About Us About Our Adirondack Chairs Testimonials Product Photo Gallery Contact Us
 
Northern White Cedar
Lumber Profile
 
Northern White Cedar grows from Maine along the Appalachians and westward through the northern part of the Great Lakes States with the greatest production in Maine and the Great Lake States.  This arborvitae needled evergreen grows slow too moderately and reaches a height of 40 to 50 feet tall. 
 
The heartwood is pale brown and the narrow sapwood is nearly white.  It is one of the lightest commercial woods in the USA, somewhat soft, highly resistant to rot and decay, easy to work with, holds paint well and absorbs and loses moisture slowly which minimizes cracking and splintering.  It does not warp or shrink easily, has good nailing and screwing properties and finishes extremely well.  The wood requires no treatment and will age a silver gray. 
 
Overall opinion: A wood that is highly durable and is affordable.  As White Cedar wood naturally ages and releases moisture it will sometimes develop small surface cracks which many people like to call character.  Do not worry they will not affect the durability or strength of the wood.  Better to have the wood release its moisture because the holding of moisture by woods can only promote decay.  Excellent lightweight wood for lasting outdoor furniture that will be easy to move around.  Not a good choice if you need heavier furniture to withstand high winds.
 
Other Wood Profiles:
 
Performance of Northern White Cedar
 
  Wood Classification------------------Softwood
  Outdoor durability(without paint)-----High
  Screw /nail holding capacity-----------Good
  Resistance to indentation--------------Fair
  Heaviness(dry weight)-----------------Light
  Board strength(bending)---------------Fair
  Paint holding capacity------------------High
  Freedom from shrinkage---------------High
  Freedom from warping-----------------High
  Freedom from resin--------------------High
  Color when new---------------White to Light Brown
  Color weathered------------------------Gray
  Price----------------------------------Moderate
 
 

Northern White Cedar Wood

Cedar Log Checking
Cracks In Cedar Log Furniture
Cracks in cedar are called “checking” and are a normal aging process in cedar.  It is usually most noticeable on edges and drilled holes, where there is more exposed surface area and drying. Checking does not affect the strength of the furniture. Checking adds uniqueness and character for the wood of a natural product.