Throughout the forests of the Pacific Northwest, Southwest Canada and British Columbia the western red cedar (thuja plicata) also known as the Giant Arborvitae is interspersed with douglas fir and western hemlock.
The western red cedar is a magnificent tree standing in heights of 100′ to 180′ with the tallest on record reaching a massive 277′. Their base has a diameter of 2′ to 8′ with the largest recorded at 22 1/2′ wide.
For ages western red cedar was the material of choice for the regions Native Americans. They carved canoes large enough to hold 40 people giving the tree the nickname “canoe cedar”. They used the tree to construct totem poles, storage boxes, baskets, clothing and shelter.
Western red cedar is rot & decay resistant, shade tolerant and insect resistant. It has a lifespan of 450 years or more and is among the most durable timber in history. Today it is used for outdoor projects such as fences, decks, siding, utility poles, porches, window and doorframes. Indoor projects such as paneling, kitchens, bathrooms and saunas are great applications as western red cedar is extremely moisture resistant.
Cedar is like a dream to work with. As a contractor its absolutely my favorite material as its lightweight and easy to handle. It can be cut, sanded, shaped, planed, glued and nailed. With a natural stain the rich texture and warm colors will stand out above all and can never be duplicated with substitutes such as concrete,plastics and metal.
Cedar is a dimensionally stable wood, it retains fasteners, paints and stains like no other. Your cedar fence will last between 30 and 40 years with proper installation and is the only fence material that brings the natural look and lustre of the Pacific Northwest forests to your yard.
For any questions or if you would like to see a sample of our Grade A western red cedar contact us today for a consultation.
Some information on this page obtained from the WRCLA.
