japanese cedar vs western red cedar

Its ability to resist decay and weathering is inferior to Western Red Cedar making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures. Workability:Generally easy to work with hand or machine tools, though knotty areas can be troublesome. 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. Knots prove prevalent in lower grades, though "clear" grades are available. However false cedars belong to the family cupressaceae (cypress). WRC is still the dominant cedar in the U.S. for fencing. Did you know that abouthalf of all yardsin America have fences? Low density and light weight make it easy to cut and shape using hand or power tools. 0000044399 00000 n The leaves are spirally arranged and curl inward towards the twing. Reply SnobbyDobby Additional comment actions Expert here. You'll be glad you did. 0000189028 00000 n These cones will be covered in thin scales. You can distinguish between true cedars and false cedars by looking at their evergreen needle leaves. The bark is a red-brown color and peels in vertical strips. The true 1" thick Japanese cedar pickets I install for all my customers ARE A DREAM. Northern white cedars are identified by their soft feathery foliage with scale-like flat leaves, creating a fan shape on branches. Cedars are evergreen trees that can be identified by their needles, cones and bark. 29 0 obj <> endobj The timber is fragrant, weather and insect resistant, soft, strong, and has a very low density, which makes it useful for furniture making and home construction. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Would you need to treat first? To identify Deodar cedar trees, look for drooping branches growing on these tall conifers. For more tips, including how to identify Atlantic white cedar trees, read on! The leaves generally make a flat shape, making them look a bit like ferns. or lumber quality as mentioned earlier. These elegant, ornamental trees are excellent as specimen trees in large garden landscapes. But why might that be? Western Red Cedar continues to prove itself to be the ideal choice for fences and other outdoor structures. 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. Smooth and supple as butter, straighter, and they never crack or split or warp like western red cedar. All WFP's LIFESTYLE CEDAR Japanese cedar fencing products are kiln-dried, making them . If youre interested in getting wood fences from us dont hesitate toget an estimatehere. Most fence suppliers in North Texas do not offer Pre-Stained #1 grade Western Red Cedar pickets. Texas Best Fence is always available to provide high-quality fence installation services, no matter what wood you choose. Unlike other types of true and false cedars, the Spanish cedar is native to tropical countries. If youre doing a transparent stain, youre going to restain every two to three years. Q.: References. Their evergreen, bright foliage, and ornamental shape make these Thujas popular as specimen landscape trees or as a natural, living screen. The timber is fragrant, weather and insect resistant, soft, strong, and has a very low density, which makes it useful for furniture making and home construction. stable vs. Western Red Cedar. Im also interested in getting photos of completed wood projectsespecially of obscure or lesser known woods. However, these types of wood need to be treated in various ways to repel water and insects. Its an acre yard. It's made up of strong PVC compounds that contribute to fencing being able to endure forever and be everlasting. 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. When choosing the best wood to install your new fence with, Western Red Cedar seems to come out on top. Western red cedar is a very tall conifer tree (left) but dwarf cultivars are available too such as Thuja plicata Green Giant (left). Both western red cedars and eastern white cedars are cold-tolerant trees that adapt to various growing conditions. There are differences between the two cedars. 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. 0000002094 00000 n The sapwood is almost white. Timber from Spanish cedar trees is high-quality and resistant to insects and decay. To help you estimate the height, think about your own height. Redwood has more tannin than cedar so it may be a little bit more rot resistant than redwood. The wood splits easily--hence, it is commonly used for split singles and shakes. There are many benefits of having a fence for your yard. Chinese Cedar-Used by many fence companies because of its lower cost, Chinese Cedar is not actually cedar, it is a fir. can t use carpenter's workbench skyrim; how long does it take a rat to starve to death; cowboy hat making supplies; why would i get a letter from circuit clerk In these pictures: Cedrus Atlantica Glauca Pendula (left) and Cedrus Atlantica Aurea (right). Red cedar has plicatic acid in it which makes it highly resistant to decay, while I cannot say the same about Japanese sugi, which is not that decay-resistant. Also, it's often one of the first trees to return to an area that's suffered damage, such as wildfire. Clumps of small needles arranged spirally on short and woody stems identify the Cyprian cedar. Im in Santa Fe. Identification of the western red cedar is by scale-like green leaves that form flat sprays. 0000002630 00000 n Also called the Atlanta cedars, these cedars are suitable for planting in large backyards. Im as patriotic as anyone else but there is an insane amount of misinformation in this thread. Technicallyit doesnt meet the Red List criteria of a vulnerable or endangered species, but is close to qualifying and/or mayqualifyin the near future. Odor:Has a distinct, lingering, cedar-like odor. Its needle-like leaves grow in small, dense clusters on short shoots. Cedars have bluish-green needles, growing in groups along woody branches. Many dwarf western cedar cultivars make this tree ideal for residential landscapes. 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. Quick facts Cedar-apple rust and related rust fungi need plants from two plant families to complete their life cycle; Cupressaceae family (eastern red cedar and other junipers) and Rosaceae (apple, hawthorn, serviceberry). 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. Nah. Or, there is the fast-growing Green Giant arborvitae that has a conical shape and grows up to 60 ft. (18 m). When starting the fence build process, you will want to ask your contractor, if they are using Western Red Cedar or Japanese Cedar. Timber from Lebanon cedars has been used for centuries due to its fine grain and resistance to decay. Grain/Texture:Grain is straight; medium, even texture. Lewisville, Texas 75057 You'll also see single needles in places, which indicate the newest growth on the plant. Color/Appearance:Heartwood is typically reddish brown. Its scientific namebrevifoliameans small foliage and refers to the short needles and compact growth of this sun-loving cedar. However, in a park or garden landscape, they dont usually grow more than 50 ft. (15 m) with a 30 ft. (9 m) spread. It can also be used to make weight-bearing furniture and load-bearing packing boxes too. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 76,127 times. There are only four recognised species of true cedar, all in the genus Cedrus. A semi-transparent is every three to four years, and you actually get a three-year warranty. Last Updated: April 20, 2022 0000063072 00000 n 2 K. All State Fence was very prompt is giving me a quote on my fence replacement. 0000001487 00000 n As an ornamental tree, the Cyprian cedar is suitable for large gardens where a cedar of Lebanon would be too large. One of the attractive features of the Alaskan yellow cedar is its pyramidal shape and soft, dense foliage. Ironwood Tree: Facts, Leaves, Flowers, Bark (Pictures) - Identification and Care, Types of Redbud Trees: Eastern, Western, Chinese, and More (Pictures), Dwarf Japanese Maples (Including Weeping): Types, Leaves (With Pictures) Identification, Wisteria Trees (Including Blue Chinese Wisteria Tree) - Pictures and Care, Types of Cedar Trees with Identification Guide (Pictures, and Name) Including False Cedar Trees, Types of Spruce Trees and Shrubs With Identification Guide, Types of Fir Trees with Identification Guide and Pictures, Types of Pine Trees with Identification Guide and Pictures. For runners, cap and trim western red. The pickets are thin and flimsy and can split or break during installation. This can be seen in the similar blondes, purples, and black color tones that are common in the western red cedar. 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. 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. 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. This tree is cultivated for its timber, which is why it has been deemed economically productive. Appreciate any input. There are four species of cedar trees in the genus Cedrus, belonging to the pine (Pinaceae) family. Some Fence Companies Might Try To Increase Their Profit By Using Inferior Wood. This type of conifer tree gets its name from the Atlas mountain of Morocco. Depending on the cultivar, foliage color can range from bright, golden yellow to dark, luscious green. Any cedar for the interior wood be a good choice. Prices are in the mid range for an imported softwood. 0000025177 00000 n Will be prone to cupping and warping. Cones are usually 2 to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2cm) long. 0000194090 00000 n Im not sure who to believe. 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. ), You can help support the site by buying one of these resources, designed and published by The Wood Database. 0000221763 00000 n It looks like a smaller version of its larger cousin, the Lebanon cedar. Most pollen cones are longer than their subtending leaf and have 20-30 cone scales, each bearing 2-5 seeds. The wood is light weight (24 lbs per cu ft or 385 kg/cu m) and therefore is not exceptionally strong. However, the cedar lumber isnt ideal for furniture making. Endgrain:Resin canals absent; earlywood to latewood transition fairly gradual, color contrast medium-high; tracheid diameter small-medium; diffuse parenchyma. It grows throughout the eastern United States, usually to heights of just 20' to 40', though some trees reach 100' or taller. 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. 0000153101 00000 n The Japanese Cedar was introduced in 2021 as a pandemic alternative to be able to get fences installed right away. Thanks for any help Ali. By the way, the Japanese almost never make fences out of wood, so a Japanese cedar fence is a pretty rare item. Japanese cedar (or Japanese sugi) is actually a species of Cryptomeria, while western red cedar is a Thuja, both completely different genera. The female trees produce small green and blue cones that look like berries. Its ability to resist decay and weathering is inferior to Western Red Cedar making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures. Yes, so expensive. This article has been viewed 76,127 times. 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 fact that I can get imported japanese cedar for cheaper than inland western red cedar should say something. Instead, he proposed to plant a row of trees along the avenue which led to the temple where the shogun was buried. Michael Simpson, PhD. See my page on donating wood samples for more info. Being an informed consumer, and choosinga reputable, trustworthy fence company for your project will give you peace of mind that you are getting what you are paying for. Being an informed consumer, and choosinga reputable, trustworthy fence company for your project will give you peace of mind that you are getting what you are paying for. However, under ideal conditions, this false cedar can grow up to 66 ft. (20 m) tall. Another identification feature of true cedar trees is their large, barrel-like cones that grow upward on branches rather than dangle. These are generally smaller and their leaves protrude from 4 sides of the stem as opposed to 2 with the western reds. It's an inferior product. hi, can I use Sugi for coorwood wall building? Look for horizontal branches growing on a multi-stemmed tree. endstream endobj 30 0 obj <> endobj 31 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/Pattern<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]/Shading<>/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 612.0 792.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 32 0 obj <> endobj 33 0 obj <> endobj 34 0 obj [/ICCBased 52 0 R] endobj 35 0 obj [/Pattern] endobj 36 0 obj <> endobj 37 0 obj <> endobj 38 0 obj <> endobj 39 0 obj <> endobj 40 0 obj <> endobj 41 0 obj <> endobj 42 0 obj <> endobj 43 0 obj <> endobj 44 0 obj <>stream You can usually identify a Chinese Cedar Picket by the thickness of the board. Difficult? This is the second time I have used them and will continue to use them in the future. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Bow Woods (from a mathematical perspective), Four Common Finishing Mistakes (and how to avoid them). Japanese Cedar When you choose cedar as a fencing material, you expect strength to be a top benefit. Price: $1 to $3 per linear foot in dimensional sizes. Consider one of these three other clear finishes for your next project. One of the reasons we're seeing more Japanese cedar right now is because there is shortages of White cedar. The barrel cones grow up to 5 (13 cm) long, and the bark of Deodar cedar is gray and scaly. 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. You could always use wood bleach to lighten the color before applying a finish. As a guide, 60 feet (18m) is about the length of a bowling lane. It varies in elevation from sealevel to over 1,000 meters. % of people told us that this article helped them. 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.. Eastern red cedars have silvery brown bark and small reddish cones. 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. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Expert Interview. Its natural oils are insect and decay resistant, and left in its natural state it remains beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. 1-866-812-1994 The medium-sized, fast-growing tree is native to the eastern coast of North America, growing all the way from California to Alaska. The seed cones from the tree are just over an inch (2.5 cm) long and are an orange-yellowish color. The wood from Deodar cedars is prized for its durability and attractive grain. Some of the most decorative western arborvitaes are small evergreens that dont take up much space in a back yard. Enjoy! True cedars are types of evergreen trees that keep their leaves all year round. What kind of leaves does a cedar tree have? This relative of mahoganies can grow to 100' tall. What Is the Best Wood to Use for a Fence. Know How to Spot the Difference! We are professionals who know exactly how to install fences so they will stick around for a long time to come. Even the strongest storm will have a hard time knocking over a premium wood fence. These faux cedars grow up to 130 ft. (40 m). 0000080086 00000 n Eastern red cedar heartwood bears pinkish-red tones with an occasional purplish tinge and deep reddish-brown streaks. Others rely on it for lining closets or cigar humidors. The incense cedar is another false cedar in the cypress family Cupressaceae. He has worked in British, North American, and South American ecosystems, and with First Nations communities, non-profits, government, academia, and industry. Western Red Cedar Fence will last for 20 years and Japanese Cedar is unknown because its new to the market. Most people refer to this wood as "aromatic cedar" because of its pungent natural oils, and use it to line closets and hope chests to ward off insects. 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. Western Red Cedar is highly durable and weather resistant. The difference in cost usually means a difference in quality. Cedar trees are large evergreen conifers that have needle-like leaves that are arranged spirally on scented woody branches. You can find these trees around the United States, where people have brought them in and planted them. 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. 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. Saturday 8:00 AM 1:00 PM. To determine the hardness of redwood and cedar, we are using the janka hardness test. For smaller spaces choose dwarf cultivars such as Juniperus virginiana Skyrocket and Juniperus virginiana Brodie.. A distinctive feature of these true cedars is how the mature trunks sometimes separate into several different ones. If youre asking yourself, What wood is best for a fence? theres no doubting that high-quality wood is always on the list. 0000003293 00000 n Many gardeners consider eastern white cedars as the easiest-to-grow conifers for front or backyards. Leaves can be yellow-green or dark green. Although the price is slightly less for Japanese cedar, there are some differences in the properties of the two woods. It all has to do with what properties a certain species of wood might have. Fax: 806-783-8632 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. Check out our Tips for Choosing a Reputable Fence Company here.. Request a Free Estimate From A Better Fence Company Today! In its native habitat of Cyprus, the Cyprian cedar tree grows up to about 80 ft. (24 m) tall. per cubic foot, this density means it stands up to wear and tear even better than Western Red Cedar. the leaves are . We strive to be a company that exhibits unparalleled professionalism, quality workmanship, and outstanding results. Support me directly through PatreonIf youve been helped by the Wood Database, consider saying thanks and helping to support the project. Canoe builders use the wood to fashion their boats. Sources: Luthier's supply companies, specialty hardwood dealers. There will be fewer blemishes and fewer variations in color with #1 grade cedar. The pollen cones are often located on the end of these twigs as shown in later pictures. All Rights Reserved. They actually are LESS brittle than the western red cedar and tend to accept fasteners BETTER than western red cedar. If you have a faade siding or interior wall siding project, and you love the beautiful and naturally durable, go with Western Red Cedar. It serves as the national tree of Japan and is often planted around shrines and temples. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. 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. These factors make yellow cedars excellent specimen trees for landscaping. Spanish cedar heartwood has a pinkish to reddish-brown tone that darkens over time. The wood tends to be brittle, tearing out without sharp cutters and backer boards. Privacy policy. Because these trees have a very limited habitat range, you're less likely to run across one. One of the most common arborvitaes is the northern white cedar, which is a member of the cypress family. Spanish cedar is a hardy drought resistant tree and is not a true cedar. Sources: Find knotty grades in dimensional sizes at home centers and lumber yards; clear grades at hardwood dealers. We are proud of our work, and we know you'll be proud of your property as a result. 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. Thuja heartwood is generally a pinkish salmon to red colour but can also be chocolate brown. Small, slender cones grow on the western red cedar tree, and it has brown bark with fissures running the length of the trunk. Choose polyurethane or lacquer for the best finishing results. Email:sales@allstate-fence.com, 10200 Highway 191 They are a monoecious species which reproduce via wind-based pollen and seed dispersal. Copyright 20082023 Eric Meier. 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. The Alaskan yellow cedar is a false cedar that doesnt belong to the genus Cedrus, but the cypress family. 0000003443 00000 n {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Identify-Cedar-Trees-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Cedar-Trees-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Identify-Cedar-Trees-Step-1.jpg\/aid10122095-v4-728px-Identify-Cedar-Trees-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"