japanese cedar vs western red cedar

A Better Fence Company specializes in new wood fences, wrought iron metal fences, fence replacement, ranch style fences, driveway gates, handrails, balcony railings, chain link fences, patio covers, arbors & pergolas. 29 43 Pricing/Availability:Not widely imported,Sugi is generally available in Asia as siding or other light construction purposes, as well as veneer. You'll be glad you did. The last wood material is the builder-grade option, which is the spruce. Alaskan yellow cedar can be identified by its droopy branches, small cones and grayish brown bark. The soft, dense foliage makes these ornamental plants ideal as a specimen plant or for growing a privacy hedge. 0000188853 00000 n Its needle-like leaves grow in small, dense clusters on short shoots. The bark is a red-brown color and peels in vertical strips. Sources: Find knotty grades in dimensional sizes at home centers and lumber yards; clear grades at hardwood dealers. Also called the Atlanta cedars, these cedars are suitable for planting in large backyards. Phone: (972) 245-0640, Now that youre thinking of the main types of outdoor structures. Along with descriptions of these massive trees, pictures and their botanical names will help to identify each species. >rgu23j{F?+j=9cu^l:e+d_GF AU +%T"q%.7 "/`ym->}nO*k`. Western Red Cedar is a wonderful species, with the grain being very straight. Identification of the western red cedar is by scale-like green leaves that form flat sprays. There are many species of conifers that have the common name cedar but are not true cedars. Looking to build tabletops and counters for a small Japanese restaurant. A Sub-Reddit dedicating to fences & barriers; showing your labor, sharing your wisdom, pretty pictures and learning from others. 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. 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. 29 0 obj <> endobj Saturday 8:00 AM 1:00 PM. Its natural oils are insect and decay resistant, and left in its natural state it remains beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. Cedar wood only shrinks moderately, dries quickly and easily. 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. Nah. Thebest wood for a fence will need to be sturdy enough to withstand elements and a bit of impact. 0000003293 00000 n Allergies/Toxicity:Sugi sawdust has been reported to cause unspecified allergic reactions. 0000442052 00000 n The wood splits easily--hence, it is commonly used for split singles and shakes. 2 K. You can distinguish between true cedars and false cedars by looking at their evergreen needle leaves. Yellow, red and western red cedar leaves are flat and fern-like in arrangement, leathery in texture and crumble easily if you rub them between your fingers. "Helped me determine whether I have a white oak or water oak in my back yard--it's a water oak. Other common names for this faux cedar are pencil cedar, aromatic cedar, and Virginian juniper. Unlike the eastern red cedar, the western red cedar is a massive type of tree, reaching up to 230 ft. (70 m) tall. Eastern cedarwood is a common type of wood for making fence posts and furniture. Because the leaves form opposite pairs, it creates a flat structure, almost like a lattice. 0000188965 00000 n Rot Resistance:Rated as moderately durable to durable; moderateinsect/borer resistance. This false cedar tree is very drought resistant and thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. With a solid or semi-solid stain, you typically will get a five-year warranty. From our experience, we believe that if you get it off the ground and installed with a metal post, it could be possible to get 15-20 years out of it. Although, all three are perfectly suitable choices. 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. Amarillo, Texas How many of you would it take to reach the top? Also known as Alaska cedar, this tree (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) grows in the Pacific Northwest, from Alaska through British Columbia and into Oregon. 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. Price: $7 per board foot (4/4, S2S stock). Typically western red is the better quality material to use. The cypress trees produce small cones. Although it is an evergreen, some of the foliage has been known to bronze in cold winters. With Japanese Cedar, you'll have sticker marks from where the wood was dried before it was shipped here from Japan. WRC is still the dominant cedar in the U.S. for fencing. But why might that be? Construction or premium grade wood is the best kind of wood you can buy, though it is also some of the most expensive. Western Red Cedar Fence will last for 20 years and Japanese Cedar is unknown because its new to the market. Typically western red is the better quality material to use. Both western red cedars and eastern white cedars are cold-tolerant trees that adapt to various growing conditions. 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. Cedar is dimensionally very stable in service. ), You can help support the site by buying one of these resources, designed and published by The Wood Database. Others rely on it for lining closets or cigar humidors. The aromatic false cedar tree grows to between 130 and 195 ft. (40 60 m) tall. @ k>262780/t05E'i[hhd0`pZja-\S?9i>PA:F _ * When these trees are younger, they typically look more like shrubs. Surprised nobody mentioned the cost. 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. 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. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. Your article was. With only basic woodworking skills, a tablesaw, and a few simple tools, you can make custom cabinets for your home or shop. 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. Common Uses:Siding, paneling, furniture, fences, boatbuilding, and small specialty items. 0000097716 00000 n 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. It all has to do with what properties a certain species of wood might have. 0000290351 00000 n 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. 0000004086 00000 n Expert here. Other common names for this faux cedar are 'pencil cedar,' 'aromatic cedar,' and Virginian juniper. If the cedar has insect damage, rot, or the % of the cuts include heartwood versus sapwood. Northern white cedars grow well in full sun and moist soil. To some woodworkers, cedar ranks high as the wood of choice for building decks. Premium wood is more durable and has a better look compared to standard wood. Its scientific namebrevifoliameans small foliage and refers to the short needles and compact growth of this sun-loving cedar. Thanks Eric. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. If you had to recommend three, which hand planes should I start with? 0000002094 00000 n The leaves are small and scale-like, and they often have 3 points on the end. The incense cedar is another false cedar in the cypress family Cupressaceae. Its ability to resist decay and weathering is inferior to Western Red Cedar making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures. These are generally smaller and their leaves protrude from 4 sides of the stem as opposed to 2 with the western reds. Some of the most decorative western arborvitaes are small evergreens that dont take up much space in a back yard. Knots prove prevalent in lower grades, though "clear" grades are available. These cones will be covered in thin scales. Which hand planes should a power-tool woodworker buy first? Registered Professional Biologist. He has worked in British, North American, and South American ecosystems, and with First Nations communities, non-profits, government, academia, and industry. #2 grade cedar will have many small knots and also large knots and blemishes. And some woodworkers report rash and respiratory problems. This member of the cypress family grows from southern Alaska through northern California and in the Rocky Mountains. Some Lebanon cedars can live for over 1,000 years. Bright orange to red leaf spots occur on apples, hawthorns, and other plants in the Rosaceae family. 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. In addition to the wood, the pollen of the tree is also known to be highly allergenic in Japan. To help you estimate the height, think about your own height. The sapwood is pale yellow. The bark on these false cedars is reddish-brown and peels easily. I wanted to use a traditional Japanese wood. The bark is a red-brown color and peels in vertical strips. Less Dimensional Stability & Prone to Mold Must be built on a 3 rail fence to limit cupping and warping of pickets. Cedar that is graded #1 comes from closer to theheart of the tree than #2, and has fewer and smaller knots. Any cedar for the interior wood be a good choice. Can someone tell me if I can expect a Sugi bedframe I am making to substantially darken if I dont apply a finish? Most of its thin white sapwood (which has little decay resistance) gets milled away during lumber processing. Timber from Spanish cedar trees is high-quality and resistant to insects and decay. It serves as the national tree of Japan and is often planted around shrines and temples. Phone: 432-563-1111 2. Many people also consider the timber from Alaskan yellow cedars as some of the finest available. Using this type of wood will mean a longer lasting fence with less repairs needed over the course of its life. 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. Choose polyurethane or lacquer for the best finishing results. 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. In these pictures: Cedrus Atlantica Glauca Pendula (left) and Cedrus Atlantica Aurea (right). Lubbock, Texas 79424 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. Are Rosewoods (and Bubinga) really banned by CITES? 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. Fax: 806-783-8632 The northern variety proves less dense than western red cedar, contributing to good workability with power and hand tools. 0000237930 00000 n Donating wood samples and pictures of wood itemsIf youve got a new or unusual wood species that isnt on the site, please consider sharing it with the rest of us! Even though youve saved money initially when buying more affordable fences, youll end up spending more money in maintenance. These faux cedars grow up to 130 ft. (40 m). Lewisville, Texas 75057 Instead, he proposed to plant a row of trees along the avenue which led to the temple where the shogun was buried. 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. When using this fence you have to put a solid stain on it because its more of hardwood and it doesnt allow the other stain types to penetrate. Q.: 0000000016 00000 n Price: $1.75 per board foot (4/4 S2S stock). Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. However, the pickets are thinner and less sturdy than Western Red Cedar, and have a tendency to split or break during installation. Michael Simpson, PhD. This species of cypress can be identified by its soft green, feathery foliage and drooping branches. Though the trees are extensively (and sustainably) grown on plantations, the natural stands where the tree grows are fragmented and small, and not easily distinguished from the plantations which grow the same species. Canoe builders use the wood to fashion their boats. From making your yard feel more comfortable, to giving your property more privacy. Poplar, Cottonwood, and Aspen: Whats What? See my page on donating wood samples for more info. Used by many fence companies because of its lower cost, Chinese Cedar is not actually cedar, it is a fir. 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. Clear cedar is not commonly used for building fences because of the much higher cost. At A Better Fence Company, we use ONLY Western Red Cedar for our cedar fences, arbors and pergolas. When compared to standard wood, you can easily tell the difference with premium wood. Overview. A mature cedar tree has reddish-brown bark with long scales that are easily peeled. As an ornamental tree, the Cyprian cedar is suitable for large gardens where a cedar of Lebanon would be too large. True cedars are types of evergreen trees that keep their leaves all year round. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information. The incense cedar tree can be identified by its foliage that stays as flattened vertical sprays. Atlas cedar identification is by the glaucous bluish-green clumps of needles growing on aromatic stems. But contact with the sawdust can cause rashes and respiratory problems. Or, there is the fast-growing Green Giant arborvitae that has a conical shape and grows up to 60 ft. (18 m). Nonetheless, pencil makers prefer the wood, as do producers of souvenir wooden novelties. The barrel-shaped cones have smooth scales and are shorter than other cedarsyellow before maturing to dark brown. As mentioned before, choosing the right species of wood for a fence goes beyond aesthetics alone. 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. Our wood grades give you the option to tailor your fence to your budget as well as functional and aesthetic requirements. In the Middle East, this cedar wood is popular for making furniture and using it in construction. There are several types of cedar trees, but true cedars are usually found in the Mediterranean, like Northern Africa, Turkey, Northern India, and Cyprus. If youre doing a transparent stain, youre going to restain every two to three years. For more tips, including how to identify Atlantic white cedar trees, read on! What kind of leaves does a cedar tree have? There are also red cedar trees, which you can find outside of the Mediterranean. Don't plant one. {"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":"