All species / Western Redcedar

Western Redcedar (Thuja plicata)

Outdoor furniture, decking, siding and paneling; light, stable and rot-resistant.

The data

Stiffness (modulus of elasticity)1,110,000 psi
Specific gravity (12% MC)0.32
Janka hardness350 lbf
Average dried weight23.0 lb/ft³
Shrinkage, radial (green → dry)2.4%
Shrinkage, tangential5.0%
Shrinkage, volumetric6.8%
Movement classVery stable

Stiffness & hardness: USDA Wood Handbook (Table 5-3 class data). Shrinkage: USDA Wood Handbook. Full sourcing notes are in our data documentation on the guides page — values print with their source so you can check us.

Shelf span guide — Western Redcedar

Longest span that stays at or under the 0.02 in/ft long-term standard, floating ends, load spread evenly:

Shelf15 lb/ft25 lb/ft35 lb/ft
3/4 in thick, 11 in deep30 in26 in23 in
1 in thick, 11 in deep41 in34 in30 in

Quick sag check — Western Redcedar

Full options — edging strips, fixed ends, centered loads — in the Shelf Sag Calculator.

Quick movement check — Western Redcedar

Full options in the Wood Movement Calculator.