Shop Cedar

Edensaw Woods is the best source in the Seattle-Port Townsend, Washington area for high-quality domestic cedar wood. We serve local home builders, woodworkers, boat builders, and remodelers by providing a diverse selection of cedar domestic wood for all types of woodworking projects. We are dedicated to consistently exceeding expectations and providing excellent service to our customers and community.

Cedar wood is a popular softwood valued for its natural resistance to decay and insect damage. This inherent quality makes it an excellent choice for outdoor applications and humid environments due to its natural weather resistance and stability. There are several cedar species, but the most commonly used for woodworking are Eastern red cedar (known for its strong aroma) and Western red cedar (known for its water resistance and stability).

Western Red Cedar vs. Eastern Red Cedar? The type of cedar selected depends heavily on the project's requirements for durability and aroma:

• Western Red Cedar (WRC): Known for its rich red-brown color and straight grain. WRC is the preferred choice for exterior siding, decking, and marine use due to its exceptional dimensional stability, low density, and superior resistance to moisture and decay. It has a mild, pleasant aroma.
  
  
• Eastern Red Cedar (ERC): Known for its distinct purple-red heartwood and creamy white sapwood. ERC is primarily used for interior applications like cedar closets and chests because its high concentration of natural oils produces a strong, characteristic aroma that acts as a natural moth repellent. It is generally too knotty for structural exterior use.
  
  

Technical Specs and Exterior Performance - Cedar's performance is tied to its low density and high extractive content:

• Janka Hardness: Cedar is a very soft wood. Western Red Cedar has a Janka rating around 350 lbf. While this means it is easy to cut and lightweight, it is prone to dents and surface damage, making it a poor choice for high-traffic decks unless maintained.
  
  
• Weathering Stability: Cedar has low density and high cellular permeability, meaning it dries quickly and exhibits minimal shrinkage or swelling when moisture content changes. This dimensional stability is why it resists warping, cracking, and splitting better than harder woods in exposed conditions.
  
  
• Natural Protection: The wood's durability comes from its natural oils (extractives), which are toxic to fungi and insects. This makes chemical pressure-treating unnecessary for most exterior applications.
  
  

Cedar's appearance can be maintained or allowed to weather naturally:

• Natural Weathering: If left untreated, the wood will naturally weather to a classic silver-gray patina due to UV exposure. This process does not impact its structural integrity or decay resistance.
  
  
• Color Retention: To maintain the original red-brown color, the cedar must be treated with a high-quality UV-blocking oil-based stain or penetrating sealant every $1 - 3$ years, depending on sun exposure. Film-forming finishes (like varnish) are generally discouraged as they tend to peel.
  
  
• Tannin Bleed: Cedar contains water-soluble extractives (tannins). When wet, these tannins can bleed, causing rust-colored stains on adjacent light-colored trim or masonry. Always use stainless steel fasteners to prevent rust and minimize bleed.
  
  

Common Applications for Domestic Cedar Wood - Cedar's properties make it ideal for structures exposed to the elements:

• Siding and Trim: Because it is naturally weather-resistant and insect-resistant, cedar siding is a popular choice for exterior applications, including houses, sheds, and garages.
  
  
• Shingles and Shakes: Cedar shingles are a popular roofing choice because they are naturally resistant to weather and insects, offering a distinct, traditional aesthetic.
  
  
• Fences and Decks: Cedar fences and decks are favored because the wood is naturally resistant to decay and requires minimal chemical treatment, making it suitable for residential yards and patios.
  
  
• Boat Building: Because it is naturally rot-resistant and lightweight, cedar (especially Western red cedar) is a traditional and popular wood for planking and constructing smaller boats, canoes, and other nautical items.
  
  
• Closet Lining: Eastern red cedar is widely used for closet lining and chests because its aromatic oils naturally deter moths and other fabric pests.
  
  
• Garden Projects: Cedar is the material of choice for raised garden beds and planters because it is non-toxic and resists decay even when in direct contact with soil.
  
  

As your local domestic & exotic supplier and local rough sawn & surfaced lumber supplier, Edensaw Woods (Edensaw.com) is the premier source for top-quality lumber and plywood essential for fine cabinetry, robust marine construction, and general building projects throughout the Pacific Northwest region. From our strategically located facilities in Port Townsend-Tacoma, Washington, USA, we proudly supply professionals and dedicated hobbyists across the Seattle-Port Townsend-Tacoma area with an extensive range of premium materials. We specialize in supplying local rough sawn and surfaced lumber, as well as marine and cabinet grade plywood, wood veneers, hardwood flooring, and specialty decking. Our comprehensive products selection features popular domestic hardwoods like alder, ash, basswood, beech, and birch. Our specialty lumber lineup further includes beautiful options such as cherry, hickory, and walnut, alongside reliable softwoods like fir and aromatic tennessee cedar. We stock various maple options, including maple (eastern) and maple (western), plus a full spectrum of oak selections, such as red oak, red oak riftsawn-quartersawn, classic white oak, and premium white oak riftsawn-quartersawn, among many more choices. Explore our full range of products and specialized services by reaching out through our contact us page.