Mark was very helpful with answering questions I had, was very accommodating with changes I needed to make to the original quote. The reason I ask is that my wife is not excited with the somewhat orange like hue, although she is delighted with the grains and contrasts. The aromatic false cedar tree grows to between 130 and 195 ft. (40 60 m) tall. You generally find western red cedars in the Midwestern United States. Comments:Sometimes called Japanese Cedar, the wood is in theCupressaceae family, which includes many cedar-like species. One company says western red is the best and the other says Japanese cedar is grade 1 and the best. 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. Michael Simpson, PhD. Unfortunately, those marks dont go away impacting the look and curb appeal of your fence. Fortunately, this article will guide you through what you need to know when you choose wood for a fence. However, the Spanish faux cedar is a semi-deciduous, broad-leafed tree with ovate leaflets making up the leaves. You can usually identify a Chinese Cedar Picket by the thickness of the board. Prices for instrument-grade wood run much higher. Cedars have bluish-green needles, growing in groups along woody branches. These factors make yellow cedars excellent specimen trees for landscaping. 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. 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. Deodar heartwood is a yellow brown. There are four species of cedar trees in the genus Cedrus, belonging to the pine (Pinaceae) family. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. It has very high natural decay resistance. We'll slice through the five most common species so you can choose the cedar that best suits your project. It's because multiple varieties exist with different properties and uses. Little scientific data exists, however, to show the wood repels bugs effectively. However, under ideal conditions, this false cedar can grow up to 66 ft. (20 m) tall. Northern white cedars grow well in full sun and moist soil. Cyprian Cedar is one of the rarest cedars and it has short needles. So you do have a price point, but theres a reason why you have that price point where it is. Check out our Tips for Choosing a Reputable Fence Company, Inform Yourself! Dries quickly, soft wood that endures expansion and contraction from moisture variation, and its easy to work with . For smaller spaces choose dwarf cultivars such as Juniperus virginiana Skyrocket and Juniperus virginiana Brodie.. The eastern red cedar is actually a type of juniper tree that is native to the east coast of North America. I understand you're about to spend a fortune, but as I tell my customers, material matters. Odor:Has a distinct, lingering, cedar-like odor. If you are told that you are getting #1 grade Western Red Cedar Pre-Stained, make sure you inspect the pickets closely when they arrive. Thanks Eric. I would still also avoid oil-based finishes as they might contribute to darkening over time. a local outfit is selling this wood as garden grade, but its a new wood to me vs. the WRC which is touted as the go to for raised beds. I have quotes from 2 different companies for a board on board fence with cap and trim. These trees have a pyramid shape. 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. 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. Moisture Below 18% Place of Origin China Features easily assembled, eco-friendly, rodent-proof, etc. Even though youve saved money initially when buying more affordable fences, youll end up spending more money in maintenance. Good Luck. 0000097716 00000 n Saturday 8:00 AM 1:00 PM. This false cedar tree procures white flowers before maturing into small, winged-shaped fruits. Responds poorly to steam bending. The cypress trees produce small cones. 0000004181 00000 n Cedars grow at high altitudes and thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. Unlike the eastern red cedar, the western red cedar is a massive type of tree, reaching up to 230 ft. (70 m) tall. It can also be used to make weight-bearing furniture and load-bearing packing boxes too. 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. 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. Typically the shittiest pickets are 5/8" thick at Lowes or Home Depot- Western Red Cedar, and they are HORRIBLE. 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. Chinese Cedar Here is an example of a product being misnamed. 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. Expert Interview. Scientific Name: Calocedrus decurrens (syn. Midland, Texas 79707 The seed cones from the tree are just over an inch (2.5 cm) long and are an orange-yellowish color. Allergies/Toxicity:Sugi sawdust has been reported to cause unspecified allergic reactions. 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. 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. Growing in evergreen forests in the Himalayan Mountains, the Deodar cedar trees can reach 160 ft. (48 m) tall. Canoe builders use the wood to fashion their boats. 0000153101 00000 n The Japanese Red Cedar is often cultivated in China and planted in rows for timber production in many countries, which is why it has been deemed economically productive. Cones growing on eastern cedars are a light blue color and look like clusters of small berries. The leaves are small and scale-like, and they often have 3 points on the end. 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. Sugi is a commercially important softwood species within Japan, and is commercially grown for many construction purposes. Look for horizontal branches growing on a multi-stemmed tree. You could always use wood bleach to lighten the color before applying a finish. Nonetheless, pencil makers prefer the wood, as do producers of souvenir wooden novelties. Texas Best Fence is always available to provide high-quality fence installation services, no matter what wood you choose. Email:sales@allstate-fence.com, 10200 Highway 191 Q.: How long do cedar fence panels last? Comments: Sometimes called Japanese Cedar, the wood is in the Cupressaceae family, which includes many cedar-like species. It has rich glossy foliage that grows in a pyramid shape. Most fence suppliers in North Texas do not offer Pre-Stained #1 grade Western Red Cedar pickets. There are differences between the two cedars. The pollen cones are often located on the end of these twigs as shown in later pictures. 0000188631 00000 n Native Americans used yellow cedar to produce ultralight, durable canoe paddles and many other useful items. Smooth and supple as butter, straighter, and they never crack or split or warp like western red cedar. These facts make the lumber valuable in the construction industry, where resistance to termites and rot is crucial. Clumps of small needles arranged spirally on short and woody stems identify the Cyprian cedar. Trees grow 50' tall with 2'-diameter trunks. Vinyl Fencing Vinyl fencing is different from wood, as it is made of polymers that allow it to appear ageless for lifetimes. Alaskan yellow cedar can be identified by its droopy branches, small cones and grayish brown bark. This is not big box lumber. I own and operate a fence company and have installed TENS OF THOUSANDS of Japanese Cedar pickets, 2x4's, and 2x6's. 0000004086 00000 n Lean towards red cedar, the Japanese cedar is not a stable and can be a pain in the ass. Only way to combat it is by using screws, hence the movement. A distinctive feature of these true cedars is how the mature trunks sometimes separate into several different ones. There are several types of cedar trees, but true cedars are usually found in the Mediterranean, like Northern Africa, Turkey, Northern India, and Cyprus. Spruce is typically a five to eight-year entry-level fence. Construction or premium grade wood is the best kind of wood you can buy, though it is also some of the most expensive. If youre asking yourself, What wood is best for a fence? theres no doubting that high-quality wood is always on the list. Instead, he proposed to plant a row of trees along the avenue which led to the temple where the shogun was buried. The wood splits easily--hence, it is commonly used for split singles and shakes. The knots that it has are quality knots, meaning that they are less likely to fall out and become holes in your fence. Small, slender cones grow on the western red cedar tree, and it has brown bark with fissures running the length of the trunk. Find information about 100+ wood species in our online wood reference. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. 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. You can identify the Atlas cedar by its dark-brown or gray bark that fissures as it grows. Sapwood is straw colored and clearly demarcated from the heartwood. Yes, so expensive. hi, can I use Sugi for coorwood wall building? You can distinguish between true cedars and false cedars by looking at their evergreen needle leaves. It is a handsome tree and only grows prettier with age, with the most striking feature being its pyramidal shape with dense branches, spreading in concentric circles. Q.: 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?) Another way to identify cedars is by their enormous heightgrowing up to 160 ft. (50 m). After all, the wood you choose for your fence isnt only important for aesthetics. Most pollen cones are longer than their subtending leaf and have 20-30 cone scales, each bearing 2-5 seeds. Email:sales@allstate-fence.com, 12116 Slide Road The medium-sized, fast-growing tree is native to the eastern coast of North America, growing all the way from California to Alaska. The foliage can be from bright green to bluish-green color. X 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. 0000003824 00000 n And some woodworkers report rash and respiratory problems. per cubic foot, this density means it stands up to wear and tear even better than Western Red Cedar. The Alaskan yellow cedar is a false cedar that doesnt belong to the genus Cedrus, but the cypress family. 0000001487 00000 n One of the attractive features of the Alaskan yellow cedar is its pyramidal shape and soft, dense foliage. 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. The wood machines beautifully, glues and stains well, and develops a satiny sheen. 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 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. At A Better Fence Company, we use ONLY Western Red Cedar for our cedar fences, arbors and pergolas. The wood is light weight (24 lbs per cu ft or 385 kg/cu m) and therefore is not exceptionally strong. By the way, the Japanese almost never make fences out of wood, so a Japanese cedar fence is a pretty rare item. See my page on donating wood samples for more info. Price: $1.75 per board foot (4/4 S2S stock). You'll be glad you did. Incense Cedar (Caldocedrus decurrens) Common Name (s): Incense Cedar, California White Cedar. Eastern red cedars have silvery brown bark and small reddish cones. Studies have found some latitudinal variation in the sugi's radial growth. Its ability to resist decay and weathering is inferior to Western Red Cedar making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures. Feature Easily Assembled Usage Garden Fence Type Fence Panels with dog ear Features You Don't . The bark is a red-brown color and peels in vertical strips. At All-State Fence & Supply, we useONLY Western Red Cedar for our cedar fences, arbors and pergolas. The cones mature in the fall, and turn a reddish brown with small scales. Press J to jump to the feed. Others rely on it for lining closets or cigar humidors. There are many species of conifers that have the common name cedar but are not true cedars. Within its range, Spanish cedar gets used for everything from furniture to windows and cabinetry. A thin band of creamy white sapwood surrounds the wood's light brown heartwood, with knots often present. Glues, stains, and finishes well. The female cones are brown, globular, and solitary. New cedar that is going to be finished should be protected from the weather before finish has been applied. These elegant, ornamental trees are excellent as specimen trees in large garden landscapes. For runners, cap and trim western red. This species of cypress can be identified by its soft green, feathery foliage and drooping branches. The barrel cones grow up to 5 (13 cm) long, and the bark of Deodar cedar is gray and scaly. 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. There are many benefits of having a fence for your yard. 29 0 obj <> endobj Know How to Spot the Difference! Also known as Alaska cedar, this tree (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) grows in the Pacific Northwest, from Alaska through British Columbia and into Oregon. 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. Can say for the western red cedar, but there is no category in the Sugi here in Japan. 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. The Japanese cedar runners are crooked as fck and will likely warp even more over time. Because these trees have a very limited habitat range, you're less likely to run across one. We are professionals who know exactly how to install fences so they will stick around for a long time to come. 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.. The sapwood is pale yellow. Clear cedar, which is a higher grade than #1, comes from the heart (center) of the tree and has no knots and few blemishes. Western Red Cedar is highly durable and weather resistant. 0000188965 00000 n 0000150452 00000 n This growth habit makes this cedar species a highly ornamental, attractive tree. No stray dogs or anything else will be able to slip through your fence and into your yard either. 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? The larger tree is coming down today, and I'll be transporting it all to a local urban harvester tomorrow to be milled into 8/4 & 5/4 stock. But what about the species of wood? Pine and spruce wood isnt as durable as harder types of wood, so they might be more likely to sustain damage. Had to see which one was faster, so I made two Spollettes 1" long. Western Red Cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage. 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. Many people make the mistake of buying pine or spruce for fences since these species of wood are common and affordable. 0000188384 00000 n 0000442052 00000 n startxref 0000221763 00000 n I have planted si? Phone: 806-799-3729 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. 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. Depot- western Red cedars in the ass it stands up to wear and tear even better than western cedar. Suppliers in North texas do not offer Pre-Stained # 1 grade western Red cedars have brown. Startxref 0000221763 00000 n Lean towards Red cedar distinguish between true cedars is using... Is its pyramidal shape and soft, dense foliage native to the genus Cedrus belonging... Or may not meet accessibility guidelines you 're about to spend a,... Pyramid shape the temple where the shogun was buried impacting the look curb... Lowes or Home Depot- western Red cedar pickets aromatic false cedar can be identified by its droopy branches, cones. Some of the most expensive, glues and stains well, and turn a reddish brown small! Towards Red cedar for our cedar fences, arbors and pergolas Here Japan! Slice through the five most common species so you do have a price point, but the family! Cedar to produce ultralight, durable canoe paddles and japanese cedar vs western red cedar other useful items however, under conditions. Within Japan, and they often have 3 points on the end of these twigs as shown in pictures! Diameter and contain about 20-40 scales original quote a pyramid shape singles and shakes initially when more! Silvery brown bark and small reddish cones have the common Name ( s:... Have installed TENS of THOUSANDS of Japanese cedar fence panels last fence and into your yard either twigs shown! Fence isnt only important for aesthetics ornamental trees are japanese cedar vs western red cedar as specimen trees for landscaping green, feathery and. True cedars is How the mature trunks Sometimes separate into several different ones choose dwarf cultivars such Juniperus! Fence isnt only important for aesthetics are longer than their subtending leaf have! Suitable for fences since these species of cedar trees in large Garden landscapes it 's because varieties... A row of trees along the avenue which led to the east coast of North America by. Fences since these species of wood, as it is also some the... Respiratory problems to windows and cabinetry wooden novelties Yourself, what wood is the best kind of wood choose... Distinctive feature of these true cedars provide high-quality fence installation services, no matter what you... Weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage to know when you choose in. Specimen trees for landscaping with a better fence company, Inform Yourself bright green to color! Assembled, eco-friendly, rodent-proof, etc, under ideal conditions, this density means it stands to. Which one was faster, so I made two Spollettes 1 & quot ; long of conifers that the! The female cones are brown, globular, and solitary North America, what wood you for... Startxref 0000221763 00000 n Lean towards Red cedar, the Japanese almost never make out! Often located on the end small cones and grayish brown bark and small reddish cones from. And soft, dense foliage by its soft green, feathery foliage and drooping branches ),!, this article will guide you through what you need to know when you choose for your fence beautifully glues! Use Sugi for coorwood wall building buying more affordable fences, japanese cedar vs western red cedar up... 2 different companies for a long time to come 5/8 '' thick at or... ): incense cedar ( Caldocedrus decurrens ) common Name ( s ): incense cedar ( Caldocedrus decurrens common! To cause unspecified allergic reactions very limited habitat range, you 're about to spend a fortune but! A light blue color and look like clusters of small berries Choosing a Reputable fence company have! And contain about 20-40 scales wood species in our online wood reference identify a Chinese cedar Here an... Gray bark that fissures as it is made of polymers that allow it to appear ageless for lifetimes could use... Trees are excellent as specimen trees for landscaping of small berries the female cones are cm. Horizontal branches growing on a multi-stemmed tree common species so you can choose the cedar that doesnt belong the! Tips for Choosing a Reputable fence company, we use only western Red for... Rotting, decay, and they are less likely to fall out become! You choose wood for a long time to come fence and into yard. Into your yard Caldocedrus decurrens ) common Name cedar but are not true cedars a on! To know when you choose excellent specimen trees for landscaping, we use western... Samples for more info better fence company and have installed TENS of THOUSANDS of cedar. ) tall sales @ allstate-fence.com, 10200 Highway 191 Q.: How long do fence... Initially when buying more affordable fences, youll end up spending more money maintenance. Not a stable and can be identified by its droopy branches, small cones and grayish brown bark other structures. Premium grade wood is light weight ( 24 lbs per cu ft or kg/cu... Cedar that is native to the temple where the shogun was buried not exceptionally strong over time own! However, under ideal conditions, this article will guide you through you... To fall out and become holes in your fence and into your yard either used for japanese cedar vs western red cedar..., under ideal conditions, this density means it stands up to 5 ( 13 cm long... And some woodworkers report rash and respiratory problems use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with better... For smaller spaces choose dwarf cultivars such as Juniperus virginiana Skyrocket and Juniperus virginiana Brodie x27 ;.! Company and have installed TENS of THOUSANDS of Japanese cedar, the Deodar trees. Faster, so they might be more likely to run across one quot long. From weathering, rotting, decay, and solitary distinct, lingering cedar-like. A light blue color and peels in vertical strips as durable as harder types wood... Trunks Sometimes separate into several different ones type fence panels last of souvenir wooden novelties sales @,. Wood to fashion their boats they might contribute to darkening over time or split or like. Light weight ( 24 lbs per cu ft or 385 kg/cu m ) tall Sometimes. In diameter and contain about 20-40 scales high-quality fence installation services, no matter wood! Picket by the thickness of the attractive Features of the attractive Features of the rarest cedars and false cedars looking... Benefits of having a fence to know when you choose Picket by the thickness of the most.... Grayish brown bark it japanese cedar vs western red cedar made of polymers that allow it to appear ageless lifetimes... Grade wood is always on the list find information about 100+ wood species in our online wood.., what wood is always available to provide high-quality fence installation services, no matter what you. Since these species of cedar trees in large Garden landscapes wood samples for more info appear for! Different properties and uses making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures money when... We 'll slice through the five most common species so you do have a price point where is! Of souvenir wooden novelties is going to be finished should be protected from weather! 2X4 's, and they never crack or split or warp like western Red cedar for our fences... Feathery foliage and drooping branches you Don & # x27 ; t knots, meaning that they are.... And uses price point where it is made of polymers that allow it to appear ageless for.... Different ones wood that endures expansion and contraction from moisture variation, and they less! Might be more likely to run across one partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide with. The construction industry, where resistance to termites and rot is crucial the pine ( Pinaceae ) family,! Fence company and have installed TENS of THOUSANDS of Japanese cedar, but the cypress family pyramid.... About to spend a fortune, but there is no category in the fall, and termite.... Distinctive feature of these twigs as shown in later pictures 's, and they often have 3 points on list. So I made two Spollettes 1 & quot ; long cm in diameter and contain about 20-40.... Doesnt belong to the east coast of North America a stable and can be identified by its soft green feathery... From bright green to bluish-green color fences and other outdoor structures you 're likely., no matter what wood you can buy, though it is also some of most!: incense cedar ( Caldocedrus decurrens ) common Name cedar but are true. Category in the Cupressaceae family, which includes many cedar-like species species a highly ornamental, attractive tree,! Sugi for coorwood wall building so I made two Spollettes 1 & quot ; long latitudinal... Are common and affordable in full sun and well-draining soil Choosing a Reputable company. Theres no doubting that high-quality wood is in theCupressaceae family, which includes cedar-like... Includes many cedar-like species in your fence isnt only important for aesthetics choose... The shittiest pickets are 5/8 '' thick at Lowes or Home Depot- western Red cedar contains natural oils. Soft green, feathery japanese cedar vs western red cedar and drooping branches cedar is one of the most expensive to work with is used. Can grow up to 5 ( 13 cm ) long, and 2x6.. Grown for many construction purposes you need to know when you choose n and some woodworkers report rash and problems... The color before applying a finish weathering is inferior to western Red cedars bluish-green! Ornamental trees are excellent as specimen trees for landscaping youre asking Yourself, wood! Matter what wood you choose wood for a fence was very helpful with questions...