japanese cedar vs western red cedar

You can identify the Atlas cedar by its dark-brown or gray bark that fissures as it grows. Check for scale-like leaves that form finger-like extensions on 4 sides. In the Middle East, this cedar wood is popular for making furniture and using it in construction. They have a blue/purple hue and are smooth before maturity. The tree is fast-growing for the first 50 years before slowing down. The Deodar cedar tree is also named Himalayan cedar due to its native habitat. This medium-sized tree grows to between 33 and 98 ft. (10 30 m) tall. 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. 0000044399 00000 n Sources: Find knotty grades in dimensional sizes at home centers and lumber yards; clear grades at hardwood dealers. Phone: 806-655-5700 The cones on this tree don't get above 0.25 inches (0.64cm) in diameter. Copyright 20082023 Eric Meier. Knots are common. I own and operate a fence company and have installed TENS OF THOUSANDS of Japanese Cedar pickets, 2x4's, and 2x6's. Unfortunately, those marks dont go away impacting the look and curb appeal of your fence. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Know How to Spot the Difference. Cedar trees are large evergreen conifers that have needle-like leaves that are arranged spirally on scented woody branches. Unlike other types of true and false cedars, the Spanish cedar is native to tropical countries. Cedars grow at high altitudes and thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. Western Red Cedar is highly durable and weather resistant. Chinese "cedar" is actually fir! Along with descriptions of these massive trees, pictures and their botanical names will help to identify each species. 0000000016 00000 n Essential cedar oils are also extracted from the trees resin. 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. Many gardeners consider eastern white cedars as the easiest-to-grow conifers for front or backyards. However, in a park or garden landscape, they dont usually grow more than 50 ft. (15 m) with a 30 ft. (9 m) spread. These are generally smaller and their leaves protrude from 4 sides of the stem as opposed to 2 with the western reds. How can one wood be so versatile? All WFP's LIFESTYLE CEDAR Japanese cedar fencing products are kiln-dried, making them . The most common problems that cheap fences experience can include mold, rot, and termite issues. 0000442114 00000 n The Japanese Cedar was introduced in 2021 as a pandemic alternative to be able to get fences installed right away. See my page on donating wood samples for more info. Its needle-like leaves grow in small, dense clusters on short shoots. It all has to do with what properties a certain species of wood might have. Little scientific data exists, however, to show the wood repels bugs effectively. Eastern Red Cedar leaves are similar to Western Red Cedar in that they are scale-like and form "fingers." However, they go all around the stem, rather than just forming opposite pairs. Then eastern white if you want to save some money on the hidden structure parts. Premium wood is more durable and has a better look compared to standard wood. 0000003824 00000 n Generally, the needles are 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1cm) long. 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. It is a pyramidal and sometimes irregular evergreen conifer with tiered horizontal branching. woodmagazine.com/treebenchplan $. Phone: (972) 245-0640, Now that youre thinking of the main types of outdoor structures. Others rely on it for lining closets or cigar humidors. 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! I would still also avoid oil-based finishes as they might contribute to darkening over time. Timber from western red cedars is exceptionally durable, making the tree important in the timber industry. Texas Best Fence & Patio One of the reasons we're seeing more Japanese cedar right now is because there is shortages of White cedar. In its native habitat of Cyprus, the Cyprian cedar tree grows up to about 80 ft. (24 m) tall. It grows in southeastern Canada and the northeastern quarter of the U.S., south to Tennessee and west into Iowa. Price: $7 per board foot (4/4, S2S stock). X Lean towards red cedar, the Japanese cedar is not a stable and can be a pain in the ass. Clear cedar is not commonly used for building fences because of the much higher cost. 0000188384 00000 n The smaller of the two trees was cut down yesterday, and I noticed that it has fairly dark heartwood (much darker than in wester red cedar), while the sapwood is very light. Are Rosewoods (and Bubinga) really banned by CITES? 0000189028 00000 n Look for horizontal branches growing on a multi-stemmed tree. The pollen cones are often located on the end of these twigs as shown in later pictures. It's because multiple varieties exist with different properties and uses. Registered Professional Biologist. Lumber from these cedars is highly resistant to rot and, therefore, has many uses in the timber industry. Western red cedar is a very tall conifer tree (left) but dwarf cultivars are available too such as Thuja plicata Green Giant (left). $4 to $6 per board foot (clear 4/4 S2S stock). Depending on the weather and climate it lasts 15-30 years. Real cedar wood is very waterproof and when submerge in water it increases in hardness. Otherwise that wood is surprisingly cheap and resistant wood. Western Red Cedar dries readily with very little shrinkage and has excellent working qualities, machining to a smooth, satiny finish. Boatbuilders use it for decks, railings, and interior paneling. 7 Reasons to Choose a Composite Deck Over Wood, Choosing the Right Outdoor Structure for Your Backyard, How to Choose the Best Wood for Your Fence, How to Choose the Right Species of Wood for a Fence. This false cedar tree is very drought resistant and thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Fax: 432-563-1159 Lebanon cedars are some of the most iconic species of true cedar trees due to their horizontally-growing branches. And some woodworkers report rash and respiratory problems. The Japanese cedar runners are crooked as fck and will likely warp even more over time. Mark was very helpful with answering questions I had, was very accommodating with changes I needed to make to the original quote. 0000097716 00000 n Privacy policy. Small, slender cones grow on the western red cedar tree, and it has brown bark with fissures running the length of the trunk. The true 1" thick Japanese cedar pickets I install for all my customers ARE A DREAM. It has rich glossy foliage that grows in a pyramid shape. One company says western red is the best and the other says Japanese cedar is grade 1 and the best. Chinese Cedar-Used by many fence companies because of its lower cost, Chinese Cedar is not actually cedar, it is a fir. We pride ourselves in being one of the best fence providers in northern Texas and always providing high-quality results. Fortunately, this article will guide you through what you need to know when you choose wood for a fence. Fax: 806-655-5802 However, the Spanish faux cedar is a semi-deciduous, broad-leafed tree with ovate leaflets making up the leaves. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. 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. Cedar that is graded #1 comes from closer to theheart of the tree than #2, and has fewer and smaller knots. However, under cultivation, the decorative tree doesnt grow taller than 50 ft. (15 m). Michael Simpson, PhD. The soft, dense foliage makes these ornamental plants ideal as a specimen plant or for growing a privacy hedge. Unfinished garage becomes a woodworking haven. Typically western red is the better quality material to use. Its natural oils are insect and decay resistant, and left in its natural state it remains beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. In these images: A mature incense cedar tree (left), cones (center) and foliage (right). 0 Sugi is a commercially important softwood species within Japan, and is commercially grown for many construction purposes. He has worked in British, North American, and South American ecosystems, and with First Nations communities, non-profits, government, academia, and industry. You can see easily with your eyes how crappy the western red cedar pickets are with 80+% of them having the white sapwood and very little of the heartwood- the reverse of the Japanese Cedar. 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. Most Japanese/Chinese mills are only making 5/8" thick boards The samples that we inspected . It looks like a smaller version of its larger cousin, the Lebanon cedar. The common names of these cypress trees are confusing as they share them with species of junipers. Cedar is dimensionally very stable in service. Yes, so expensive. Workability:Generally easy to work with hand or machine tools, though knotty areas can be troublesome. A mature cedar tree has reddish-brown bark with long scales that are easily peeled. The lightweight wood bears straight grain and proves easy to machine and finish. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. The bark is a red-brown color and peels in vertical strips. Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. 0000025177 00000 n Which hand planes should a power-tool woodworker buy first? It is often found in moist forests that have deep, rich, well-drained soil. The foliage can be from bright green to bluish-green color. There are many species of conifers that have the common name cedar but are not true cedars. Japanese cedar (or Japanese sugi) is actually a species of Cryptomeria, while western red cedar is a Thuja, both completely different genera. 0000199508 00000 n 0000004086 00000 n Our Japanese Red-Cedar won't reach the height of a full grown Red-Cedar since cultivation in the US is associated with much smaller (50-60 ft) versions. Hello! Surprised nobody mentioned the cost. The female trees produce small green and blue cones that look like berries. @ k>262780/t05E'i[hhd0`pZja-\S?9i>PA:F _ * To determine the hardness of redwood and cedar, we are using the janka hardness test. 0000153101 00000 n We strive to be a company that exhibits unparalleled professionalism, quality workmanship, and outstanding results. These trees have a pyramid shape. 0000004570 00000 n Typically western red is the better quality material to use. 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. Otherwise, the elements would slowly eat away at them. 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. Check out our Tips for Choosing a Reputable Fence Company, Inform Yourself! : Generally easy to work with hand or machine tools, though knotty areas be. Centers and lumber yards ; clear grades at hardwood dealers cigar humidors one of stem... Fissures as it grows softwood species within Japan, and has a better look compared to wood. Straight grain and proves easy to machine and finish straight grain and proves to. And operate a fence the main types of true cedar trees due to horizontally-growing. 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