What is the difference between #1 and #2 Cedar? Cedar that is graded # 1 comes from closer to the heart of the tree than # 2 , and has fewer and smaller knots. The knots that it has are “quality knots”, meaning that they are less likely to fall out and become holes in your fence. # 2 grade cedar will have many small knots and also large knots and blemishes.
What is the difference between Cedar Grade 1 and 2?
Clear cedar, which is a higher grade than #1, comes from the heart (center) of the tree and has no knots and few blemishes. Clear cedar is not commonly used for building fences because of the much higher cost. Cedar that is graded #1 comes from closer to the heart of the tree than #2, and has fewer and smaller knots.
What is no 2&better cedar lumber?
No 2 & Better– The grade generally assigned for Western Red Cedar timbers and beamswhen the finest quality rough lumber is desired. The Cedar lumber is sound, well manufactured, and its characteristics do not detract from the wood’s fine appearance.
What is the difference between clear cedar and clear wood?
Wood is graded for clearness and amount of defects after it is manufactured. Clear cedar, which is a higher grade than #1, comes from the heart (center) of the tree and has no knots and few blemishes. Clear cedar is not commonly used for building fences because of the much higher cost.
What is the difference between Chinese cedar and Japanese cedar?
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. 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.
What is the best grade of cedar?
Appearance grades use letters A through D, with A being the highest grade. There are also two other terms under appearance grade Cedar: Clear and Knotty or STK. Clear Cedar refers to A & Better Cedar and is free of almost all knots, but it isn't 100% free of knots.
What are the different grades of cedar wood?
GradesClear Grades. Clear cedar has a limited number of natural characteristics and is specified when appearance of the highest quality is desired. ... Knotty Grades. ... Surface Textures. ... No. ... D and Better Clear. ... Appearance Knotty. ... No. ... Standard Beams, Posts and Timbers.More items...
What type of cedar is best for fencing?
Western Red CedarWestern Red Cedar continues to prove itself to be the ideal choice for fences and other outdoor structures. Western Red Cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage.
Is Japanese cedar as good as Western Red Cedar?
When choosing the best wood to install your new fence with, Western Red Cedar seems to come out on top. However, another option that is on the market right now if you're looking for a price point comparison or a little bit less in price point, is Japanese Cedar.
What is #2 cedar?
#2 grade cedar will have many small knots and also large knots and blemishes. 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.
What is C and better cedar?
"C & better grade are of sound wood. The wood are clear or have only a few unimportant characteristics such as: medium stained sapwood , short splits, small pitch streaks and occasional small knots. Western Red Cedar C & better wood grade are high quality lumber for use where appearance is important.
What are the different grades of cedar fencing?
The West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau divides Western Red Cedar Fence Boards into three basic categories. Any grade may be rough or surfaced, Air Dried, Kiln Dried or “green”. Grade is determined by the best face.
What is better yellow or red cedar?
How it performs: Though categorized as a soft wood, Alaskan yellow cedar is exceptionally dense. This density gives it even greater durability than Western red cedar, enabling it to stand up to the elemental rigors that would warp or deteriorate weaker woods more quickly.
Is red or white cedar better?
The main differences between white cedar and red cedar are in terms of durability and strength. Red cedar is slightly stronger than white cedar fence. It's less prone to knotting. Knotting is a serious issue in fencing.
Is there a difference between cedar and red cedar?
White Cedar vs Red Cedar: It's What's Inside That Counts Cut into these two trees, and the color of the wood differs greatly. Western Red Cedar gets its name from its red color, while Northern White Cedar is lighter and has a yellow hue. Make a crosscut into the trunk, and you'll see that both trees have two rings.
Is Chinese cedar good?
Cedar. Cunninghamia lanceolata (AKA china cedar) is a soft, but durrable wood. It is easily worked, resistant to bugs, termites, and decay.
What is the difference between Western Red Cedar and eastern red cedar?
The eastern red cedar, a juniper, is common among wide swaths of the United States plains and east coast, with alternate leaves and double toothed. The western red cedar, also known as the giant cedar, is common in the western United States and has green foliage sprays is small scale-like leaves.
What is the best grade for cedar?
Structural Grade: Structural Grade is typically used for Cedar 2 inches thick or more because these are dimensions used in a structural capacity first and foremost. Structural Grade is also referred to as Common Lumber. This grade is measured in numbers 1-5, with number 1 being the highest quality. Appearance Grade:
What is clear cedar?
Clear Cedar refers to A & Better Cedar and is free of almost all knots, but it isn't 100% free of knots. If you want Cedar that's 100% free of knots, which is difficult to find and costly, then you would need Clear Vertical Grain Cedar. Knotty or STK stands for Select Tight Knots.
What is appearance grade?
Appearance Grade: Cedar is also graded based on Appearance, which is called appearance grade or Select Lumber. Appearance grade is primarily for non-structural lumber under 2" thick. Appearance grades use letters A through D, with A being the highest grade.
What is the difference between Chinese cedar and Japanese cedar?
Chinese Cedar- Used by many fence companies because of its lower cost, Chinese Cedar is not actually cedar, it is a fir. Its ability to resist decay and weathering is inferior to Western Red Cedar making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures. Japanese Cedar- A newer product on the market in the US that shows promise as being ...
How many trees are planted for every red cedar tree?
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.
What is cedar wood used for?
Know How to Spot the Difference! 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. 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 ...
Is cedar good for outdoor use?
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.
Is Western Red Cedar good for a fence?
Western Red Cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage. 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. Using this type of wood will mean a longer lasting fence ...
What is Cedar Shingle made of?
Cedar Shingle Grades and Definitions. In North America, shingles and shakes are typically made from California redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), and in some cases, Alaskan Yellow Cedar (Cupressus nootkatensis); while in Scandinavia and Central Europe, they are more commonly made from Pine (Pinus sylvestris).
What is a rebutted & rejoined cedar shingle?
Rebutted & Rejoined Cedar Shingles ~ Shingles that are sawn and re-manufactured on all four sides to ensure square butts and parallel edges for a superior appearance on sidewall applications. Rebutted and Rejoined Shingles are available in Number 1 and Number 2 grades and are available in all three lengths (16”, 18”, and 24”). These Shingles are commonly referred to as “R&R’s” and are predominately provided Kiln Dried and packaged in cartons rather than bundles.
How thick is a shingle?
The thickness at the“butt” (the thicker end of the shingle) is generally about 3/8” but does vary. The final correct thickness for shingles is based using a stack of shingles rather than a single piece. At Cedar Country Lumber, we offer a wide selection of shingles made from Western Red Cedar, as well as Alaskan Yellow Cedar, ...
How tall does a cedar tree get?
Trees grow 50' tall with 2'-diameter trunks. Northern white cedar resists decay and insect infestation like its western red cousin, making it similarly suitable for outdoor projects, such as shingles, posts, and decking. Canoe builders use the wood to fashion their boats.
How tall is Eastern Red Cedar?
This tree (Juniperus virginiana) also belongs to the cypress family. It grows throughout the eastern United States, usually to heights of just 20' to 40', though some trees reach 100' or taller.
What is yellow cedar used for?
Boatbuilders use it for decks, railings, and interior paneling. Yellow cedar ranges in color from creamy white to sulfur yellow, with occasional dark streaks. The wood machines beautifully, glues and stains well, and develops a satiny sheen. Sources: Luthier's supply companies, specialty hardwood dealers.
What wood is used for cigar humidors?
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. The lightweight wood bears straight grain and proves easy to machine and finish.
What wood is used for decking?
Sorting out the cedars. To some woodworkers, cedar ranks high as the wood of choice for building decks. Others rely on it for lining closets or cigar humidors. How can one wood be so versatile?
Why is yellow cedar used in string instruments?
Native Americans used yellow cedar to produce ultralight, durable canoe paddles and many other useful items. Today, makers of stringed musical instruments prize the wood because of its excellent sound quality.
Why is cedar used in closets?
Most people refer to this wood as "aromatic cedar" because of its pungent natural oils, and use it to line closets and hope chests to ward off insects. Little scientific data exists, however, to show the wood repels bugs effectively.
What is the highest grade of Western red cedar?
Clear Western Red Cedar. Clear, Vertical Grain – This is the highest grade of Western Red Cedar and is commonly just referred to as “VG”. Vertical grain means that the growth rings are parallel to each other on the face of the board, and the wood is sawn specifically to achieve that look. Pieces have a smooth face of decay-resistant heartwood ...
What is clear cedar siding?
Clear, Vertical Grain Western Red Cedar Siding. Clear Heart – Includes only pieces with heartwood on the exposed face. Many of the pieces of Western Red Cedar are completely clear; others have minor imperfections that do not detract from their fine appearance.
What is knotty in cedar?
Select Knotty – Knots and other natural features define the visual characteristics of the Western Red Cedar. All knots are sound and tight. Red Cedar Lumber products are available rough surfaced, kiln-dried or unseasoned and smooth or with a re-sawn texture. Some companies may supply this grade of Western Red Ce dar with knots glued on the reverse face and there is typically a percentage of Quality Knotty included in an order.
What is D and Better Clear?
D & Better Clear – This grade permits more natural characteristics and is used where general utility is more important than appearance. More pin knots and tight knots are allowed than within the other Clear Grades ...
What is a rustic siding?
Rustic – Generally a grade of Clear Western Red Cedar Bevel Siding or cladding, it is recommended for use as sidewall covering where the distinctive charm of a rustic saw textured appearance is desired.
Is Alaska Yellow Cedar graded similarly?
So, when selecting and pricing lumber, it is vital to know the grade of material being purchased and how it is best used. Alaska Yellow Cedar is also graded similarly.
