Eastern Red Cedar Vs Western Red Cedar For Fence

Note that this cost benefit analysis would change if you were building a fence on the west coast instead.

Eastern red cedar vs western red cedar for fence.

Not all types of cedar are created equal however. Because red cedar isn t a lumber located near our area you would end up paying a lot more for a red cedar fence because of the additional shipping costs. Sources are inconsistent on the treatment of the common name variously referring to it as eastern red cedar two words eastern. These fences look extremely beautiful.

Red cedar is slightly stronger than white cedar fence. The name is a misnomer. The western red cedar is also quite long lived with some members of the species living more than 900 years. This plant is actually a juniper as its botanical name juniperus virginiana indicates true cedars belong to the cedrus genus and are not native to this country.

Northern white cedar resists decay and insect infestation like its western red cousin making it similarly suitable for outdoor projects such as shingles posts and decking. In that case red cedar would be more local. The eastern red cedar is much shorter overall than the western red cedar typically being between 16 to 66 feet tall 5 to 20 m with a trunk between 12 to 39 inches 30 to 100 cm in diameter. This is a naturally occurring resin that not only prolongs the life of the western red but enhances its durability.

Eastern white cedar is a close relative of western red cedar genetically speaking. Alaskan yellow cedar per square foot depending on the style of custom home you build. Western red cedar. After 40 years western red cedar continues to prove itself to be the ideal choice for fences and other outdoor structures.

The main differences between white cedar and red cedar are in terms of durability and strength. The latin name for western red cedar is thuja plicata thuja is the name of the resin that produces that distinct aroma of the red cedar. Eastern and western red cedar are rated as highly durable by the university with eastern red cedar having a lifespan of more than 30 years. Both white cedar and red cedar can air dry easily.

The wood is light weight 21 lbs per cu ft or 335 kg cu m and so is weaker than red cedar by a considerable amount. When is a cedar not a cedar. Western red cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering rotting decay and termite damage. However the white cedar tree is much smaller and so the lumber is quite knotty compared to the very clear lumber of red cedar.

Canoe builders use the wood to fashion their boats. At a better fence company we use only western red cedar for our cedar fences arbors and pergolas. Unfortunately this resin in not inherent in eastern white cedar. In addition white cedar and red cedar can absorb paints and oils without any problem.