xref 0000004086 00000 n Prices for instrument-grade wood run much higher. Trees grow 50' tall with 2'-diameter trunks. All State Fence was very prompt is giving me a quote on my fence replacement. Fax: 806-655-5802 True cedar trees such as Atlas cedar (Cedrus Atlantica) belong to the Cedrus genus. However false cedars belong to the family cupressaceae (cypress). These trees include varieties of juniper and cypress trees. Boatbuilders use it for decks, railings, and interior paneling. Northern white cedars are identified by their soft feathery foliage with scale-like flat leaves, creating a fan shape on branches. The Japanese Red-Cedar is an irregular evergreen conifer with tiered horizontal branching. Like most cedars, the wood is soft, light, aromatic, and resistant to decay. Bow Woods (from a mathematical perspective), Four Common Finishing Mistakes (and how to avoid them). The leaves are spirally arranged and curl inward towards the twing. Otherwise, the elements would slowly eat away at them. Or I am considering using a clear shellac. It serves as the national tree of Japan and is often planted around shrines and temples. 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. Michael Simpson, PhD. 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. Texas Best Fence & Patio Japanese cedar (or Japanese sugi) is actually a species of Cryptomeria, while western red cedar is a Thuja, both completely different genera. Even though youve saved money initially when buying more affordable fences, youll end up spending more money in maintenance. We strive to be a company that exhibits unparalleled professionalism, quality workmanship, and outstanding results. 426 Southfork Dr Know How to Spot the Difference! The scent is a little bit like pineapple. Prices are in the mid range for an imported softwood. Knots are common. 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. Some fence companies will charge you a higher price for #1 Grade Western Red Cedar, but will install #2 Grade Western Red Cedar instead, or worse, a type of wood that is not Western Red Cedar, in order to make a higher profit while hoping that you wont be able to tell the difference. 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. Just beware of the knotty areas. sales@allstate-fence.com, Fence Repair & Fence Installation - Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland. Rout the recesses right to hold a lid upright. 0000188507 00000 n the leaves are . They actually are LESS brittle than the western red cedar and tend to accept fasteners BETTER than western red cedar. With only basic woodworking skills, a tablesaw, and a few simple tools, you can make custom cabinets for your home or shop. 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. %%EOF 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. There are also red cedar trees, which you can find outside of the Mediterranean. These factors make yellow cedars excellent specimen trees for landscaping. Wood is graded for clearness and amount of defects after it is manufactured. Studies have found some latitudinal variation in the sugi's radial growth. Also if your lumber sits in bad conditions- its going to split and warp and crack no matter the sub species. There are differences between the two cedars. Choose polyurethane or lacquer for the best finishing results. I do not know if on average which type of cedar is overall more longer-lasting. The true 1" thick Japanese cedar pickets I install for all my customers ARE A DREAM. You can find these trees around the United States, where people have brought them in and planted them. And some woodworkers report rash and respiratory problems. Chinese "cedar" is actually fir! 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. We pride ourselves in being one of the best fence providers in northern Texas and always providing high-quality results. You can identify this cedar by its horizontal branches. Look for horizontal branches growing on a multi-stemmed tree. Western red you can slam a 16 penny nail in and no splits. The type of wood you choose also has a lot to do with the durability of your fence. These faux cedars grow up to 130 ft. (40 m). Eastern red cedar heartwood bears pinkish-red tones with an occasional purplish tinge and deep reddish-brown streaks. Who Wins? We know our reputation rests on every fence, pergola, stone, and concrete surface that we touch. Cedars are evergreen trees that can be identified by their needles, cones and bark. Leaves can be yellow-green or dark green. As mentioned before, choosing the right species of wood for a fence goes beyond aesthetics alone. Notice the cupping even before it's installed. Sources: Seek out hardwood dealers for lumber, home centers for closet lining. Email:sales@allstate-fence.com, 10200 Highway 191 Also known as Alaska cedar, this tree (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) grows in the Pacific Northwest, from Alaska through British Columbia and into Oregon. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 0 Because these trees have a very limited habitat range, you're less likely to run across one. Depending on the weather and climate it lasts 15-30 years. He has worked in British, North American, and South American ecosystems, and with First Nations communities, non-profits, government, academia, and industry. For runners, cap and trim western red. 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. Im finding very little about it online. Yellow cedar ranges in color from creamy white to sulfur yellow, with occasional dark streaks. Essential cedar oils are also extracted from the trees resin. 0000025177 00000 n 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. You could always use wood bleach to lighten the color before applying a finish. Builders of lightweight racing boats fashion the wood into sleekly curved hulls. 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). There is of course no obligation, but if youd like to give back and ensure that the project continues to grow, consider supporting me on Patreon. 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. 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. Typically western red is the better quality material to use. Big? Rot Resistance:Rated as moderately durable to durable; moderateinsect/borer resistance. Last Updated: April 20, 2022 Pricing/Availability:Not widely imported,Sugi is generally available in Asia as siding or other light construction purposes, as well as veneer. >rgu23j{F?+j=9cu^l:e+d_GF AU +%T"q%.7 "/`ym->}nO*k`. Are Rosewoods (and Bubinga) really banned by CITES? Chinese Cedar Here is an example of a product being misnamed. Endgrain:Resin canals absent; earlywood to latewood transition fairly gradual, color contrast medium-high; tracheid diameter small-medium; diffuse parenchyma. Whether or not the extra strength is necessary for your project is up to you, but clearly redwood is more durable and stable than cedar in general. 0000003443 00000 n In Japan, red cedars located at low latitudes begin radial growth before ones at higher latitudes. Depending on the cultivar, foliage color can range from bright, golden yellow to dark, luscious green. Although the price is slightly less for Japanese cedar, there are some differences in the properties of the two woods. It works easily with hand and power tools, but use a respirator and gloves if you experience rash and respiratory problems. @ k>262780/t05E'i[hhd0`pZja-\S?9i>PA:F _ * When choosing the best wood to install your new fence with, Western Red Cedar seems to come out on top. This article has been viewed 76,127 times. The leaves are small and scale-like, and they often have 3 points on the end. How many of you would it take to reach the top? Nah. Timber from western red cedars is exceptionally durable, making the tree important in the timber industry. A.: Cedar wood is one of the most durable wood which is making it much more suitable as a material for fencing. Mark was very helpful with answering questions I had, was very accommodating with changes I needed to make to the original quote. Enjoy! 0000002630 00000 n 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. Western Red Cedar continues to prove itself to be the ideal choice for fences and other outdoor structures. Unlike the eastern red cedar, the western red cedar is a massive type of tree, reaching up to 230 ft. (70 m) tall. It varies in elevation from sealevel to over 1,000 meters. Japanese cedar became popular in 2020 when WRC became difficult to acquire. For example, western red cedars have a reddish hue to their bark and cones, which gives them their name. 0000188853 00000 n Little scientific data exists, however, to show the wood repels bugs effectively. Sugi is a commercially important softwood species within Japan, and is commercially grown for many construction purposes. It's an inferior product. The slow-growing conifer tree has a conical shape, dense foliage, and upward growth. 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. Northern white cedars grow well in full sun and moist soil. 0000003824 00000 n The most common problems that cheap fences experience can include mold, rot, and termite issues. The seed cones from the tree are just over an inch (2.5 cm) long and are an orange-yellowish color. The wood ranks as hard and dense, with tight rings indicative of its slow growth. In warmer climates, its significant growth has a spreading nature that provides shade underneath. 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. Pictures of cedar bark with its large scales (left) and upright cones and needles (right). What kind of leaves does a cedar tree have? Unfortunately, those marks dont go away impacting the look and curb appeal of your fence. 0000003320 00000 n Allergies/Toxicity:Sugi sawdust has been reported to cause unspecified allergic reactions. 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. 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. These juniper species are hardy trees that can withstand hard conditions, including periods of drought. Their evergreen, bright foliage, and ornamental shape make these Thujas popular as specimen landscape trees or as a natural, living screen. Odor:Has a distinct, lingering, cedar-like odor. 0000097716 00000 n Im as patriotic as anyone else but there is an insane amount of misinformation in this thread. The leaves generally make a flat shape, making them look a bit like ferns. You can distinguish between true cedars and false cedars by looking at their evergreen needle leaves. Know How to Spot the Difference. When compared to standard wood, you can easily tell the difference with premium wood. woodmagazine.com/woodprofiles, Aromatic Cedar: Myth or Mothbuster, woodmagazine.com/aromatic, Cedrus libani, the cedar of the Bible: woodmagazine.com/biblicalcedar, Build a mahogany and aromatic cedar blanket chest. Unfinished garage becomes a woodworking haven. <<7AB6FFACB46CC341A74CC5BEA63AE7FA>]/Prev 884225>> Comments:Sometimes called Japanese Cedar, the wood is in theCupressaceae family, which includes many cedar-like species. Fax: 432-563-1159 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. 0000044399 00000 n This species of arborvitae has slender brown seed cones, and its bark is red-brown. For pickets - Japanese is decent. Atlas cedars are not as tall as other trees in the genus Cedrus, but they may have a conical shape that gives them ornamental value. Let Mother Nature be your co-designer as you build dazzling projects with wavy edges, bristly burrs, bark inclusions, and other flaws that give wood a look of unrefined beauty. Lewisville, Texas 75057 There are differences between the two cedars. 0000000016 00000 n At All-State Fence & Supply, we useONLY Western Red Cedar for our cedar fences, arbors and pergolas. Phone: 806-799-3729 this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. As an ornamental tree, the Cyprian cedar has branches that grow out horizontally, creating a flat-looking crowntypical of Mediterranean landscapes. Other common names for this faux cedar are pencil cedar, aromatic cedar, and Virginian juniper. Color/Appearance:Heartwood is typically reddish brown. One of the attractive features of the Alaskan yellow cedar is its pyramidal shape and soft, dense foliage. The cypress trees produce small cones. 0000169580 00000 n 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. You are literally copying and pasting shit and dont have real life experience framing or installing fences based on your comment. Could you ever use Sugi cedar for siding on a house? This false cedar is an evergreen conifer from the family Cupressaceae. 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. Midland, Texas 79707 I own and operate a fence company and have installed TENS OF THOUSANDS of Japanese Cedar pickets, 2x4's, and 2x6's. 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. 0000001487 00000 n Common Uses:Siding, paneling, furniture, fences, boatbuilding, and small specialty items. Cedar wood only shrinks moderately, dries quickly and easily. Although it is an evergreen, some of . Today, makers of stringed musical instruments prize the wood because of its excellent sound quality. thanks. Timber from Lebanon cedars has been used for centuries due to its fine grain and resistance to decay. Good Luck. Real cedar wood is very waterproof and when submerge in water it increases in hardness. We'll slice through the five most common species so you can choose the cedar that best suits your project. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. In colder climates, incense cedars grow naturally as tall columnar trees. But what about the species of wood? 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. % of people told us that this article helped them. The bark is a red-brown color and peels in vertical strips. 0000221763 00000 n A semi-transparent is every three to four years, and you actually get a three-year warranty. 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. This relative of mahoganies can grow to 100' tall. 1-866-812-1994 0000004332 00000 n Western Red Cedar is highly durable and weather resistant. These trees have a pyramid shape. However, in a park or garden landscape, they dont usually grow more than 50 ft. (15 m) with a 30 ft. (9 m) spread. 0000002094 00000 n Identification of Alaskan yellow cedars is by their dark green, flat scaly leaves growing on pendulous branches. 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). 0000001156 00000 n There are only four recognised species of true cedar, all in the genus Cedrus. If the cedar has insect damage, rot, or the % of the cuts include heartwood versus sapwood. It looks like a smaller version of its larger cousin, the Lebanon cedar. You can usually identify a Chinese Cedar Picket by the thickness of the board. 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. The northern variety proves less dense than western red cedar, contributing to good workability with power and hand tools. Timber from Spanish cedar trees is high-quality and resistant to insects and decay. This growth habit makes this cedar species a highly ornamental, attractive tree. Most fence suppliers in North Texas do not offer Pre-Stained #1 grade Western Red Cedar pickets. Copyright 20082023 Eric Meier. The sapwood is narrow and almost white. 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. Low density and light weight make it easy to cut and shape using hand or power tools. 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. 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. Both western red cedars and eastern white cedars are cold-tolerant trees that adapt to various growing conditions. Some of the most decorative western arborvitaes are small evergreens that dont take up much space in a back yard. They are a monoecious species which reproduce via wind-based pollen and seed dispersal. 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. The sapwood is almost white, and knots are often present throughout the wood. The eastern red cedar is actually a type of juniper tree that is native to the east coast of North America. 0000003258 00000 n One of the most common arborvitaes is the northern white cedar, which is a member of the cypress family. What Is the Best Wood to Use for a Fence. You generally find western red cedars in the Midwestern United States. Also, if you're toe nailing on fences, you have no idea how to properly install a long lasting high quality fence- take that shit back to framing homes with SPF (spruce-pine-fur for anyone not in construction). 0000001424 00000 n Along with descriptions of these massive trees, pictures and their botanical names will help to identify each species. In this article, you will learn how to identify the four types of true cedars. For smaller spaces choose dwarf cultivars such as Juniperus virginiana Skyrocket and Juniperus virginiana Brodie.. Price: $1 to $3 per linear foot in dimensional sizes. Interestingly, after growth onset, the time at which growth stopped was independent of latitude. Smaller craft lumber is sometimes imported and made available. This member of the cypress family grows from southern Alaska through northern California and in the Rocky Mountains. Comments: Sometimes called Japanese Cedar, the wood is in the Cupressaceae family, which includes many cedar-like species. It works well. Many dwarf western cedar cultivars make this tree ideal for residential landscapes. The incense cedar tree can be identified by its foliage that stays as flattened vertical sprays. Japanese cedar fencing comes in two options: Flat Top and Dog Ear. Price: $6.50 to $7 per board foot (4/4 S2S stock). A distinctive feature of these true cedars is how the mature trunks sometimes separate into several different ones. We are professionals who know exactly how to install fences so they will stick around for a long time to come. Its an acre yard. Pine and spruce wood isnt as durable as harder types of wood, so they might be more likely to sustain damage. Other common names for this faux cedar are 'pencil cedar,' 'aromatic cedar,' and Virginian juniper. 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. Im in Santa Fe. 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. 29 43 Its cones emerge as green before turning to light brown as they mature. I highly recommend them. 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. Typically western red is the better quality material to use. Yes. Cedar however, makes the guitar sound darker, warmer and generally fuller. Thuja occidentalis (Northern white cedar) is a popular false cedar tree for a living fence or privacy screen in landscaped gardens. Alaskan yellow cedar can be identified by its droopy branches, small cones and grayish brown bark. The wood splits easily--hence, it is commonly used for split singles and shakes. woodmagazine.com/treebenchplan $. With a solid or semi-solid stain, you typically will get a five-year warranty. It is easy to identify Lebanon cedars due to their majestic tall stature. Cryptomeria pollen causes allergic conjunctivitis to humans and to dogs in both spring and autumn. 0000442052 00000 n Instead, he proposed to plant a row of trees along the avenue which led to the temple where the shogun was buried. We are proud of our work, and we know you'll be proud of your property as a result. 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. As its common name suggests, these cypress trees are highly aromatic and native to California and northwest Mexico. This tree (Juniperus virginiana) also belongs to the cypress family. woodmagazine.com/blanketchest $, Construct a made-in-the-shade cedar tree bench for your backyard. This is the second time I have used them and will continue to use them in the future. 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. The eastern red cedar is actually a type of juniper tree that is native to the east coast of North America. Difficult? Lets look at some of the most common false or faux cedars. Generally, the needles are 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1cm) long. For example, Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) and Eastern Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) are false cedars in the cypress family. 0000150452 00000 n This medium-sized tree grows to between 33 and 98 ft. (10 30 m) tall. Check for scale-like leaves that form finger-like extensions on 4 sides. The tree is fast-growing for the first 50 years before slowing down. Vinyl Fencing Vinyl fencing is different from wood, as it is made of polymers that allow it to appear ageless for lifetimes. If you dig down a little bit into the bark, you'll get the "cedar" wood smell. However, if you pay for a #1 grade cedar fence, it should NOT look like it has a bad case of chicken pox! Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. 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. hi, can I use Sugi for coorwood wall building? Moderate natural luster. Many people make the mistake of buying pine or spruce for fences since these species of wood are common and affordable. The large woody, barrel-shaped cones grow up to 5 (13 cm) long and 2.4 (6 cm) wide. 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. However, the cedar lumber isnt ideal for furniture making. 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. When it comes to maintenance on a Western red cedar fence, youre going to restain it about every five years. Cedar that is graded #1 comes from closer to theheart of the tree than #2, and has fewer and smaller knots. Overview. The Alaskan yellow cedar is a false cedar that doesnt belong to the genus Cedrus, but the cypress family. The Western Red Cedar is also quite long-lived, with some members of the species living more than 900 years. Registered Professional Biologist. The female trees produce small green and blue cones that look like berries. Many people also consider the timber from Alaskan yellow cedars as some of the finest available. Deodar heartwood is a yellow brown. You can identify the Atlas cedar by its dark-brown or gray bark that fissures as it grows. Atlas cedar identification is by the glaucous bluish-green clumps of needles growing on aromatic stems. The cones mature in the fall, and turn a reddish brown with small scales. Its scientific namebrevifoliameans small foliage and refers to the short needles and compact growth of this sun-loving cedar. 0000188965 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. Western Red Cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage. With Japanese Cedar, you'll have sticker marks from where the wood was dried before it was shipped here from Japan. Clear cedar is not commonly used for building fences because of the much higher cost. Another way to tell the difference between #1 and #2 cedar is by the staining options available. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you.