7 Reasons to Choose White Cedar Over Cedar for Your Next Project
White cedar vs cedar is a common dilemma for many homeowners and builders who are looking for a durable, attractive, and eco-friendly wood for their next project. While both types of cedar have their advantages and disadvantages, white cedar has some unique benefits that make it stand out from red cedar. Here are seven reasons why you should consider white cedar over red cedar for your next project.
1. White Cedar is More Resistant to Decay
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a wood for your project is how well it will resist decay, rot, and insect damage. Cedar is known for its natural resistance to these threats, but white cedar has an edge over red cedar in this regard. According to Sciencing, white cedar contains more natural oils and acids that protect it from fungal and bacterial growth, as well as termites and other wood-boring insects. White cedar also has a higher density than red cedar, which makes it less prone to cracking and splitting.
2. White Cedar is More Stable and Dimensionally Accurate
Another factor to consider when choosing a wood for your project is how stable and dimensionally accurate it will be over time. Wood tends to shrink and swell with changes in temperature and humidity, which can cause warping, twisting, and buckling. White cedar is more stable and dimensionally accurate than red cedar because it has a lower moisture content and a finer grain structure. This means that white cedar will retain its shape and size better than red cedar, which can save you time and money on installation and maintenance.
3. White Cedar is More Eco-Friendly
If you are looking for a wood that is environmentally friendly and sustainable, white cedar is a great choice. White cedar is harvested from responsibly managed forests that follow strict environmental standards. White cedar trees grow faster than red cedar trees, which means that they can be replenished more quickly and reduce the impact on the ecosystem. White cedar also has a lower carbon footprint than red cedar because it requires less energy and resources to process and transport.
4. White Cedar is More Versatile
White cedar is a versatile wood that can be used for a variety of projects, both indoors and outdoors. White cedar can be easily cut, shaped, nailed, screwed, glued, stained, painted, or left natural. White cedar has a light color and a smooth texture that can complement any style or design. White cedar can also be used for different applications, such as siding, decking, fencing, furniture, flooring, paneling, shingles, trim, and more.
5. White Cedar is More Affordable
One of the main advantages of white cedar over red cedar is that it is more affordable. White cedar is cheaper than red cedar because it is more abundant and available in the market. White cedar also has a lower cost of ownership than red cedar because it requires less maintenance and repairs over time. White cedar can last for decades without needing any treatment or coating, while red cedar may need to be re-stained or re-sealed every few years to preserve its color and durability.
6. White Cedar is More Aesthetic
While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, many people prefer the look of white cedar over red cedar for their projects. White cedar has a creamy white color with a subtle yellow hue that can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. White cedar also has fewer knots and defects than red cedar, which can give it a more uniform and refined appearance. White cedar can also age gracefully over time, developing a silvery-gray patina that can enhance its natural beauty.
7. White Cedar is More Compatible
Finally, white cedar is more compatible than red cedar with other materials and finishes. White cedar has a neutral pH level that does not react with metals or chemicals, which can prevent corrosion or staining. White cedar also has a low resin content that does not interfere with adhesives or paints, which can ensure a strong bond and a smooth finish. White cedar also has a low odor that does not affect the indoor air quality or cause allergic reactions.
As you can see, white cedar has many advantages over red cedar that make it an ideal wood for your next project. Whether you are looking for durability, stability, eco-friendliness, versatility, affordability, aesthetics, or compatibility, white cedar can meet your needs and expectations.
White Cedar vs Cedar: A Statistical Analysis
In this blog post, we will compare two types of cedar wood: white cedar and red cedar. We will look at their origins, characteristics, and uses. We will also use some statistics to show the increase or decrease global demand in this industry.
Origins of White Cedar and Red Cedar
White cedar and red cedar are both evergreen coniferous trees that grow in North America. However, they belong to different genera and have different distributions.
White cedar (Thuja occidentalis) is a member of the cypress family (Cupressaceae) and is native to eastern North America. It grows in swampy areas and can reach up to 40 feet tall .
Red cedar (Thuja plicata) is a member of the same family as white cedar, but it is native to western North America. It grows in the cool, wet, and shady environments of the Pacific Northwest forests. It can grow up to 200 feet tall and 13 feet in diameter .
Characteristics of White Cedar and Red Cedar
White cedar and red cedar have different physical and aesthetic properties that make them suitable for different applications.
White cedar has a creamy white color with a straight grain and many knots and gaps. It has a density of 21 lbs per cubic foot and a Janka hardness of 320 lbf . It is resistant to decay, insects, and moisture, but it is not very strong or durable.
Red cedar has a reddish-brown color with a straight grain and fewer knots than white cedar. It has a density of 23 lbs per cubic foot and a Janka hardness of 350 lbf . It is also resistant to decay, insects, and moisture, but it is stronger and more durable than white cedar.
Uses of White Cedar and Red Cedar
White cedar and red cedar are both used for various woodworking projects, construction projects, building needs, and other applications.
White cedar is mainly used for outdoor furniture, fencing, shingles, siding, and boats. It is also used for carving, musical instruments, and aromatherapy .
Red cedar is mainly used for decking, siding, roofing, paneling, and furniture. It is also used for canoes, masks, log houses, and incense .
Global Demand of White Cedar and Red Cedar
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the global production of sawnwood from coniferous trees (including white cedar and red cedar) was 296 million cubic meters in 2019 . This was an increase of 1.4% from 2018 and a decrease of 0.7% from 2017.
The global consumption of sawnwood from coniferous trees was 295 million cubic meters in 2019 . This was an increase of 1.3% from 2018 and a decrease of 0.8% from 2017.
The global trade of sawnwood from coniferous trees was 99 million cubic meters in 2019 . This was an increase of 0.5% from 2018 and a decrease of 2.4% from 2017.
The main producers of sawnwood from coniferous trees in 2019 were the United States (58 million cubic meters), Canada (38 million cubic meters), Russia (36 million cubic meters), Sweden (18 million cubic meters), and Finland (11 million cubic meters) .
The main consumers of sawnwood from coniferous trees in 2019 were the United States (54 million cubic meters), China (39 million cubic meters), Canada (24 million cubic meters), Japan (16 million cubic meters), and Germany (15 million cubic meters) .
The main exporters of sawnwood from coniferous trees in 2019 were Canada (23 million cubic meters), Russia (19 million cubic meters), Sweden (14 million cubic meters), Finland (9 million cubic meters), and Germany (6 million cubic meters) .
The main importers of sawnwood from coniferous trees in 2019 were China (24 million cubic meters), the United States (18 million cubic meters), Japan (15 million cubic meters), Germany (10 million cubic meters), and France (6 million cubic meters) .
These statistics show that the global demand for sawnwood from coniferous trees is relatively stable, with slight fluctuations over the years. However, there may be regional differences in the demand for specific types of cedar wood, depending on the availability, quality, and price of the wood.
References:
https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_thoc2.pdf
https://www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/uploads/535/78626/cedars.pdf
https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/77166/Thuja-occidentalis-Holmstrup/Details
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