American White Cedar
About the Species
Natural Resistance
American White Cedar is known for its natural resistance to rot and decay. The species is extremely durable while being lightweight, a characteristic that sets it apart from other Cedar species. Weathering to a beautiful silver gray color, the species does not require chemical enhancement to ensure its longevity.
Sustainability
American White Cedar has been harvested since the European settlement of the United States. The species regenerates well after harvesting due to its monoecious nature, meaning the species possesses both the pollen and seeds needed for self-reproduction.
During the manufacturing process, every portion of the log is utilized as lumber or biproducts, all of which are recyclable and biodegradable.
Aesthetic, Health, & Wellbeing
Utilizing wood adds a natural aesthetic which contributes to overall beauty and warmth in a space. Wood manufacturing processes are inherently more natural than those of pre-fabricated materials, reducing exposure to potential chemicals and toxins. Additionally, evidence supports that wood can help with air quality as well as reduce stress.
Why choose American White Cedar?
American White Cedar is also commonly referred to as Atlantic White Cedar and Southern White Cedar. The species grows abundantly across the eastern United States, with stand concentrations in swamp regions from Maine to Florida.
Light in both weight and color, this Cedar species is an ideal lumber product for virtually any application. Easily painted or stained, the wood smells characteristically of Cedar which aids in longevity and bug resistance.
The American White Cedar tree typically presents a straight, column-like trunk and grows to between 40 and 60 feet in height with a 10-20 foot canopy.
Characteristics & Properties:
Scientific Name
Chamaecyparis thyoides
Common Names
Atlantic White Cedar
Juniper
Southern White Cedar
Weight
Green: 3 lb/bf
Kiln Dried: 2.0 lb/bf
Surfaced: 1.5 lb/bf
Kiln Dried Moisture Content: 10-15%
Janka Hardness: 350 lbf (1,560 N)
What makes American White Cedar different from…
Western Red Cedar
American White Cedar boasts a significantly lighter weight than its Western Red counterpart, making it easier for certain applications. Western Red Cedar appears much darker than American White Cedar and is not as naturally bug resistant.
American White Cedar trees tend to be smaller, possessing a faster regeneration rate and producing a smaller knot structure in its lumber.
Northern White Cedar/Eastern White Cedar
American White Cedar and Northern White Cedar are commonly lumped together under the classification of “Eastern White Cedar;” however, they are two completely different species. Both Cedars share the same janka hardness level, indicating similar durability and strength values.
The main difference between American White Cedar and Northern/Eastern White is the tree size. Northern White trees are small and known for pencil rot which leads to a decreased capacity in lumber sizing and lengths typically used for smaller exterior applications such as shingles and fencing.
Alaskan Yellow Cedar
American White Cedar appears much lighter in color, with its sapwood ranging from pale yellow to white in appearance, whereas Alaskan Yellow presents an intense yellow color after it is cut.
Another characteristic of American White Cedar is a clear demarcation between the sapwood and heartwood. This demarcation is not present in Alaskan Yellow. The scents of the two species are drastically different as well, with Alaskan Yellow Cedar presenting an odor of raw potatoes compared to American White Cedar’s traditional cedar scent.