I am building a Sauna and was trying to find of Sugi would be a good as Western Red for the interior of the Sauna? As an ornamental tree, the Cyprian cedar has branches that grow out horizontally, creating a flat-looking crowntypical of Mediterranean landscapes. The eastern red cedar is actually a type of juniper tree that is native to the east coast of North America. Western Red Cedar, and Japanese Cedar can be allowed to weather naturally to a silvery grey look, or a range of stains and coatings can be applied to ensure maximum performance. Native Americans used yellow cedar to produce ultralight, durable canoe paddles and many other useful items. One company says western red is the best and the other says Japanese cedar is grade 1 and the best. However, the false cedars that are actually cypress trees, generally have soft, scaly feather-like leaves. Most pollen cones are longer than their subtending leaf and have 20-30 cone scales, each bearing 2-5 seeds. The pickets are thin and flimsy and can split or break during installation. But what about the species of wood? Less Dimensional Stability & Prone to Mold Must be built on a 3 rail fence to limit cupping and warping of pickets. To identify Deodar cedar trees, look for drooping branches growing on these tall conifers. However false cedars belong to the family cupressaceae (cypress). Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. In some growing conditions, the eastern red cedar never grows taller than a small shrub-like evergreen tree. Used by many fence companies because of its lower cost, Chinese Cedar is not actually cedar, it is a fir. The soft, dense foliage makes these ornamental plants ideal as a specimen plant or for growing a privacy hedge. No matter what type of fence you have installed, you should expect to see minor imperfections and blemishes which will not affect the quality of the fence. 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. 0000188853 00000 n In the Middle East, this cedar wood is popular for making furniture and using it in construction. How do different wood species differ when being used for fences? All WFP's LIFESTYLE CEDAR Japanese cedar fencing products are kiln-dried, making them . These cones will be covered in thin scales. It is a light weight wood which causes less stress on the posts and framework of the fence, and it is naturally more water repellent than other types of wood. Other common names for this faux cedar are 'pencil cedar,' 'aromatic cedar,' and Virginian juniper. Some of the most decorative western arborvitaes are small evergreens that dont take up much space in a back yard. Are Rosewoods (and Bubinga) really banned by CITES? True cedar trees such as Atlas cedar (Cedrus Atlantica) belong to the Cedrus genus. Although, all three are perfectly suitable choices. 0000150452 00000 n We pride ourselves in being one of the best fence providers in northern Texas and always providing high-quality results. Scientific Name: Calocedrus decurrens (syn. 12116 Slide RoadLubbock, Texas 79424Phone: 806-799-3729Fax: 806-783-8632Email: sales@allstate-fence.com, I-27 & Rockwell Rd.Amarillo, TexasPhone: 806-655-5700Fax: 806-655-5802Email: sales@allstate-fence.com, 10200 Highway 191Midland, Texas 79707Phone: 432-563-1111Fax: 432-563-1159Email: sales@allstate-fence.com, I-27 & Rockwell Rd. 0000004332 00000 n There are several types of cedar trees, but true cedars are usually found in the Mediterranean, like Northern Africa, Turkey, Northern India, and Cyprus. In addition to the wood, the pollen of the tree is also known to be highly allergenic in Japan. Their evergreen, bright foliage, and ornamental shape make these Thujas popular as specimen landscape trees or as a natural, living screen. 0000004086 00000 n The four types of cedar trees are Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) with dark green foliage, Cyprian cedar (Cedrus brevifolia) with bluish-green needle-leaves, Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara) with bright green needles and moderately large cones, and cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) with its glaucous, bluish-green foliage. These trees still line the path to the temple, andare considered some of the most stately and impressive displays of trees in all of Japan. hb`````9 @16@~O20d(zCeDJw4 $q5"J When it comes to maintenance on a Western red cedar fence, youre going to restain it about every five years. 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. Redwood - with a janka rating of 450lbs - is about 23% stronger than cedar (janka rating of 350lbs). However, under ideal conditions, this false cedar can grow up to 66 ft. (20 m) tall. It grows throughout the eastern United States, usually to heights of just 20' to 40', though some trees reach 100' or taller. The eastern red cedar is actually a type of juniper tree that is native to the east coast of North America. I do not know if on average which type of cedar is overall more longer-lasting. Im not sure who to believe. Price: $3.50 per board foot (4/4, S2S stock). sales@allstate-fence.com, Fence Repair & Fence Installation - Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland. Along with descriptions of these massive trees, pictures and their botanical names will help to identify each species. Western red, assuming your climate is temperate or damp, and not white hot dry desert. Boatbuilders use it for decks, railings, and interior paneling. But why might that be? 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. So yes, most sugi pickets are excellent for fences in America, but they are in fact Chinese cedar pickets, is this particular cedar a good grade for fencing long term AND IS IT VERY DURABLE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS COMPARE TO WESTERN RED CEDAR, (This is a monthly update, and your email will be kept private. 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. 0000004181 00000 n HWr}WL*U)2~yHHQ, Western red cedar is a very tall conifer tree (left) but dwarf cultivars are available too such as Thuja plicata Green Giant (left). Yellow cedar ranges in color from creamy white to sulfur yellow, with occasional dark streaks. We shadowed two experienced makers and installers of custom cabinetry to bring you simple tips and tricks that will keep your built-in projects (and your sanity) on the bubble.. Sustainability:This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, butis reported by the IUCN as being near threatened. 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. Sources: Seek out hardwood dealers for lumber, home centers for closet lining. or lumber quality as mentioned earlier. 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. Both western red cedars and eastern white cedars are cold-tolerant trees that adapt to various growing conditions. 0000169580 00000 n Leaves can be yellow-green or dark green. Would Sugi Pine be a good choice for this project t? [1] Native to Lebanon and the Middle East, these evergreen conifers are enormous trees that can reach up to 130 ft. (40 m) tall. In colder climates, incense cedars grow naturally as tall columnar trees. The slow-growing conifer tree has a conical shape, dense foliage, and upward growth. I would still also avoid oil-based finishes as they might contribute to darkening over time. 0000442114 00000 n They have a blue/purple hue and are smooth before maturity. Essential cedar oils are also extracted from the trees resin. A distinctive feature of these true cedars is how the mature trunks sometimes separate into several different ones. Though categorized as a softwood, Alaskan Yellow Cedar is exceptionally dense. Copyright 20082023 Eric Meier. Yes, so expensive. Donating wood samples and pictures of wood items, Fluorescence: A Secret Weapon in Wood Identification, Ash Wood: Black, White, and Everything in Between, Brazilian Rosewood, East Indian, and Other Rosewoods, Genuine Lignum Vitae and Argentine Lignum Vitae. Comments:Sometimes called Japanese Cedar, the wood is in theCupressaceae family, which includes many cedar-like species. Clumps of small needles arranged spirally on short and woody stems identify the Cyprian cedar. All Rights Reserved. Surprised nobody mentioned the cost. 29 43 The wood splits easily--hence, it is commonly used for split singles and shakes. The Japanese cedar or cryptomeria, meaning hidden parts, is a coniferous tree widespread within Japan. Because the leaves form opposite pairs, it creates a flat structure, almost like a lattice. Yes. Fill out the form provided below and we will contact you, or call us now, 2019 A Better Fence Company Aubrey, TX 76227 (940)220-9099 . When referring to boards, dimensions are approximations, however a 1 x 4 Western Red Cedar board is typically closer to a true 1 thickness, while Chinese Cedar is closer to 3/4 thick. 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. Western Red Cedar is a wonderful species, with the grain being very straight. 0000001424 00000 n Although it is an evergreen, some of . 0000237930 00000 n The sapwood is narrow and almost white. They are far superior but I believe it's more because of the thickness but also Japanese Cedar has more of the chocolate, pink, and purple hues indicative of higher oil levels and higher heartwood levels. Libocedrus decurrens) Distribution: Western North America (primarily California) Tree Size: 65-100 ft (20-30 m) tall, 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) trunk diameter. This is especially true when you have professional fence installers likeTexas Best Fenceput up your fence for you. The wood is light weight (24 lbs per cu ft or 385 kg/cu m) and therefore is not exceptionally strong. Press J to jump to the feed. All Rights Reserved. Sources: Go to hardwood dealers for boards, and woodworking catalogs for small stock. Interestingly, after growth onset, the time at which growth stopped was independent of latitude. What kind of leaves does a cedar tree have? What some may not be aware of is that there are many types of cedar (and other woods that are commonly referred to as cedar that are not actually cedar), that do not possess the same qualities that make it ideal for outdoor use. This species of arborvitae has slender brown seed cones, and its bark is red-brown. The wood from Deodar cedars is prized for its durability and attractive grain. 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. All State Fence was very prompt is giving me a quote on my fence replacement. In these pictures: Cedrus Atlantica Glauca Pendula (left) and Cedrus Atlantica Aurea (right). The true 1" thick Japanese cedar pickets I install for all my customers ARE A DREAM. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This false cedar tree is very drought resistant and thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Im finding very little about it online. Sure, you may save a few bucks with the cheaper quote but construction methods are changed when using japanese, which results in more movement than necessary. Know the Difference Between Types of Cedar. 0000188965 00000 n It has rich glossy foliage that grows in a pyramid shape. Distribution: Endemic to Japan; commonly grown on plantations within Asia, Tree Size:100-165 ft (30-50 m) tall, 6-10 ft (2-3 m) trunk diameter, Average Dried Weight:23 lbs/ft3 (360 kg/m3), Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .33, .36, Modulus of Rupture:5,280 lbf/in2 (36.4 MPa), Elastic Modulus:1,109,000 lbf/in2 (7.65 GPa), Crushing Strength:4,060 lbf/in2 (28.0 MPa), Shrinkage: Radial: 2.1%, Tangential: 6.8%, Volumetric: 10.5%, T/R Ratio: 3.2. Email:sales@allstate-fence.com, Monday Friday 7:30 AM 5:30 PM Japanese cedar became popular in 2020 when WRC became difficult to acquire. If you have dogs or children, theres no way theyll be able to sneak through the fence. Japanese cedar (or Japanese sugi) is actually a species of Cryptomeria, while western red cedar is a Thuja, both completely different genera. Grain/Texture:Grain is straight; medium, even texture. 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. The common names of these cypress trees are confusing as they share them with species of junipers. This is absolute complete bullshit. What makes certain species of wood differ from others? Before you choose any species, you need to consider the quality of the wood first. Cedar wood only shrinks moderately, dries quickly and easily. However, in a park or garden landscape, they dont usually grow more than 50 ft. (15 m) with a 30 ft. (9 m) spread. Check for scale-like leaves that form finger-like extensions on 4 sides. Identification of Alaskan yellow cedars is by their dark green, flat scaly leaves growing on pendulous branches. Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. I might decide to use a bar top epoxy resin to protect it. Also known as Alaska cedar, this tree (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) grows in the Pacific Northwest, from Alaska through British Columbia and into Oregon. He has over 20 years of experience in ecology research and professional practice in Britain and North America, with an emphasis on plants and biological diversity. The slow-growing conifer tree has a conical shape, dense foliage, and upward growth. Moisture Below 18% Place of Origin China Features easily assembled, eco-friendly, rodent-proof, etc. Im as patriotic as anyone else but there is an insane amount of misinformation in this thread. The difference in cost usually means a difference in quality. In confined spaces, the resins in eastern red cedar can cause finishing problems, as they inhibit proper hardening of oil finishes. woodmagazine.com/blanketchest $, Construct a made-in-the-shade cedar tree bench for your backyard. They keep their shape well with little maintenance and pruning. Support me directly through PatreonIf youve been helped by the Wood Database, consider saying thanks and helping to support the project. X It is often found in moist forests that have deep, rich, well-drained soil. Lets look at the identifying features of the four cedar species. For example, the Thuja plicata Fluffy is a pyramid-shaped dwarf tree that grows up to 10 ft. (3 m). As its common name suggests, these cypress trees are highly aromatic and native to California and northwest Mexico. The leaves are spirally arranged and curl inward towards the twing. Im in Santa Fe. Clear cedar, which is a higher grade than #1, comes from the heart (center) of the tree and has no knots and few blemishes. Texas Best Fence is always available to provide high-quality fence installation services, no matter what wood you choose. 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. 0000025177 00000 n Within its range, Spanish cedar gets used for everything from furniture to windows and cabinetry. Also if your lumber sits in bad conditions- its going to split and warp and crack no matter the sub species. Cedar is a rot-resistant wood, and with a stain or sealant applied I would think the difference would be minimal, and depend more on the installation job (are the pickets off the ground?) 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. Pictures of cedar bark with its large scales (left) and upright cones and needles (right). 8 September 2021. You can identify this cedar by its horizontal branches. It grows in southeastern Canada and the northeastern quarter of the U.S., south to Tennessee and west into Iowa. The sapwood is pale yellow. We'll slice through the five most common species so you can choose the cedar that best suits your project. In its native habitat of Cyprus, the Cyprian cedar tree grows up to about 80 ft. (24 m) tall. Maybe you are going for a more rustic appearance, but in general, soft woods like this for tabletops isnt preferred. Heres how. It has little shrinkage. At 29 lbs. 2. Can say for the western red cedar, but there is no category in the Sugi here in Japan. Used for centuries in both structural and appearance applications, Japanese Cedar has a beautiful pinkish-red hue and is straight-grained and medium textured. For pickets - Japanese is decent. the leaves are . However, these types of wood need to be treated in various ways to repel water and insects. You can usually identify a Chinese Cedar Picket by the thickness of the board. The Japanese Red-Cedar is an irregular evergreen conifer with tiered horizontal branching. 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. The bark on these false cedars is reddish-brown and peels easily. There are also red cedar trees, which you can find outside of the Mediterranean. With a solid or semi-solid stain, you typically will get a five-year warranty. Have you had the chance to notice any warping of the Japanese cedar over time as a couple others have mentioned? The leaves are often used to make incense. What do you like in the desert. 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. Construction or premium grade wood is the best kind of wood you can buy, though it is also some of the most expensive. Cedars are evergreen trees that can be identified by their needles, cones and bark. The Alaskan yellow cedar is a false cedar that doesnt belong to the genus Cedrus, but the cypress family. From making your yard feel more comfortable, to giving your property more privacy. 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. #2 grade cedar will have many small knots and also large knots and blemishes. Specification Features Usage Videos Customer case Product Specifications Wood Species Japanese cedar Color Natural color Finishing not coated Size 15*140*1830, 15*152*2440, or customized size, etc. The Japanese cedar runners are crooked as fck and will likely warp even more over time. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. The leaves are small and scale-like, and they often have 3 points on the end. If you had to recommend three, which hand planes should I start with? It serves as the national tree of Japan and is often planted around shrines and temples. Another identification feature of true cedar trees is their large, barrel-like cones that grow upward on branches rather than dangle. The Cyprian cedar is one of the rarest types of cedars. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. The wood ranks as hard and dense, with tight rings indicative of its slow growth. Depending on the weather and climate it lasts 15-30 years. 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. "Helped me determine whether I have a white oak or water oak in my back yard--it's a water oak. Even so the wood remains lightweight, giving it an impressive strength-to-weight ratio. Deodar heartwood is a yellow brown. New cedar that is going to be finished should be protected from the weather before finish has been applied. You can tell if you are looking at a yellow cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis), red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), or western red cedar (Thuja plicata) and not at a pine tree because these species dont have needles like pine or spruce trees. Sources: Find knotty grades in dimensional sizes at home centers and lumber yards; clear grades at hardwood dealers. Northern white cedars grow well in full sun and moist soil. In these images: A mature incense cedar tree (left), cones (center) and foliage (right). And hello- a screw will split the board MORE than a nail. Choose polyurethane or lacquer for the best finishing results. One of the most common arborvitaes is the northern white cedar, which is a member of the cypress family. Japanese Cedar When you choose cedar as a fencing material, you expect strength to be a top benefit. Expert here. Overview. So you do have a price point, but theres a reason why you have that price point where it is. Would you need to treat first? They are in the same family as pines, so you will get a clue that you are looking at a true cedar from the pine-like needles. 0000003320 00000 n The wood machines beautifully, glues and stains well, and develops a satiny sheen. Spanish cedar heartwood has a pinkish to reddish-brown tone that darkens over time. Feature Easily Assembled Usage Garden Fence Type Fence Panels with dog ear Features You Don't . Japanese Cedar-A newer product on the market in the US that shows promise as being a quality, lower cost alternative to Western Red Cedar. There are many species of conifers that have the common name cedar but are not true cedars. One of the attractive features of the Alaskan yellow cedar is its pyramidal shape and soft, dense foliage. Unfinished garage becomes a woodworking haven. Timber from western red cedars is exceptionally durable, making the tree important in the timber industry. This false cedar is an evergreen conifer from the family Cupressaceae. Low density and light weight make it easy to cut and shape using hand or power tools. At A Better Fence Company, we use ONLY Western Red Cedar for our cedar fences, arbors and pergolas. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). You can identify the Atlas cedar by its dark-brown or gray bark that fissures as it grows. 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. Research source Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 76,127 times. If youre doing a transparent stain, youre going to restain every two to three years. Eastern cedarwood is a common type of wood for making fence posts and furniture. Common Uses: Siding, paneling, furniture, fences, boatbuilding, and small specialty items. Fax: 806-783-8632 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. The cones on this tree don't get above 0.25 inches (0.64cm) in diameter. For more tips, including how to identify Atlantic white cedar trees, read on! Premium wood is more durable and has a better look compared to standard wood. These faux cedars grow up to 130 ft. (40 m). Cyprian Cedar is one of the rarest cedars and it has short needles. The scent is a little bit like pineapple. Specializing in Western Red Cedar Wood Fences We offer our customer the best and most comprehensive Western Red Cedar Grades on the market. Another way to tell the difference between #1 and #2 cedar is by the staining options available. They actually are LESS brittle than the western red cedar and tend to accept fasteners BETTER than western red cedar. Price: $1 to $3 per linear foot in dimensional sizes. The knots that it has are quality knots, meaning that they are less likely to fall out and become holes in your fence. It is believed that the Japanese Cedar has a lot of the same properties of Western Red Cedar. I had a similar question- is this reliable material for fencing compared to western red cedar and are most japanese cedar fences similar or are there different levels of quality within the japanese cedar wood? That can give you some idea of the tree's height. Western red you can slam a 16 penny nail in and no splits. Japanese Cedar- A newer product on the market in the US that shows promise as being a quality, lower cost alternative to Western Red Cedar. However, the pickets are thinner and less sturdy than Western Red Cedar, and have a tendency to split or break during installation. 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. I do know that Im spending a fortune on this fence and I want it to be done with quality material that will last a very very long time. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Lumber from these cedars is highly resistant to rot and, therefore, has many uses in the timber industry. We know our reputation rests on every fence, pergola, stone, and concrete surface that we touch. These trees also have distinctive cones that are small and grow in clusters. Reply SnobbyDobby Additional comment actions Expert here. I wanted to use a traditional Japanese wood. Japanese Cedar-A newer product on the market in the US that shows promise as being a quality, lower cost alternative to Western Red Cedar. trailer Timber from these cedars is used in the construction industry. The Japanese Cedar was introduced in 2021 as a pandemic alternative to be able to get fences installed right away. Its common and botanical name literally means wood of the gods. Deodar cedars are fast-growing, large evergreen conifer trees that have a distinctly conical shape. Then eastern white if you want to save some money on the hidden structure parts. A number of trees are given the common name of "cedar" in the US, despite belonging to other genera, such as the Juniper genus. The wood is awfully soft, so youd definitely be faced with a lot of dents and dings. The Japanese red-cedar, otherwise called the "Japanese sugi pine" - known to the Japanese as Sugi - is a large evergreen tree which is native to Japan, can reach up to 70 m in height, and can reach trunk diameters of 4m. Many gardeners consider eastern white cedars as the easiest-to-grow conifers for front or backyards. Check out our Tips for Choosing a Reputable Fence Company here.. Request a Free Estimate From A Better Fence Company Today! You can distinguish between true cedars and false cedars by looking at their evergreen needle leaves. This tree (Juniperus virginiana) also belongs to the cypress family. 0000003258 00000 n The fact that I can get imported japanese cedar for cheaper than inland western red cedar should say something. Rout the recesses right to hold a lid upright. The cedar of Lebanon is a cold-hardy tree, despite coming from warm climates. Prices for instrument-grade wood run much higher. It has very high natural decay resistance. How many of you would it take to reach the top? The seed cones from the tree are just over an inch (2.5 cm) long and are an orange-yellowish color. Amarillo, Texas They split, crack, and warp sooooo easily. 0000001156 00000 n If the cedar has insect damage, rot, or the % of the cuts include heartwood versus sapwood. The foliage can be from bright green to bluish-green color. Cyprian cedar has grayish-brown bark that fissures as the tree matures. 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. I highly recommend them. Canoe builders use the wood to fashion their boats. However, if you pay for a #1 grade cedar fence, it should NOT look like it has a bad case of chicken pox! Bright orange to red leaf spots occur on apples, hawthorns, and other plants in the Rosaceae family. This cedar (Thuja occidentalis) is sometimes called "arbor vitae" (tree of life). 0000003824 00000 n The sapwood is almost white. The barrel-shaped cones have smooth scales and are shorter than other cedarsyellow before maturing to dark brown.