Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata
This is a classic, much-loved species in timber joinery thanks to its aesthetics and natural decay resistance.
Advantages
Natural decay resistance:
Cedar’s heartwood resists fungal decay and insect attack better than many softwoods (especially when protected).Workability & finish appearance:
It stains and finishes beautifully, offering natural warmth, grain character, and finish options.Moderate stability:
Not as stable as Accoya, but usable in many applications with good detailing and finish care.
Limitations / caveats
Under extreme exposure and moisture, cedar can grey, check, or degrade if coatings fail.
It may require more frequent maintenance in wet climates or coastal zones.
It is not classed as Class 1 durability; over time, its performance depends heavily on finish and detailing.