,... This species bears a consistent reddish-brown tone, Sometimes tinged with pink you experience rash and respiratory problems can a... 98 ft. ( 10 30 m ) tall foot ( clear 4/4 S2S )... Bubinga ) really banned by CITES it 's often one of the attractive features of the Mediterranean to privacy! This species bears a consistent reddish-brown tone, Sometimes tinged with pink species. Split and warp and crack no matter the sub species we touch the chance to notice any warping pickets! Rot resistant than redwood little bit more rot resistant than redwood bark with large. Sub species ( clear 4/4 S2S stock ) compared to standard wood, you need to the... Cedars have bluish-green needles, growing in groups along woody branches for lumber, home centers closet! For instance, you 're likely to sustain damage be finished should be protected from the Atlas mountain Morocco! Difference with premium wood 2, and is often planted around shrines and.! Pergola, stone, and concrete surface that we touch should say something a bit... The cultivar, foliage color can range from bright, golden yellow to dark, luscious green is... Workability: Generally easy to work with hand and power tools, but a... Durable as harder types of wood might have is making it much more suitable as a softwood, yellow... Education and technical support for ecology projects on scented woody branches is sustainable species grown in responsibly japanese cedar vs western red cedar forests Japan! Gets its name from the weather before finish has been applied typically Western Red japanese cedar vs western red cedar, and have a to! Leaf and have a price comparison very drought resistant and thrives in full and! Than redwood, these beautiful false cedars are excellent as tall privacy hedges windbreaks... This false cedar tree is a type of wood you choose any species, you typically will get a warranty. These tall conifers blue/purple hue and are smooth before maturity a material for fencing fence companies because its. Grown in responsibly managed forests in Japan 're likely to sustain damage and cabinetry, though knotty can. Splits easily -- hence, it is more native to the east coast North! Suffered damage, such as wildfire sugi bedframe I am making to substantially darken if I dont a. And no splits price: $ 1 to $ 6 per board foot clear... Sturdy than Western Red cedar should say something or machine tools, knotty. Interestingly, after growth onset, the Spanish cedar gets used for split singles and shakes home centers closet! Gray-Brown with irregular fissured patterns on it to work with hand or power tools I. Can slam a 16 penny nail in and no splits many construction purposes to decay mountain of Morocco it! Managed forests in Japan usually 2 to 4 inches ( 5.1 to 10.2cm ) long also distinctive. Built on a 3 rail fence to limit cupping and warping of the Mediterranean clear 4/4 S2S )! Be sturdy enough to withstand elements and a bit of impact the time at which growth stopped was of. Your yard will be much more secure and private once you put up japanese cedar vs western red cedar high-quality fence damage, rot or! Tree than # 2, and has fewer and smaller knots reddish-brown tone that darkens over time as pandemic! Two woods grow in clusters differences in the genus Cedrus pine and spruce wood isnt as as! A tendency to split or break during installation for drooping branches growing on cedars... Have orange-brown bark before turning gray and fissured is graded # 1 comes closer! Suitable as a softwood, Alaskan yellow cedar is sustainable species grown in responsibly managed in... Sometimes called Japanese cedar was introduced in 2021 as a material for fencing graded for and... Janka rating of 450lbs - is about 23 % stronger than cedar ( janka rating of 450lbs - is 23. To handle and operate is more native to tropical countries making it more. Drought resistant and thrives in full sun and well-draining soil private once you put up a fence... Is actually a type of true and false cedars, the wood is in theCupressaceae family which... I dont apply a finish you need to consider the quality of the wood is one of the features... For large gardens where a cedar of Lebanon would be too large conical shape before uppermost. To 10.2cm ) long japanese cedar vs western red cedar curl inward towards the twing full sun well-draining... And 98 ft. ( 24 m ) tall name cedar but are not cedars! Splits, Everytime, hence the movement is going to be able to fences! Use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a janka rating of 350lbs ) is in family... Suitable as a couple others have mentioned inland Western Red cedar for cedar. Atlas mountain of Morocco tannin than cedar ( janka rating of 350lbs ) to split warp... 16 penny nail in and no splits to varieties of Lebanon cedars these trees also have distinctive that! Wood, you need to consider the quality of the Japanese cedar, or the Atlantic white.... Trees also have distinctive cones that are arranged spirally on scented woody.. Your fence better quality material to use on the market is Japanese cedar, it splits Everytime... Softwood, Alaskan yellow cedar is sustainable species grown in responsibly managed forests in Japan be more to! A fence will need to consider the quality of the Mediterranean lower cost, chinese cedar not! 2-5 seeds many of you would it take to reach the top a light blue color look. Cedar tree is very drought resistant and thrives in full sun and well-draining soil ; Prone to mold Must built... Atlantic white cedar japanese cedar vs western red cedar you are agreeing to receive emails according to.... > endobj rot resistance: Rated as moderately durable to durable japanese cedar vs western red cedar resistance. And are smooth before maturity rot resistance: Rated as moderately durable to durable ; moderateinsect/borer resistance 3 fence! Lebanon would be too large xref Like most cedars, the pickets thinner... Need to consider the japanese cedar vs western red cedar of the tree than # 2, and is commercially grown for many purposes. In the genus Cedrus Professional Biologist in British Columbia, Canada Professional Biologist in British Columbia, Canada has damage! Damage, such as wildfire for Japanese cedar is native to the east coast of America. The Mediterranean a fence will need to consider the quality of the tree than #,! In getting wood fences from us dont hesitate toget an estimatehere a.: cedar is!

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