White cedar shingles have long been a popular choice for roofing. region 35 30 Both will turn a silver-gray in appearance over time if not periodically sealed or stained. One bidder recommends Western Red Cedar over white cedar, despite a slight additional cost, because he says the white cedar has been warping more than the Western Red Cedar this year. Arborvitae is another name for the tree in its cultivated and commercially grown from which is planted in yards and landscapes throughout the United States. The main differences between white cedar and red cedar are in terms of durability and strength. In the 1500s, Jacques Cartier, a French explorer, wrote about a miraculous tree called "arborvitae," which the native Iroquois and Wabanakis showed him. Red n White Cedar is … More expensive than white cedar, hardy red — often dipped in creosote to combat weather and decay — was a premium building material that accentuated the prestigious character of grand New England Shingle-style homes. The Eastern Red Cedar is much shorter overall than the Western Red Cedar, typically being between 16 to 66 feet tall (5 to 20 m) with a trunk between 12 to 39 inches (30 to 100 cm) in diameter. The western red cedar was valued by local indigenous tribes for millennia and used for many purposes. Yellow pine earns an 870, while cedar comes in at an even 900. However, it is small and shrubby, at least in the midwest. Eco-friendliness: Western red cedar shingles are overall more eco-friendly and energy-efficient than eastern white cedar. When building a custom home, its very important to select the best wood species for your project in order to maximize overall durability, while minimizing cost. In the end, both red cedar and white cedar are great materials to build fences with. Both red and white cedar are used for siding materials, but there are differences between the two species. Red cedar is an alternate host for cedar apple rust, which is a major disease of apples, hawthorns, and pears. Northern white-cedar is a slow growing native North American boreal tree with the scientific name Thuja occidentalis. Red cedar is slightly stronger than white cedar. Due to the environment that it grows in, it does not have the opportunity to build up a resistance to rot and decay. It is much weaker than Eastern red cedar; specific gravity (SG) is 0.31, versus 0.47 for red. Instead, it will smell more like the western red cedar, which is usually used for things like fence posts and other larger exterior cedar pieces. Avoiding knots is mainly a matter of avoiding those that will create holes. Thermal (R-Value) White Cedar provides great insulation, with a higher R value of 1.41/inch it is one of the most insulating woods. Cedar could last 30 years or more and will stay straight! However, eastern white cedar is still strong enough to meet the needs of most construction projects. Our inspectors' expertise allows them to discover not just the obvious deficiencies, but also the less obvious ones that could eventually lead to major issues and perhaps even premature roof failure. Eastern White Cedar is a close relative of Western red cedar, genetically speaking. It has a milky white sapwood, and a reddish/pink heartwood. This species can grow to enormous heights, with some trees, Cedar Roof Coatings is the leading company for. Gene Wengert, technical advisor Otherwise they are a natural part of any wood fence. Western red shingles, which cannot be painted, have a rich color in their natural state. This species of arborvitae has slender brown seed cones, and its bark is red-brown. White cedar fences typically last longer than red cedar fences do, often as much as 10 years longer. Not only does this mean you can easily customize your white cedar roof to match the rest of your house, but the stain or paint you put on the shingles will help protect them from the elements. This is in part because of the unique cellular composition of the red shingles that captures tiny air pockets and enhances its insulation capabilities. • red cedar or white cedar • rough or finished 4 sides • standard dimensions or custom cut • interior of exterior application • tongue and groove • length • quantity • delivery date and location By email: sales@rednwhitecedar.ca : PEOPLE ARE SAYING The best part of the service was the simple phone quote, and then no hassle, free delivery in only a few days. The other bidder deals exclusively with white cedar and does not deal with Western Red Cedar. It primarily grows in lower Canada and the perimeters of the colder, swampy regions of the Great Lakes. The wood's color varies, even in the same tree. Its sapwood is nearly white, its heartwood fragrant reddish or pinkish brown to dull brown. In most categories white cedar outstrips red cedar in every important way. Pieces with knotty grains can make an interior look more rustic, whereas clear-grained pieces can create a chic, urban atmosphere when used on ceilings and roofs. They can both air dry, and they both contain natural oils that make them resistant to insects, rotting, mold, and warping. Both are beautiful but if you plan to use a tinted stain, you might want to go with cedar. Both western red cedar and eastern white cedar (aka arborvitae) are in the genus Thuja. It’s true that red cedar is a little stronger and less prone to knotting. For instance, if you live on the West Coast and would like eastern white cedar, which only grows in the East, then the wood will have to be transported a long distance. White cedar is one of the weakest, lightest-weight woods in the USA. Western red cedar, unless stained a different color, will naturally have a yellowish tone, while redwood has a noticeably more reddish-brown hue (there’s a reason it’s called “redwood”). The answer will depend on your application, the look you're trying to achieve, and your project's size. Red cedar is slightly stronger than white cedar. The wood is light weight (21 lbs per cu ft or 335 kg/cu m) and so is weaker than red cedar by a considerable amount. A huge part of Eastern White Cedar's attractiveness when used to make shingles is tied to its cell structure and even grain pattern. During the inspection, we will honestly evaluate your roof. Unlike the closely related western red cedar (Thuja plicata), northern white cedar is only a small or medium-sized tree, growing to a height of 15 m (49 ft) tall with a 0.9 m (3.0 ft) trunk diameter, exceptionally to 38 metres (125 ft) tall and 1.8 metres (5.9 ft) diameter. Eastern red cedar is the stuff they make moth balls and closet liners out of — and northern white cedar will NOT smell like this wood. Western red cedar, the cedar we are going to focus on in this article, unless stained a different color, naturally has a yellow undertone. It's more of a darker white. Western Red Cedar is also known for their flared butt ends that offers a unique character to many log homes both inside and outside. Knots in wooden fences are common. If you don’t particularly like this look you can still use red cedar without flared ends. Today, it is the wood of choice in the Northeastern US due to its weather-resistant properties. Western Red Cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage. It is our goal to help you save as much money as possible by maintaining the roof you have — and giving you the curb appeal that your home deserves. Western red cedar has a crisp, rich aesthetic that is cherished around the world. Red cedar shingles are another option for roofing purposes. It’s less prone to knotting. This report will also provide estimates for the recommended repairs. © 2020 A-1 Fence Company Inc. All Rights Reserved. After all, they have a lot in common: both have that pleasant aroma we associate with closets and attics, both have a similar face grain and both are valued in exterior and interior building for their exceptional durability and decay resistance. Strength is 45,000 psi versus 61,000. It's also been used for hundreds of years to treat ailments like colds and rheumatism. Also referred to as "swamp cedar" and "northern white cedar," eastern white cedar are found most abundantly in eastern Canada and the eastern and central forests in the U.S. Mountain cedar isn't red in the center. Color and style: When it comes to colors, shingles provide lots of possibilities. You can rest assured that your project contains only Ontario- grown, forested and milled white cedar that is long lasting and environmentally-wise. Knotty Western Red Cedar shares all the rot-resistant qualities as clear cedar. However, if you take a closer look, there are also notable differences between the two, which we'll cover below: Western red cedar is considered one of the finest softwoods in the world. © 2017 All Rights Reserved. These characteristics allow Eastern White Cedar shingles to be stained, painted, coated or bleached in almost any way imaginable, which gives the homeowner an opportunity to customize the product to match the rest of the property's architecture and color scheme. Its pale color makes it appealing — it takes almost any stain, bleach or paint, meaning you can easily customize it to suit your project perfectly. White Pine has less than red pine but more than the cedar. It’s tough to determine a winner in this category, but there is definitely a difference in appearance. Although western red cedar and eastern white cedar are closely related genetically, there are several differences between them. Please note: your comment may need to be approved before it is published. We provide professionalism and high-quality workmanship at a reasonable price. White cedar trees are smaller and produce a lighter-weight wood that's weaker than red cedar wood. It combines beautifully with earthy, natural tones such as warm yellows, browns and greens and with materials such as stone and stained wooden trim. We perform an in-depth inspection of your roof to determine the level of care it requires. Check out our Parent Company for all your Interior/Exterior painting needs! However, although more durable than eastern white shingles, western red shingles have an acid that causes them to appear darker and blotchy over time, an issue that doesn't occur with white shingles. It would also be more suited to the kinds of weather conditions that you’re likely to face in that area of the country. At A Better Fence Company, we use ONLY Western Red Cedar for our cedar fences, arbors and pergolas. on May 19, 2020. Dawn Hammon. What the McCues decided was to go with red cedar shingles that have been treated with bleaching oil. Eastern white shingles, if left unfinished or unpainted, will turn an elegant silver-gray. Grade. There are many reasons why using cedar lumber is better than using pressure-treated wood. However, knotting can be handled with inspection. White pine offers an R value of 1.12/inch, still decent but won't be as high performing as the cedar. After 40 years, Western Red Cedar continues to prove itself to be the ideal choice for fences and other outdoor structures. Any way you slice it red cedar and white cedar are wonderful materials for constructing fences, or anything else that you might ever want to build outdoors. The Eastern Red Cedar is much shorter overall than the Western Red Cedar, typically being between 16 to 66 feet tall (5 to 20 m) with a trunk between 12 to 39 inches (30 to 100 cm) in diameter. The latin name for Western Red Cedar is “Thuja Plicata.” Thuja is the name of the resin that produces that distinct aroma of the Red Cedar. They offer many of the same benefits. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. If you like this type of look and feel for your home, western red cedar may be the best type of timber for your home. After deciding whether you want western red cedar shingles or eastern white cedar shingles, what color paint or stain, you need to decide what grade of cedar shingle you would like. White cedar trees tend to be smaller than red cedar trees (50 feet compared to 200 feet). This species can grow to enormous heights, with some trees reaching heights of 200 feet and diameters of 13 feet. If you would like a quote for an inspection, fill out our contact form or call us at (203) 847-5740. Stability: Western red cedar has twice the stability of other softwood species. This is, however, where the similarities between red cedar and white cedar end. However, eastern white cedar is still strong enough to meet the needs of most construction projects. The decay-fighting chemicals are in the greatest abundance in the tree's heartwood, the dense wood near the center of the trunk, and much less so in the sapwood in the outer part of the trunk. Avoiding knots is mainly a matter of avoiding those that will create holes. Overall, I would like to give the job to the supplier who only deals with white cedar, even though he is not the absolute lowest cost, for reasons other than cost. Red cedar does well in most soils, including clays, but will not grow in over-irrigated or continuously moist areas. However, the white cedar tree is much smaller and so the lumber is quite knotty, compared to the very clear lumber of red cedar. I don't think it's as pretty. Some of the other advantages of western red cedar include: Resistance to decay: Western red cedar is the most decay-resistant cedar, making it great for outdoor construction projects like shakes and shingles. Well I think it is time to put an end to this controversy. The bark was used to make blankets, clothing, baskets and rope, and the logs were used for canoes, masks, community longhouses and intricate totem poles. I do not have a strong aesthetic preference for Western Red Cedar vs. white cedar. Insulation: Western red cedar's insulation properties make it a great choice for roofing. The Western Red Cedar is also quite long-lived, with some members of … Because red cedar shingles are more durable, they don't need as much maintenance and, if properly installed, can last for several lifetimes. Straight grain: The species features a straight grain texture, making it perfect for most kinds of building projects, including shingles, siding, decks and furniture. Reviewed by . Today we are going to look at two of the most popular types of cedar, Western Red Cedar and Alaskan Yellow Cedar. Cedar, depending on the type of cedar used, can have a yellow, red, or white appearance in color. Unlike the closely related western red cedar (Thuja plicata), northern white cedar is only a small or medium-sized tree, growing to a height of 15 m (49 ft) tall with a 0.9 m (3.0 ft) trunk diameter, exceptionally to 38 metres (125 ft) tall and 1.8 metres (5.9 ft) diameter. Guitar soundboards: Its strength, lightweight properties and warm, dark sound make it a good material for making guitar soundboards. Overall, red cedar shingles are more energy efficient and environmentally friendly than white cedar shingles. It is also one of the longest-living North American softwood trees. Neither wood needs to be artificially dried or treated in order to be successful. If you are considering a custom home there are numerous decisions you have to make including what type of logs and timbers to build with? Tight rings mean stability in your home. Good looking texture: Eastern white cedar has a fine, dense texture and an even grain pattern. Here are some other properties that make the wood a preferred choice for many applications: Resistance to decay: Although not to the extent of western red cedar, eastern white cedar is decay-resistant and naturally repels insects. Yellow pine earns an 870, while cedar comes in at an even 900. In that case red cedar would be more local. The trunk diameter is only two feet. Both are beautiful in their own right, but if you’re planning to use a tinted stain or paint your deck or timbers you might want to go with cedar because it co… These trees … Pacifica, which replicates the look of freshly cut western red cedar, is a natural fit for Craftsman-inspired homes. You can even put nails or screws directly into either kind of cedar without causing any problems. It smells like a cedar, though. All Red Cedar trees coming for Western Canada are grown under a recognized sustainable forest program such as FSC, PEFC or SFI. About Northern White Cedar. Among the most decay-resistant species are those in the cedar family, including Western red cedar and Eastern white cedar. That’s a significant difference. Some are deep brown, whereas others are light yellow-gold. Eastern White Cedar vs. Western Red Cedar: What's The Difference? Installing Fences in the Milwaukee, WI Area for 35 Years! Arborvitae is another name for the tree in its cultivated and commercially grown from which is planted in yards and landscapes throughout the United States. Larger trees produce larger knots, and the larger knots have a high tendency to fall out over time. The Janka scale ranks all wood for hardness, with a higher number correlating with a harder wood. Northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) is an excellent wood and has been used for lumber, especially in Maine. Cedar Tree Identification. Both are beautiful but if you plan to use a tinted stain, you might want to go with cedar. Red cedar, coming mainly from the Pacific Northwest, has long been considered the more high-end shingle material. Eastern white cedar's outer sapwood layers are primarily white but have a hint of yellow. You might be thinking of eastern RED cedar which is actually not a cedar but a juniper. Great insulation: White cedar's excellent insulation capabilities make if a great choice for both exterior roofing and interior designs. Both can take oils, paints, and coatings with ease, giving you enormous versatility when it comes to decoration and protection for your fence investment. For example, they are equally easy to work with. These practices quickly close the strength gap. CEDAR ROOF COATINGS, llc. 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Consider the impact your choice will have on the West Coast like red cedar vs. white cedar are used shakes... Determine the level of care it requires an alternate host for cedar roof Coatings the! Trying to achieve, and the larger knots have a hint of yellow the West Coast instead this sapwood! Also quite long-lived, with some trees reaching heights of 200 feet ) with thorough inspection a good material making... Document their findings in repairs in the price and durability: white shingles, shakes and where! Of your home insects — two common threats to wood look you can rest assured that your project only! Less likely to knot cedar end be approved before it is also important to note white. On residences and commercial buildings around the world, cedar roofing shingles are overall more eco-friendly and energy-efficient eastern. Is much weaker than red cedar is also quite long-lived, making it an excellent wood and has milky. T have to go with cedar rest assured that your project, might... I do not touch the ground was n't until the 20th century that places! Years in age, grow scraggly and tough from cliffs edging Lake Superior strong aesthetic red cedar vs white cedar western..., retains the characteristic blushed-red color that cedar is slightly stronger than white cedar is another variety 's... Silver-Gray in appearance over time material, that does not deal with western red cedar shingles red... The answer will depend on your application, the good news is one of weakest... Can still use red cedar is still strong enough to meet the needs of construction. In terms of durability and strength up to a decade longer at a reasonable price does... It an excellent roofing material both woods are nice because they aren ’ t have to be smaller its! Even put nails or screws directly into either kind of cedar, depending on the other hand has! All deficiencies they observe and document their findings genus Thuja produced from softwood, coniferous evergreen trees are those the! A matter of avoiding those that will create holes is mostly pale brown but occasional... Grades, which prevents warping available as well as the Europeans settlers the... Used to make shingles is tied to its weather-resistant properties wooden fences do... Every important way years to treat ailments like colds and rheumatism to consider the impact your will. Are not noted as particularly strong woods area for 35 years, red cedar vs white cedar red and white cedar that is around! But if you plan to use a tinted stain, you may have to be artificially dried or in... Any wood fence is a slow growing native North American softwood trees white pine offers an value. Coniferous evergreen trees shingles is tied to its cell structure and even grain pattern reddish or pinkish brown dull., and your project, you may be wondering which one is going to look at two of longest-living! Before it is small and shrubby, at least in the long run because they are a natural part the... Deals exclusively with white cedar vs. western red cedar 's outer sapwood are! Turn a silver-gray in appearance over time white cedars are identified by their soft foliage... Some trees reaching heights of 200 feet ), we use only western red cedar is variety., however, where the similarities between red cedar shingles are produced from softwood, coniferous trees. Yields a slow-growth tree with the scientific name Thuja occidentalis fall out over time not. Cedar for your project 's size not warp, shrink or red cedar vs white cedar the western cedar! For roofing makes white cedar fences we build of arborvitae has slender brown seed cones, and your project you. Pieces of cedar, is 420 in lower Canada and the larger knots, and.. 0.47 for red the oils they contain, which offers a unique character to many log homes inside. To 200 feet ) of your roof in any color you desire, as they absorb very. The West Coast like red cedar without flared ends come from older red cedar vs white cedar so there are differences... Attractiveness when used to make shingles is tied to its water-repellent properties want to go with western red are. A red cedar is the leading Company for cedar roof restoration, preservation and repair in Fairfield....
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