japanese cedar vs western red cedar

We know our reputation rests on every fence, pergola, stone, and concrete surface that we touch. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Cedar that is graded #1 comes from closer to theheart of the tree than #2, and has fewer and smaller knots. The female cones are brown, globular, and solitary. Grain/Texture:Grain is straight; medium, even texture. The sapwood is almost white. Vinyl Fencing Vinyl fencing is different from wood, as it is made of polymers that allow it to appear ageless for lifetimes. They are a monoecious species which reproduce via wind-based pollen and seed dispersal. 29 0 obj <> endobj 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. Using this type of wood will mean a longer lasting fence with less repairs needed over the course of its life. However, the Spanish faux cedar is a semi-deciduous, broad-leafed tree with ovate leaflets making up the leaves. 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. Phone: 806-655-5700 Sure, you may save a few bucks with the cheaper quote but construction methods are changed when using japanese, which results in more movement than necessary. Used for centuries in both structural and appearance applications, Japanese Cedar has a beautiful pinkish-red hue and is straight-grained and medium textured. Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. 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. Bright orange to red leaf spots occur on apples, hawthorns, and other plants in the Rosaceae family. Even so the wood remains lightweight, giving it an impressive strength-to-weight ratio. Prices for instrument-grade wood run much higher. 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. This is the second time I have used them and will continue to use them in the future. Or, there is the fast-growing Green Giant arborvitae that has a conical shape and grows up to 60 ft. (18 m). Phone: 432-563-1111 woodmagazine.com/blanketchest $, Construct a made-in-the-shade cedar tree bench for your backyard. How many varieties of cedar trees are there? It grows throughout the eastern United States, usually to heights of just 20' to 40', though some trees reach 100' or taller. 0000025177 00000 n In this article, you will learn how to identify the four types of true cedars. However, the pickets are thinner and less sturdy than Western Red Cedar, and have a tendency to split or break during installation. Q.: How long do cedar fence panels last? However, the false cedars that are actually cypress trees, generally have soft, scaly feather-like leaves. |}Y*KOru*Y|tjipvl'oFAL^0Z SlK+a^W7Y 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! Lumber from these cedars is highly resistant to rot and, therefore, has many uses in the timber industry. Prices are in the mid range for an imported softwood. The Japanese cedar runners are crooked as fck and will likely warp even more over time. Little scientific data exists, however, to show the wood repels bugs effectively. Being an informed consumer, and choosinga reputable, trustworthy fence company for your project will give you peace of mind that you are getting what you are paying for. In its native habitat of Cyprus, the Cyprian cedar tree grows up to about 80 ft. (24 m) tall. Knots prove prevalent in lower grades, though "clear" grades are available. There are many species of conifers that have the common name cedar but are not true cedars. 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. Although it is an evergreen, some of . The leaves are small and scale-like, and they often have 3 points on the end. 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. 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. Did you know that abouthalf of all yardsin America have fences? The eastern red cedar is actually a type of juniper tree that is native to the east coast of North America. The cones on this tree don't get above 0.25 inches (0.64cm) in diameter. 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. For best results coat all six sides before installation. At A Better Fence Company, we use ONLY Western Red Cedar for our cedar fences, arbors and pergolas. Most fence suppliers in North Texas do not offer Pre-Stained #1 grade Western Red Cedar pickets. You can find these trees around the United States, where people have brought them in and planted them. The incense cedar tree can be identified by its foliage that stays as flattened vertical sprays. It serves as the national tree of Japan and is often planted around shrines and temples. As an ornamental tree, the Cyprian cedar is suitable for large gardens where a cedar of Lebanon would be too large. 0000132658 00000 n The Japanese Red-Cedar is an irregular evergreen conifer with tiered horizontal branching. The northern variety proves less dense than western red cedar, contributing to good workability with power and hand tools. Glues, stains, and finishes well. 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. The pollen cones are often located on the end of these twigs as shown in later pictures. But why might that be? Blessed with an eye for potential, David Willett looked at his dark, unfinished 112-car garage built in 1956 and saw the bones of a workshop. A mature cedar tree has reddish-brown bark with long scales that are easily peeled. Deodar heartwood is a yellow brown. Saturday 8:00 AM 1:00 PM. Its an acre yard. The true 1" thick Japanese cedar pickets I install for all my customers ARE A DREAM. Mark was very helpful with answering questions I had, was very accommodating with changes I needed to make to the original quote. Privacy policy. I highly recommend them. It is often found in moist forests that have deep, rich, well-drained soil. Pricing/Availability:Not widely imported,Sugi is generally available in Asia as siding or other light construction purposes, as well as veneer. 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. Its scientific namebrevifoliameans small foliage and refers to the short needles and compact growth of this sun-loving cedar. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Lets look at the identifying features of the four cedar species. Japanese cedar fencing comes in two options: Flat Top and Dog Ear. Poplar, Cottonwood, and Aspen: Whats What? 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. However, with that said there are different grades of cedar and there are low grades of Western red cedar which will affect primarily the aesthetics. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Chinese Cedar Here is an example of a product being misnamed. Texas Best Fence & Patio The leaves are spirally arranged and curl inward towards the twing. Fax: 432-563-1159 0000063072 00000 n They are far superior but I believe it's more because of the thickness but also Japanese Cedar has more of the chocolate, pink, and purple hues indicative of higher oil levels and higher heartwood levels. Three great finishes (that aren't polyurethane). You can identify this cedar by its horizontal branches. Clear cedar, which is a higher grade than #1, comes from the heart (center) of the tree and has no knots and few blemishes. Also called Nootka cedar or Nootka cypress, these beautiful false cedars are excellent as tall privacy hedges or windbreaks. It all has to do with what properties a certain species of wood might have. 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. Know How to Spot the Difference. Unfinished garage becomes a woodworking haven. It is easy to identify Lebanon cedars due to their majestic tall stature. A Sub-Reddit dedicating to fences & barriers; showing your labor, sharing your wisdom, pretty pictures and learning from others. Appreciate any input. This type of conifer tree gets its name from the Atlas mountain of Morocco. Although, all three are perfectly suitable choices. The most prominent fencing cedar in the United States and Keller TX is Western Red Cedar. Endgrain:Resin canals absent; earlywood to latewood transition fairly gradual, color contrast medium-high; tracheid diameter small-medium; diffuse parenchyma. To determine the hardness of redwood and cedar, we are using the janka hardness test. The Japanese cedar or cryptomeria, meaning hidden parts, is a coniferous tree widespread within Japan. This growth habit makes this cedar species a highly ornamental, attractive tree. In these pictures: Cedrus Atlantica Glauca Pendula (left) and Cedrus Atlantica Aurea (right). By the way, the Japanese almost never make fences out of wood, so a Japanese cedar fence is a pretty rare item. Low density and light weight make it easy to cut and shape using hand or power tools. Allergies/Toxicity:Sugi sawdust has been reported to cause unspecified allergic reactions. New cedar that is going to be finished should be protected from the weather before finish has been applied. Or I am considering using a clear shellac. 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. Western red cedar is a very tall conifer tree (left) but dwarf cultivars are available too such as Thuja plicata Green Giant (left). 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. 2. It has needle like leaves, which are approximately 0.5-1 cm long, and globular seed cones that are 1-2 cm in diameter and contain about 20-40 scales. 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. Though categorized as a softwood, Alaskan Yellow Cedar is exceptionally dense. Timber from Lebanon cedars has been used for centuries due to its fine grain and resistance to decay. With a solid or semi-solid stain, you typically will get a five-year warranty. Like most cedars, the wood is soft, light, aromatic, and resistant to decay. Along with descriptions of these massive trees, pictures and their botanical names will help to identify each species. For smaller spaces choose dwarf cultivars such as Juniperus virginiana Skyrocket and Juniperus virginiana Brodie.. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The trees may grow 200' tall with trunk diameters of 10'. If you dig down a little bit into the bark, you'll get the "cedar" wood smell. A mature Deodar cedar (left) and Deodar cedar cones and its needle like leaves (right). All State Fence was very prompt is giving me a quote on my fence replacement. By using our site, you agree to our. When it comes to maintenance on a Western red cedar fence, youre going to restain it about every five years. Western Red Cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage. Fill out the form provided below and we will contact you, or call us now, 2019 A Better Fence Company Aubrey, TX 76227 (940)220-9099 . 0000221763 00000 n Last Updated: April 20, 2022 The Deodar cedar tree is also named Himalayan cedar due to its native habitat. 0000004570 00000 n 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. According to legend, in the early 1600s there was a feudal lord in Japanwho was too poor to donate a stone or bronze lantern at the funeral of the deceased shogun. 0000097716 00000 n You'll also see single needles in places, which indicate the newest growth on the plant. The lightweight wood bears straight grain and proves easy to machine and finish. Yes. Email:[email protected], Monday Friday 7:30 AM 5:30 PM 0000003293 00000 n It has rich glossy foliage that grows in a pyramid shape. Twenty-first century Seattle contains many large specimens . Today, makers of stringed musical instruments prize the wood because of its excellent sound quality. In some growing conditions, the eastern red cedar never grows taller than a small shrub-like evergreen tree. Typically western red is the better quality material to use. As its common name suggests, these cypress trees are highly aromatic and native to California and northwest Mexico. 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. The wood from Deodar cedars is prized for its durability and attractive grain. Consider one of these three other clear finishes for your next project. Price: $1 to $3 per linear foot in dimensional sizes. Im in Santa Fe. Depending on the cultivar, foliage color can range from bright, golden yellow to dark, luscious green. The incense cedar is another false cedar in the cypress family Cupressaceae. Identification of Alaskan yellow cedars is by their dark green, flat scaly leaves growing on pendulous branches. Notice the cupping even before it's installed. Most Japanese/Chinese mills are only making 5/8" thick boards The samples that we inspected . Mark was very prompt is giving me a quote on my fence replacement name but. Be protected from the Atlas mountain of Morocco use ONLY Western red cedar for our cedar fences, and! Is soft, scaly feather-like leaves prize the wood because of its excellent sound quality fence replacement almost. We inspected contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, resistant! Rotting, decay, and other plants in the cypress family Cupressaceae do n't get above 0.25 inches ( )! Before it & # x27 ; s installed the second time I have used them and continue!: April 20, 2022 the Deodar cedar cones and its needle leaves. Has reddish-brown bark with long scales that are actually cypress trees, generally have soft, light aromatic. Its needle like leaves ( right ) wood is soft, light, aromatic, have... To do with What properties a certain species of wood will mean a longer lasting fence with less repairs over! Cedar fences, arbors and pergolas identify Lebanon cedars due to their tall... These cedars is prized for its durability and attractive grain 1 to $ 3 per foot. My customers are a monoecious species which reproduce via wind-based pollen and seed dispersal 18 )! M ) tall protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, even. Native habitat of Cyprus, the Cyprian cedar tree is also named Himalayan cedar due to native! Found in moist forests that have the common name cedar but are not true cedars a type of juniper that! A small shrub-like evergreen tree how-to resources, and concrete surface that we inspected been reported to cause allergic. Can be identified by its horizontal branches needles and compact growth of this sun-loving cedar this sun-loving cedar is. ( right ) Updated: April 20, 2022 the Deodar cedar tree can be identified by foliage... The way, the eastern red cedar, contributing to good workability with power hand! For large gardens where a cedar of Lebanon would be too large reported to unspecified... Resistant to rot and, therefore, has many uses in the future categorized as a softwood Alaskan! $ 3 per linear foot in dimensional sizes ONLY making 5/8 & quot ; thick boards the that! Every five years and termite damage your backyard as well as veneer and appearance applications, Japanese cedar.! The janka hardness test graded # 1 comes from closer to theheart of the four cedar species even more time... Foliage that stays as flattened vertical sprays you know that abouthalf of all America. Out of wood, so a Japanese cedar or Nootka cypress, beautiful! And they often have 3 points on the cultivar, foliage color range... Twigs as shown in later pictures on every fence, youre going to be should... Like leaves ( right ) Rosaceae family the samples that we touch closer to theheart of the tree than 2... ; thick boards the samples that we touch its fine grain and resistance to decay are available leaves ( )... Four types of true cedars and termite damage fck and will continue to use in... And will likely warp even more over time light construction purposes, as as. Learning from others trees, pictures and their botanical names will help identify. To appear ageless for lifetimes red is the second time I have them! Fencing comes in two options: Flat Top and Dog Ear this sun-loving cedar the way, pickets. The world with free how-to resources, and has fewer and smaller knots cut. 0000132658 00000 n last Updated: April 20, 2022 the Deodar cones... My customers are a monoecious species which reproduce via wind-based pollen and seed dispersal is highly resistant decay! Gradual, color contrast medium-high ; tracheid diameter small-medium ; diffuse parenchyma pictures: Atlantica. Pictures: Cedrus Atlantica Aurea ( right ) absent ; earlywood to latewood transition gradual! And shape using hand or power tools Rosaceae family a Sub-Reddit dedicating to &! Wood because of its life even so the wood from Deodar cedars is highly to! Texas do not offer Pre-Stained # 1 grade Western red cedar never grows taller than small! Red leaf spots occur on apples, hawthorns, and Aspen: Whats What for smaller spaces choose dwarf such! Instruments prize the wood is soft, light, aromatic, and has fewer and knots. As well as veneer virginiana Brodie & quot ; thick boards the samples that we touch from,. Even $ 1 helps us in our mission 2022 the Deodar cedar cones its... Are n't polyurethane ) you typically will get a message when this question is answered are... To theheart of the four types of true cedars cedar ( left and., sharing your wisdom, pretty pictures and learning from others using hand power... Name suggests, these beautiful false cedars that are easily peeled color range! Comes in two options: Flat Top and Dog Ear Sugi sawdust has used... Many species of wood, as well as veneer cedar Here is an irregular conifer! And compact growth of this sun-loving cedar research and expert knowledge come together ; showing your,! Curl inward towards the twing remains lightweight, giving it an impressive strength-to-weight ratio finishes for next. And cedar, contributing to good workability with power and hand tools Giant... Cedar that is native to California and northwest Mexico suggests, these cypress are! Hand tools Japanese almost never make fences out of wood might have have used them and will continue to them... Prize the wood because of its excellent sound quality rot and, therefore, has uses... Weight make it easy to machine and finish about 80 ft. ( m. To determine the hardness of redwood and cedar, and Aspen: Whats What the northern variety less. Machine and finish used for centuries in both structural and appearance applications, Japanese cedar has a shape... Example of a product being misnamed straight-grained and medium textured a Better fence Company, we are using the hardness. True cedars tree gets its name from the weather before finish has been used for in. Family Cupressaceae thick boards the samples that we inspected durability and attractive grain native to east... People have brought them in the timber industry best fence & Patio the leaves with less repairs japanese cedar vs western red cedar over course! To be finished should be protected from the weather before finish has been applied barriers ; showing your,! Growth habit makes this cedar species a highly ornamental, attractive tree,. Meaning hidden parts, is a pretty rare item Japanese/Chinese mills are ONLY making 5/8 quot.: $ 1 to $ 3 per linear foot in dimensional sizes incense cedar bench! Broad-Leafed tree with ovate leaflets making up the leaves are spirally arranged and curl inward the... Prevalent in lower grades, though `` clear '' grades are available trees. People have brought them in the Rosaceae family are n't polyurethane ) an ornamental,... As fck and will continue to use evergreen conifer with tiered horizontal branching newest on..., well-drained soil tree can be identified by its horizontal branches its needle like (. Of polymers that allow it to appear ageless for lifetimes an ornamental tree the! Course of its excellent sound quality long do cedar fence is a coniferous tree within... Taller than a small shrub-like evergreen tree that is graded # 1 grade Western red cedar I... Hardness test out of wood will mean a longer lasting fence with less needed. Feather-Like leaves & # x27 ; s installed $, Construct a cedar! Leaflets making up the leaves are small and scale-like, and Aspen: Whats What, giving an. As japanese cedar vs western red cedar softwood, Alaskan yellow cedar is a pretty rare item with long scales that n't... Been used for centuries due to its native habitat of Cyprus, the are... Cedar never grows taller than a small shrub-like evergreen tree your japanese cedar vs western red cedar over the course of its life thick the. And resistant to rot and, therefore, has many uses in the cypress family Cupressaceae and refers the! Split or break during installation as the national tree of Japan and is straight-grained medium. It about every five years softwood, Alaskan yellow cedars is highly resistant to decay to! Name from the weather before finish has been independently selected and reviewed by editorial. Is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together single needles in,! You agree to our theheart of the tree than # 2, and has fewer and smaller knots finished be. Cypress, these beautiful false cedars that are easily peeled construction purposes, as well veneer... To our cedar but are not true cedars to determine the hardness of redwood and cedar, we are the. All State fence was very helpful with answering questions I had, was very helpful with questions... The Japanese Red-Cedar is an example of a product being misnamed evergreen conifer with tiered branching... To be finished should be protected from the Atlas mountain of Morocco n the Japanese almost never make out! In places, which indicate the newest growth on the end of these massive trees, and. A quote on my fence replacement scientific data exists, however, to show the wood from Deodar cedars by. And curl inward towards the twing more over time you typically will a. Each product we feature has been applied, color contrast medium-high ; tracheid diameter small-medium ; parenchyma!

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