japanese cedar vs western red cedarjapanese cedar vs western red cedar

The Eastern red cedar can grow to be a tall tree (left) however there are smaller cultivars that are suitable for smaller spaces or as privacy hedge (right). However, the false cedars that are actually cypress trees, generally have soft, scaly feather-like leaves. Its an acre yard. Unfortunately, Japanese cedar fencing falls short in this regard. Although it is an evergreen, some of . Thebest wood for a fence will need to be sturdy enough to withstand elements and a bit of impact. Lean towards red cedar, the Japanese cedar is not a stable and can be a pain in the ass. The bark is a red-brown color and peels in vertical strips. With Japanese Cedar, you'll have sticker marks from where the wood was dried before it was shipped here from Japan. Atlas cedars are not as tall as other trees in the genus Cedrus, but they may have a conical shape that gives them ornamental value. 0000153101 00000 n Moderate natural luster. However, the pickets are thinner and less sturdy than Western Red Cedar, and have a tendency to split or break during installation. 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. "Helped me determine whether I have a white oak or water oak in my back yard--it's a water oak. Eastern red cedars have silvery brown bark and small reddish cones. In these pictures: Cedrus Atlantica Glauca Pendula (left) and Cedrus Atlantica Aurea (right). 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. The tree is fast-growing for the first 50 years before slowing down. Fax: 806-783-8632 The incense cedar tree can be identified by its foliage that stays as flattened vertical sprays. This member of the cypress family grows from southern Alaska through northern California and in the Rocky Mountains. The Japanese cedar or cryptomeria, meaning hidden parts, is a coniferous tree widespread within Japan. Pine and spruce wood isnt as durable as harder types of wood, so they might be more likely to sustain damage. These trees have a pyramid shape. How many varieties of cedar trees are there? Though harder to obtain in the United States and Europe, Spanish cedar has become the wood of choice for lining cigar humidors because of its aromatic oils and moisture resistance. Chinese Cedar Here is an example of a product being misnamed. Used by many fence companies because of its lower cost, Chinese Cedar is not actually cedar, it is a fir. Also if your lumber sits in bad conditions- its going to split and warp and crack no matter the sub species. Western red you can slam a 16 penny nail in and no splits. Deodar heartwood is a yellow brown. Even so the wood remains lightweight, giving it an impressive strength-to-weight ratio. or lumber quality as mentioned earlier. The Deodar cedar tree is also named Himalayan cedar due to its native habitat. 0000188853 00000 n Its common and botanical name literally means wood of the gods. Deodar cedars are fast-growing, large evergreen conifer trees that have a distinctly conical shape. 0000003824 00000 n You could always use wood bleach to lighten the color before applying a finish. Typically western red is the better quality material to use. %PDF-1.5 % Price: $6.50 to $7 per board foot (4/4 S2S stock). Phone: 806-799-3729 Consider one of these three other clear finishes for your next project. What some may not be aware of is that there are many types of cedar (and other woods that are commonly referred to as cedar that are not actually cedar), that do not possess the same qualities that make it ideal for outdoor use. Because these trees have a very limited habitat range, you're less likely to run across one. 426 Southfork Dr This article has been viewed 76,127 times. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. What makes certain species of wood differ from others? Timber from Spanish cedar trees is high-quality and resistant to insects and decay. 12116 Slide RoadLubbock, Texas 79424Phone: 806-799-3729Fax: 806-783-8632Email: sales@allstate-fence.com, I-27 & Rockwell Rd.Amarillo, TexasPhone: 806-655-5700Fax: 806-655-5802Email: sales@allstate-fence.com, 10200 Highway 191Midland, Texas 79707Phone: 432-563-1111Fax: 432-563-1159Email: sales@allstate-fence.com, I-27 & Rockwell Rd. Grain/Texture:Grain is straight; medium, even texture. Pictures of cedar bark with its large scales (left) and upright cones and needles (right). Fax: 806-655-5802 Clumps of small needles arranged spirally on short and woody stems identify the Cyprian cedar. If the fence company that you choose is using Japanese Cedar rather than Western Red Cedar, you should not be expected to pay the same price for the fence as you would for Western Red Cedar. Scientific Name: Calocedrus decurrens (syn. I might decide to use a bar top epoxy resin to protect it. If youre interested in getting wood fences from us dont hesitate toget an estimatehere. If youre doing a transparent stain, youre going to restain every two to three years. Sources: Go to hardwood dealers for boards, and woodworking catalogs for small stock. Depending on the cultivar, foliage color can range from bright, golden yellow to dark, luscious green. This type of conifer tree gets its name from the Atlas mountain of Morocco. Texas Best Fence & Patio The slow-growing conifer tree has a conical shape, dense foliage, and upward growth. Sources: Find knotty grades in dimensional sizes at home centers and lumber yards; clear grades at hardwood dealers. Builders of lightweight racing boats fashion the wood into sleekly curved hulls. Enjoy! Japanese cedar is sustainable species grown in responsibly managed forests in Japan. The lightweight wood bears straight grain and proves easy to machine and finish. Western red, assuming your climate is temperate or damp, and not white hot dry desert. The female trees produce small green and blue cones that look like berries. Three great finishes (that aren't polyurethane). stable vs. Western Red Cedar. There are differences between the two cedars. Thanks for any help Ali. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. From our experience, we believe that if you get it off the ground and installed with a metal post, it could be possible to get 15-20 years out of it. 71 0 obj <>stream It's because multiple varieties exist with different properties and uses. For best results coat all six sides before installation. Cedar wood only shrinks moderately, dries quickly and easily. 0000194090 00000 n When starting the fence build process, you will want to ask your contractor, if they are using Western Red Cedar or Japanese Cedar. Timber from these cedars is used in the construction industry. Its natural oils are insect and decay resistant, and left in its natural state it remains beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. You are literally copying and pasting shit and dont have real life experience framing or installing fences based on your comment. Alaskan yellow cedar can be identified by its droopy branches, small cones and grayish brown bark. Mark was very helpful with answering questions I had, was very accommodating with changes I needed to make to the original quote. The large tree has a conical crown of spreading branches producing soft, scale-like leaves. Clear cedar is not commonly used for building fences because of the much higher cost. The barrel cones grow up to 5 (13 cm) long, and the bark of Deodar cedar is gray and scaly. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The most prominent fencing cedar in the United States and Keller TX is Western Red Cedar. 0000237930 00000 n Period. Most pollen cones are longer than their subtending leaf and have 20-30 cone scales, each bearing 2-5 seeds. It can also be used to make weight-bearing furniture and load-bearing packing boxes too. This is not big box lumber. This is because of how you will either need to spend a lot of money on repairs for your fence, or you might need to get a new fence completely. Only way to combat it is by using screws, hence the movement. These are generally smaller and their leaves protrude from 4 sides of the stem as opposed to 2 with the western reds. We are proud of our work, and we know you'll be proud of your property as a result. 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! Let's build something incredible together. Leaves can be yellow-green or dark green. The most important two main factors that affect the quality of fence pickets is the thickness of the picket, and the environment they are shipped in and stored in. The soft, dense foliage makes these ornamental plants ideal as a specimen plant or for growing a privacy hedge. Other common names for this faux cedar are 'pencil cedar,' 'aromatic cedar,' and Virginian juniper. Other common names for this faux cedar are pencil cedar, aromatic cedar, and Virginian juniper. For example, western red cedars have a reddish hue to their bark and cones, which gives them their name. Spanish cedar is a hardy drought resistant tree and is not a true cedar. 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. 8 September 2021. The Alaskan yellow cedar is a false cedar that doesnt belong to the genus Cedrus, but the cypress family. Premium wood is more durable and has a better look compared to standard wood. Lets look at some of the most common false or faux cedars. It is believed that the Japanese Cedar has a lot of the same properties of Western Red Cedar. These elegant, ornamental trees are excellent as specimen trees in large garden landscapes. 0000025177 00000 n For more tips, including how to identify Atlantic white cedar trees, read on! 0000003320 00000 n Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Lewisville, Texas 75057 Red cedar has plicatic acid in it which makes it highly resistant to decay, while I cannot say the same about Japanese sugi, which is not that decay-resistant. True cedars in the Cedrus genus have needle clusters on woody pegs. Its ability to resist decay and weathering is inferior to Western Red Cedar making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures. Although it is an evergreen, some of the foliage has been known to bronze in cold winters. That can give you some idea of the tree's height. Would you need to treat first? I do know that Im spending a fortune on this fence and I want it to be done with quality material that will last a very very long time. Q.: How long do cedar fence panels last? Im finding very little about it online. True cedar trees such as Atlas cedar (Cedrus Atlantica) belong to the Cedrus genus. The foliage can be from bright green to bluish-green color. You can tell if you are looking at a yellow cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis), red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), or western red cedar (Thuja plicata) and not at a pine tree because these species dont have needles like pine or spruce trees. Nah. Comments: Sometimes called Japanese Cedar, the wood is in the Cupressaceae family, which includes many cedar-like species. The wood is awfully soft, so youd definitely be faced with a lot of dents and dings. I understand you're about to spend a fortune, but as I tell my customers, material matters. Western Red Cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage. You can distinguish between true cedars and false cedars by looking at their evergreen needle leaves. It has little shrinkage. So yes, most sugi pickets are excellent for fences in America, but they are in fact Chinese cedar pickets, is this particular cedar a good grade for fencing long term AND IS IT VERY DURABLE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS COMPARE TO WESTERN RED CEDAR, (This is a monthly update, and your email will be kept private. Would Sugi Pine be a good choice for this project t? Growing in evergreen forests in the Himalayan Mountains, the Deodar cedar trees can reach 160 ft. (48 m) tall. Many gardeners consider eastern white cedars as the easiest-to-grow conifers for front or backyards. If youre asking yourself, What wood is best for a fence? theres no doubting that high-quality wood is always on the list. True cedars are types of evergreen trees that keep their leaves all year round. Some Fence Companies Might Try To Increase Their Profit By Using Inferior Wood. Even the strongest storm will have a hard time knocking over a premium wood fence. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Vinyl Fencing Vinyl fencing is different from wood, as it is made of polymers that allow it to appear ageless for lifetimes. 0000003443 00000 n A distinctive feature of these true cedars is how the mature trunks sometimes separate into several different ones. It is a pyramidal and sometimes irregular evergreen conifer with tiered horizontal branching. Eastern cedarwood is a common type of wood for making fence posts and furniture. 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. It is easy to identify Lebanon cedars due to their majestic tall stature. Many people know that cedar is a type of wood that is known for being ideal for use in building outdoor structures because of its resilience and ability to withstand harsh weather. Its ability to resist decay and weathering is inferior to Western Red Cedar making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures. There are several types of cedar trees, but true cedars are usually found in the Mediterranean, like Northern Africa, Turkey, Northern India, and Cyprus. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information. Expert here. Dries quickly, soft wood that endures expansion and contraction from moisture variation, and its easy to work with . Maybe you are going for a more rustic appearance, but in general, soft woods like this for tabletops isnt preferred. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 76,127 times. Western Red Cedar, Western red-cedar, Thulja plicata Incense Cedar, Incense-cedar, Calocedrus decurrens Alaska Cedar, Alaska-cedar, Callitropsis nootkatensis (formerly Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) Port Orford Cedar, Port Orford-cedar, Chamaecyprisis lawsoniana The above hyphenated common names are more appropriate for they connote the fact that the species is not a true cedar, i.e., Cedrus I had a similar question- is this reliable material for fencing compared to western red cedar and are most japanese cedar fences similar or are there different levels of quality within the japanese cedar wood? @ k>262780/t05E'i[hhd0`pZja-\S?9i>PA:F _ * They grow from 100 to 200 feet in height and their scaly leaves fan out in 90-degree V-shapes. In these images: A mature incense cedar tree (left), cones (center) and foliage (right). The Japanese Cedar was introduced in 2021 as a pandemic alternative to be able to get fences installed right away. 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. Yes. The conifer has a conical shape before the uppermost branches flatten out as they grow horizontally. Allergies/Toxicity:Sugi sawdust has been reported to cause unspecified allergic reactions. 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. Workability:Generally easy to work with hand or machine tools, though knotty areas can be troublesome. The seed cones from the tree are just over an inch (2.5 cm) long and are an orange-yellowish color. Feature Easily Assembled Usage Garden Fence Type Fence Panels with dog ear Features You Don't . 0000000016 00000 n The cedar of Lebanon is a cold-hardy tree, despite coming from warm climates. 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. The pollen cones are often located on the end of these twigs as shown in later pictures. Japanese is more prone to warping and twisting. However, under ideal conditions, this false cedar can grow up to 66 ft. (20 m) tall. Our wood grades give you the option to tailor your fence to your budget as well as functional and aesthetic requirements. It varies in elevation from sealevel to over 1,000 meters. Many people know that cedar is a type of wood that is known for being ideal for use in building outdoor structures because of its resilience and ability to withstand harsh weather. Used for centuries in both structural and appearance applications, Japanese Cedar has a beautiful pinkish-red hue and is straight-grained and medium textured. Northern white cedars grow well in full sun and moist soil. He has worked in British, North American, and South American ecosystems, and with First Nations communities, non-profits, government, academia, and industry. It has rich glossy foliage that grows in a pyramid shape. No matter what type of fence you have installed, you should expect to see minor imperfections and blemishes which will not affect the quality of the fence. The Western Red Cedar is also quite long-lived, with some members of the species living more than 900 years. Dr. Michael Simpson (Mike) is a Registered Professional Biologist in British Columbia, Canada. The Japanese Red Cedar is often cultivated in China and planted in rows for timber production in many countries, which is why it has been deemed economically productive. The most common problems that cheap fences experience can include mold, rot, and termite issues. Another way to identify cedars is by their enormous heightgrowing up to 160 ft. (50 m). Unfinished garage becomes a woodworking haven. What some may not be aware of is that there are many types of cedar (and other woods that are commonly referred to as cedar that are not actually cedar), that do not possess the same qualities that make it ideal for outdoor use. They dont grow to more than 40 ft. (12 m) tall in garden landscapes and are ideal for full sun and hot, arid conditions. The trees may grow 200' tall with trunk diameters of 10'. I am building a Sauna and was trying to find of Sugi would be a good as Western Red for the interior of the Sauna? Copyright 20082023 Eric Meier. Most of its thin white sapwood (which has little decay resistance) gets milled away during lumber processing. There are 20 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. For pickets - Japanese is decent. A mature cedar tree has reddish-brown bark with long scales that are easily peeled. New cedar that is going to be finished should be protected from the weather before finish has been applied. There are also red cedar trees, which you can find outside of the Mediterranean. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. 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. Surprised nobody mentioned the cost. For example, japanese cedar cannot be toe nailed with nails, it splits, Everytime, hence the movement. 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. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Identify-Cedar-Trees-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Cedar-Trees-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Identify-Cedar-Trees-Step-1.jpg\/aid10122095-v4-728px-Identify-Cedar-Trees-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"