Northern White Cedar
Thuja occidentalis L. · Softwood · North America
Properties
| Janka hardness | 320 lbf (1,423 N) |
|---|---|
| Average dried weight (est.) | 19 lb/ft³ (310 kg/m³) |
| Specific gravity | 0.31 |
| Modulus of rupture | 6,500 psi (44.8 MPa) |
| Modulus of elasticity | 0.80 million psi (5.52 GPa) |
| Crushing strength | 3,960 psi (27.3 MPa) |
| Shrinkage — radial | 2.2% |
| Shrinkage — tangential | 4.9% |
| Shrinkage — volumetric | 7.2% |
| Shrinkage T/R ratio | 2.2 |
Values at 12% moisture content, clear-wood averages. Source: USDA Forest Products Laboratory, Wood Handbook FPL-GTR-282 (2021), Table 5–3b p. 5–11; shrinkage Table 4–3 p. 4–8.
Northern white-cedar is one of the lightest commercial softwoods (specific gravity 0.31, Janka hardness 320 lbf), soft and low in strength. What it lacks in strength it returns in durability: its heartwood is very decay resistant, so it goes into posts, shingles, and boats.
Appearance & grain
The heartwood is light brown. The sapwood is nearly white and usually narrow.
Durability
The Handbook describes the heartwood as very resistant to decay — the reason this otherwise weak wood has been used for centuries in posts, shingles, and boat work.
Workability
The Handbook notes the wood is easily worked, as expected of a light, soft cedar. Shrinkage is low, which also helps it stay put in outdoor service.
Common uses
- Poles and posts
- Outdoor furniture
- Shingles
- Cabin logs
- Lumber
- Water tanks
- Boats
- Woodenware
Conservation: IUCN Red List: Least Concern (checked 2026-10-24).
Work with Northern White Cedar
Similar woods
Photo: Ryan Hodnett · CC BY-SA 4.0 (source)
Property data: USDA Forest Products Laboratory, Wood Handbook — Wood as an Engineering Material, FPL-GTR-282 (2021).