japanese cedar vs western red cedar

With Japanese Cedar, youll have sticker marks from where the wood was dried before it was shipped here from Japan. The knots that it has are quality knots, meaning that they are less likely to fall out and become holes in your fence. Typically the shittiest pickets are 5/8" thick at Lowes or Home Depot- Western Red Cedar, and they are HORRIBLE. The most common problems that cheap fences experience can include mold, rot, and termite issues. Generally, the needles are 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1cm) long. When choosing the best wood to install your new fence with, Western Red Cedar seems to come out on top. 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. For more tips, including how to identify Atlantic white cedar trees, read on! This type of conifer tree gets its name from the Atlas mountain of Morocco. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). The leaves are small and scale-like, and they often have 3 points on the end. Had to see which one was faster, so I made two Spollettes 1" long. 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 needle like leaves are approximately 0.5-1 cm long while the globular seed cones are 1-2 cm in diameter and contain about 20-40 scales. If youre doing a transparent stain, youre going to restain every two to three years. By the way, the Japanese almost never make fences out of wood, so a Japanese cedar fence is a pretty rare item. 0000327325 00000 n You can identify eastern red cedars by the spiky immature bright-green needle leaves that become scale-like as the tree matures. Responds poorly to steam bending. Cyprian Cedar is one of the rarest cedars and it has short needles. We know our reputation rests on every fence, pergola, stone, and concrete surface that we touch. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 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. I have planted si? There are many species of conifers that have the common name cedar but are not true cedars. The bark of Spanish cedar is gray-brown with irregular fissured patterns on it. 2. Western Red Cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage. The bark is a red-brown color and peels in vertical strips. Lebanon cedars are some of the most iconic species of true cedar trees due to their horizontally-growing branches. In these pictures: Cedrus Atlantica Glauca Pendula (left) and Cedrus Atlantica Aurea (right). Grain/Texture:Grain is straight; medium, even texture. $4 to $6 per board foot (clear 4/4 S2S stock). Western Red Cedar continues to prove itself to be the ideal choice for fences and other outdoor structures. The Alaskan yellow cedar is a false cedar that doesnt belong to the genus Cedrus, but the cypress family. 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. Spruce is typically a five to eight-year entry-level fence. Another way to identify cedars is by their enormous heightgrowing up to 160 ft. (50 m). The wood ranks as hard and dense, with tight rings indicative of its slow growth. Im in Santa Fe. Midland, Texas 79707 Michael Simpson, PhD. However false cedars belong to the family cupressaceae (cypress). But contact with the sawdust can cause rashes and respiratory problems. These faux cedars grow up to 130 ft. (40 m). Builders of lightweight racing boats fashion the wood into sleekly curved hulls. Most pollen cones are longer than their subtending leaf and have 20-30 cone scales, each bearing 2-5 seeds. What makes certain species of wood differ from others? True cedars have evergreen blue-green needles and large cones on top of their branches. Can someone tell me if I can expect a Sugi bedframe I am making to substantially darken if I dont apply a finish? This false cedar tree is very drought resistant and thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Sugi is a commercially important softwood species within Japan, and is commercially grown for many construction purposes. 0000003824 00000 n 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. Moisture Below 18% Place of Origin China Features easily assembled, eco-friendly, rodent-proof, etc. You generally find western red cedars in the Midwestern United States. 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. To identify Deodar cedar trees, look for drooping branches growing on these tall conifers. The female trees produce small green and blue cones that look like berries. 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. Press J to jump to the feed. Mahalo, Opi and Satu. Texas Best Fence & Patio 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. In Japan, red cedars located at low latitudes begin radial growth before ones at higher latitudes. Thuja occidentalis (Northern white cedar) is a popular false cedar tree for a living fence or privacy screen in landscaped gardens. Premium wood is more durable and has a better look compared to standard wood. Cedars grow at high altitudes and thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. 0000003443 00000 n It can also be used to make weight-bearing furniture and load-bearing packing boxes too. Typically western red is the better quality material to use. Japanese cedar became popular in 2020 when WRC became difficult to acquire. There are four species of cedar trees in the genus Cedrus, belonging to the pine (Pinaceae) family. Sources: Go to hardwood dealers for boards, and woodworking catalogs for small stock. The Japanese Red-Cedar is an irregular evergreen conifer with tiered horizontal branching. There are several types of cedar trees, but true cedars are usually found in the Mediterranean, like Northern Africa, Turkey, Northern India, and Cyprus. This false cedar is an evergreen conifer from the family Cupressaceae. Don't plant one. The Japanese Cedar was introduced in 2021 as a pandemic alternative to be able to get fences installed right away. 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. Know How to Spot the Difference. If you have a faade siding or interior wall siding project, and you love the beautiful and naturally durable, go with Western Red Cedar. 0000003556 00000 n With a solid or semi-solid stain, you typically will get a five-year warranty. The cedar of Lebanon is a cold-hardy tree, despite coming from warm climates. The cones mature in the fall, and turn a reddish brown with small scales. In warmer climates, its significant growth has a spreading nature that provides shade underneath. Pictures of cedar bark with its large scales (left) and upright cones and needles (right). The wood is light weight (24 lbs per cu ft or 385 kg/cu m) and therefore is not exceptionally strong. 0000153101 00000 n It's made up of strong PVC compounds that contribute to fencing being able to endure forever and be everlasting. See my page on donating wood samples for more info. 0000004181 00000 n Deodar heartwood is a yellow brown. True cedar trees such as Atlas cedar (Cedrus Atlantica) belong to the Cedrus genus. Look for horizontal branches growing on a multi-stemmed tree. Yellow, red and western red cedar leaves are flat and fern-like in arrangement, leathery in texture and crumble easily if you rub them between your fingers. The specific links on this site are affiliate links (as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases) and help support the site at no extra cost to you. Fax: 806-783-8632 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. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Spanish cedar is a hardy drought resistant tree and is not a true cedar. Eastern red cedars have silvery brown bark and small reddish cones. Its needle-like leaves grow in small, dense clusters on short shoots. Its natural oils are insect and decay resistant, and left in its natural state it remains beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. Difficult? Interestingly, after growth onset, the time at which growth stopped was independent of latitude. Feature Easily Assembled Usage Garden Fence Type Fence Panels with dog ear Features You Don't . I understand you're about to spend a fortune, but as I tell my customers, material matters. Another way to tell the difference between #1 and #2 cedar is by the staining options available. How do different wood species differ when being used for fences? 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. Knots prove prevalent in lower grades, though "clear" grades are available. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. 0000001156 00000 n %PDF-1.5 % Unlike other types of true and false cedars, the Spanish cedar is native to tropical countries. "Helped me determine whether I have a white oak or water oak in my back yard--it's a water oak. Maybe you are going for a more rustic appearance, but in general, soft woods like this for tabletops isnt preferred. 426 Southfork Dr The Atlas cedar tree is a type of true cedar tree that looks similar to varieties of Lebanon cedars. The Japanese might use treated Japanese cedar fence posts, although I have never seen any either (having lived 8 years in Japan, travelingRead more , Its worth noting that the weird sugi is used as a marketing tool, most pickets that are sold as Japanese sugi are in fact western red cedar trees farmed in China. Typically western red is the better quality material to use. Only way to combat it is by using screws, hence the movement. The true 1" thick Japanese cedar pickets I install for all my customers ARE A DREAM. Would Sugi Pine be a good choice for this project t? 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. Price: $7 per board foot (4/4, S2S stock). Unfinished garage becomes a woodworking haven. The eastern red cedar is actually a type of juniper tree that is native to the east coast of North America. The large tree has a conical crown of spreading branches producing soft, scale-like leaves. These are generally smaller and their leaves protrude from 4 sides of the stem as opposed to 2 with the western reds. 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. Big? It is believed that the Japanese Cedar has a lot of the same properties of Western Red Cedar. The type of wood you choose also has a lot to do with the durability of your fence. It is often found in moist forests that have deep, rich, well-drained soil. Essential cedar oils are also extracted from the trees resin. Although it is an evergreen, some of . According to legend, in the early 1600s there was a feudal lord in Japanwho was too poor to donate a stone or bronze lantern at the funeral of the deceased shogun. Yes, so expensive. The sapwood is almost white, and knots are often present throughout the wood. Along with descriptions of these massive trees, pictures and their botanical names will help to identify each species. Western Red Cedar dries readily with very little shrinkage and has excellent working qualities, machining to a smooth, satiny finish. Sapwood is straw colored and clearly demarcated from the heartwood. How many of you would it take to reach the top? These trees have a pyramid shape. This is because of how you will either need to spend a lot of money on repairs for your fence, or you might need to get a new fence completely. Vinyl Fencing Vinyl fencing is different from wood, as it is made of polymers that allow it to appear ageless for lifetimes. This medium-sized tree grows to between 33 and 98 ft. (10 30 m) tall. 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. Price: $6.50 to $7 per board foot (4/4 S2S stock). Timber from these cedars is used in the construction industry. It varies in elevation from sealevel to over 1,000 meters. Immature incense cedar trees have orange-brown bark before turning gray and fissured. Blessed with an eye for potential, David Willett looked at his dark, unfinished 112-car garage built in 1956 and saw the bones of a workshop. 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. For instance, you're likely to find the Western Red Cedar, the Eastern Red Cedar, or the Atlantic White Cedar. hi, can I use Sugi for coorwood wall building? For example, Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) and Eastern Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) are false cedars in the cypress family. This is absolute complete bullshit. This cedar (Thuja occidentalis) is sometimes called "arbor vitae" (tree of life). 0000004332 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. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. The wood tends to be brittle, tearing out without sharp cutters and backer boards. Japanese cedar (or Japanese sugi) is actually a species of Cryptomeria, while western red cedar is a Thuja, both completely different genera. This growth habit makes this cedar species a highly ornamental, attractive tree. True cedars in the Cedrus genus have needle clusters on woody pegs. The sole hardwood and only import of this group, Spanish cedar (Cedrela oderata) grows natively in Central and South America, and has been planted in Florida. ), You can help support the site by buying one of these resources, designed and published by The Wood Database. The incense cedar tree can be identified by its foliage that stays as flattened vertical sprays. Boatbuilders use it for decks, railings, and interior paneling. These trees also have distinctive cones that are small and grow in clusters. 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. When starting the fence build process, you will want to ask your contractor, if they are using Western Red Cedar or Japanese Cedar. Mike received a BSc with honors in Ecology and an MA in Society, Science, and Nature from The University of Lancaster in England as well as a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta. Amarillo, Texas Sustainability:This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, butis reported by the IUCN as being near threatened. 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. I would still also avoid oil-based finishes as they might contribute to darkening over time. After 40 years, Western Red Cedar continues to prove itself to be the ideal choice for fences and other outdoor structures. You can be sure that your yard will be much more secure and private once you put up a high-quality fence. The barrel-shaped cones have smooth scales and are shorter than other cedarsyellow before maturing to dark brown. Leaves can be yellow-green or dark green. It grows throughout the eastern United States, usually to heights of just 20' to 40', though some trees reach 100' or taller. 0000189028 00000 n They dont grow to more than 40 ft. (12 m) tall in garden landscapes and are ideal for full sun and hot, arid conditions. Another option on the market is Japanese Cedar if youre looking for a price comparison. Or I am considering using a clear shellac. They keep their shape well with little maintenance and pruning. For best results coat all six sides before installation. Yes. At A Better Fence Company, we use ONLY Western Red Cedar for our cedar fences, arbors and pergolas. 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). Other common names for this faux cedar are pencil cedar, aromatic cedar, and Virginian juniper. For example, western red cedars have a reddish hue to their bark and cones, which gives them their name. At 29 lbs. 0000003258 00000 n The sapwood is pale yellow. The wood machines beautifully, glues and stains well, and develops a satiny sheen. Construction or premium grade wood is the best kind of wood you can buy, though it is also some of the most expensive. Native Americans used yellow cedar to produce ultralight, durable canoe paddles and many other useful items. Chinese Cedar Here is an example of a product being misnamed. Scientific Name: Calocedrus decurrens (syn. The leaves generally make a flat shape, making them look a bit like ferns. They are a monoecious species which reproduce via wind-based pollen and seed dispersal. Our wood grades give you the option to tailor your fence to your budget as well as functional and aesthetic requirements. 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. Its an acre yard. 0000004427 00000 n Also known as Alaska cedar, this tree (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) grows in the Pacific Northwest, from Alaska through British Columbia and into Oregon. 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. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information. It is a pyramidal and sometimes irregular evergreen conifer with tiered horizontal branching. Timber from Lebanon cedars has been used for centuries due to its fine grain and resistance to decay. So you do have a price point, but theres a reason why you have that price point where it is. This can be seen in the similar blondes, purples, and black color tones that are common in the western red cedar. xref Color/Appearance:Heartwood is typically reddish brown. However, these types of wood need to be treated in various ways to repel water and insects. The Japanese Red Cedar is susceptible to Phytophthora root disease, Armillaria root rot, and Juniper blight. Average Dried Weight: 24 lbs/ft 3 (385 kg/m 3) Its ability to resist decay and weathering is inferior to Western Red Cedar making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures. Unfortunately, those marks dont go away impacting the look and curb appeal of your fence. Today, makers of stringed musical instruments prize the wood because of its excellent sound quality. 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! It's an inferior product. That can give you some idea of the tree's height. If you have dogs or children, theres no way theyll be able to sneak through the fence. Being lightweight, the wood becomes easy to handle and operate. The Western Red Cedar is also quite long-lived, with some members of the species living more than 900 years. Many people also consider the timber from Alaskan yellow cedars as some of the finest available. We pride ourselves in being one of the best fence providers in northern Texas and always providing high-quality results. You can find these trees around the United States, where people have brought them in and planted them. These trees include varieties of juniper and cypress trees. The female cones are brown, globular, and solitary. I highly recommend them. In addition to the wood, the pollen of the tree is also known to be highly allergenic in Japan. Redwood has more tannin than cedar so it may be a little bit more rot resistant than redwood. stable vs. Western Red Cedar. Small, slender cones grow on the western red cedar tree, and it has brown bark with fissures running the length of the trunk. For example, some fences might be affordable and might look good while theyre still new, but once you buy them, youll see that problems will arise. References. Depending on the weather and climate it lasts 15-30 years. For runners, cap and trim western red. 0000188965 00000 n If you had to recommend three, which hand planes should I start with? The difference in cost usually means a difference in quality. Though categorized as a softwood, Alaskan Yellow Cedar is exceptionally dense. Chinese "cedar" is actually fir! Pine and spruce wood isnt as durable as harder types of wood, so they might be more likely to sustain damage. 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