Cedar
Thuja occidentalis

Description
Eastern white cedar is a slow-growing conifer, native to northeastern North America. Averaging a height of 15 to 20 metres and a diameter ranging from 40 to 90 centimetres, it can reach over 20 metres at maturity with a diameter of 120 to 150 centimetres. It has remarkable longevity and some specimens live to be 800 years old. Its wood is stable, finely textured and extremely long lasting. It offers exceptional natural resistance to insects and decay, resulting in excellent durability. Its structure makes it a very good insulating material when it comes to sound and heat. Cedar does not require any preservatives or special maintenance. It is a natural alternative to treated wood. Its pleasant fragrance makes it highly prized for interior woodwork.

Colour
The sapwood is a creamy vanilla colour. The heartwood is straw yellow and may contain small knots.

Texture
Its surface is smooth with no splinters. The wood is soft, lightweight and even-grained.

Qualities
Easy to mill, resistant to splits, good nail- and screw-holding abilities; good gluing properties. Can be painted, stained or varnished. Excellent permeability. Resistant to fungi.

Applications
Exterior siding: clapboard, boards, trim, shingles. Roof shingles. Patios, decks, verandas. Mouldings and furniture components. Outdoor or indoor furniture that is untreated, stained or painted. Doors and windows. Posts, fences and trellises. Mulch. Wharfs and boats.

Machine properties in decreasing order of the overall porformance of 17 species*
Species
Planing
good to excellent
Sanding
excellent

Boring
brad point
good to excellent
Boring
multiple spur
good to excellent
Mortising
fair to excellent
Shaping
fair to excellent
Turning
fair to excellent
Average
Red pine
83
68
96
80
78
72
96
82
Yellow birch
89
52
98
86
56
78
100
80
Eastern white ceddar
71
94
100
68
56
60
98
78
Sugar maple
69
82
98
100
38
56
100
78
Jack pine
57
84
94
76
62
58
94
75
Trembling aspen
74
4
98
66
98
86
96
75
Tamarack
49
84
98
64
66
82
72
74
White birch
70
8
98
88
66
74
100
72
Black spruce
66
52
92
80
52
68
90
71
Eastern white pine
78
52
100
86
24
58
100
71
Red maple
63
40
92
98
42
50
100
69
Scots pine
66
40
96
80
36
70
94
69
Norway spruce
66
74
96
56
70
58
50
67
White spruce
67
52
92
50
44
74
62
63
Balsam fir
47
54
94
62
64
52
54
61
Sugi
91
66
96
54
24
60
30
60
Eastern hemlock
36
72
94
56
18
66
6
50
*Values are the pourcentage of tested specimens reaching the indicated performance.

Shingle Grading
The Canadian Standards Association sets the grading rules for Eastern White Cedar shingles: A (extra), B (clear), C (2nd clear) and D (utility; includes shims.). Standard length is 16 inches (406.4 mm) except for grade D.

Common dimensions (nominal)
Thickness by width (length) in English measurement system [thickness by width (length) in metric system]

Net dimensions may vary among producers.

Components for fences
1" x 3" (3’ to 8’) [25.4 mm x 76.2 mm (0.91 m to 2.44 m)]
1" x 4" (3’ to 8’) [25.4 mm x 101.6 mm (0.91 m to 2.44 m)]
2"x 3" (8’) [50.8 mm x 76.2 mm (2.44 m)]
2" x 4" (8’) [50.8 mm x 101.6 mm (2.44 m)
4" x 4" (6’ to 8’) [101.6 mm x 101.6 mm (1.83 m to 2.44 m)]
5" x 5" (6’ to 8’) [127 mm x 127 mm (1.83 m to 2.44 m)]

Interior and exterior cladding
1" x 3" (8’) [25.4 mm x 76.2 mm (2.44 m)]
1" x 4" (8’) [25.4 mm x 101.6 mm (2.44 m)]

Non-structural components for log houses
4" x 4" (8’ to 20’) [101.6 mm x 101.6 mm (2.44 m to 6.1 m)]
5" x 5" (8’ to 20’) [127 mm x 127 mm (2.44 m to 6.1 m)]
6" x 6" (8’ to 20) [152.4 mm x152.4 mm (2.44 m to 6.1 m)]

Decking
Thickness: 6/4 and 8/4 [38.1 mm and 50.8 mm]
Width: 6" [152.4 mm]
Length: 8’ to 12’ [2.44 m to 3.66 m]

Other dimensions produced upon request

Technical sheet

White Cedar Wood Products: a Natural Choice!