Western Red Cedar

Here in California redwood is a great alternative to cedar.

-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso

Yes, I have used that too Damian. But, I would like to try the cedar as well. I am not content with the quality of the redwood we have available, not to mention the price. But, it is just a cost of doing business.

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com

Bill I have recently tried to locate Western Red Cedar for a project. It was tough to locate and when I finally did it was $3 bucks a linear foot…Yikes! I was looking for dimensional (2×4) that made it even tougher..

-- David, South Windsor, CT "I love the smell of sawdust in the morning"

I ave trouble,finding any speciaty wood, so i take a sm,log about 4 ft long and rip what i need.with a chainsaw i block it where it wont roll, and first saw a striaght mark about 1 in. deep then cut on down through then move over what thickness i need,and do the same.then run it through the planer.you need a sharp saw and remove the bark first.also you might want to locate a small saw mill,they will cut what you need if they have it.GOOD LUCK

-- Robert, mountainwoodcarving@netzero.net

I love red cedar. I am looking for a source in the Oklahoma area myself.

Bill, take a look at this site: Western Red Cedar Lumber Association. I think it might help you find a supplier.

Insert usual disclaimer here as I do not have any connection with them. Google’s my friend though.

-- Jojo, shopless in Kyoto · http://twitter.com/kagushokunin

Thanks Jojo. I looked up my area, and the closest one listed is Gilroy, over 50 miles away. Amazing…

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com

I bought some tight knot cedar 2×4 decking (slightly more rounded edges) to replace my mom’s porch/deck last weekend. We paid $10 per 2×4x8, so about $1.25/lf…they wanted $24 for a 2×6x8 of this stuff. If you select clear cedar boards it gets to be pretty spendy…

Bill, here’s a local NW outfit with prices on all kinds of Western Red Cedar products just for comparison’s sake:

Dunn Lumber

For some reason I can’t track down any of the 2x stock on the site…

-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA