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British Western Red Cedar wood

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The majority of Western Red Cedar wood used in the UK is imported. However, the southern forests of the UK also have favourable growing conditions for the Thuja Plicata tree and it is available in commercial quantities from a number of sustainably managed sources.

British Western Red Cedar is the ideal choice for those where either budget is a deciding factor or you value a locally grown low carbon footprint product.

British Western Red Cedar wood offers the same durability and ease of working as its Canadian counterpart, although does present a more rustic, knotty finish that is paler and more even in colour.

Ease of sourcing, immediacy of dispatch and consistency of price also favour British Western Red Cedar.

The attractiveness of Canadian Western Red Cedar is its completely clear finish (i.e. no knots and smooth grain), although limited availability of supply, exchange rate fluctuation and the distance travelled to import all make it significantly more expensive than British. What’s more, the cost of Canadian will continue to rise whereas the price of the British alternative will remain low and stable in comparison.

So, in summary, British Western Red Cedar would be the best choice for your project if:

  • You value a local, British grown, low carbon impact product
  • Budget is a deciding factor
  • You are looking for a consistent, paler colour across all boards
  • You do not want a patchy look whilst your Cedar weathers
  • You want character – i.e. knots and grain to show that it is a natural product

Read about Canadian Western Red Cedar wood.

British Western Red Cedar

Technical information
Family name Cupressaceae
Species name Thuja plicata
Species group Softwoods
Common name British Western Red Cedar
Origin Well-maintained, sustainable forests in England and Wales
Use Exterior cladding and fencing
Colour A uniform colour palette of pink and amber hues, silvering with age if untreated
Age New growth forests 50-100 years old
Grading Knotty
Density 390kg/m3
Durability 3 – moderately durable
Availability Always available

Explore our Cedar products…

Cedar cladding

Our Cedar cladding comes in a wide range of profiles.

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Cedar fencing

Our Cedar fencing comes in single or double slatted panels.

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Accessories

Our accessories will help you finish your project off.

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Timber Procurement Policy
Forestry England
The UK Woodland Assurance Standard
Forest Stewardship Council
Natural Resources Wales
Wood Panel Industries Federation

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