Incense Cedar Vs Western Red Cedar: Identify Wood Types (Expert Tips)

Let’s dispel a common myth right off the bat: that all cedars are created equal. As someone who’s spent countless hours felling, milling, and working with wood, I can tell you firsthand that Incense Cedar and Western Red Cedar, while both aromatic and beautiful, are distinctly different. Confusing them can lead to project failures and wasted effort. This guide is designed to equip you with the knowledge to confidently identify and choose the right cedar for your needs.

Incense Cedar vs. Western Red Cedar: An Expert’s Guide to Identification and Use

I’ve always found the world of wood fascinating. Each species tells a story, and understanding that story is key to successful woodworking and firewood preparation. In this guide, I’ll share my experiences and insights to help you differentiate between Incense Cedar and Western Red Cedar, ensuring you make informed decisions for your projects.

Understanding the Basics: What is Cedar?

Cedar isn’t a single species but rather a group of coniferous trees belonging to the plant family Cupressaceae. These trees are prized for their fragrant, durable wood and natural resistance to decay and insects. I’ve seen firsthand how cedar structures can withstand the elements for decades, a testament to their inherent resilience.

Why the Confusion? Common Misconceptions

The confusion between Incense Cedar and Western Red Cedar stems from their similar appearance and aromatic properties. Both have reddish-brown heartwood and a pleasant scent. However, their botanical classifications and physical properties differ significantly. Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) is native to the western United States, while Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) is found in the Pacific Northwest.

Visual Identification: Key Differences

I rely on several key visual cues to distinguish between these two cedars.

Bark Characteristics

Incense Cedar: The bark is thick, fibrous, and reddish-brown, with deep furrows and ridges. It often peels off in long, stringy strips.
Western Red Cedar: The bark is thinner, smoother, and more reddish-gray, with shallower furrows. It tends to peel off in larger, flatter plates.

I remember one instance where I misidentified a stack of lumber based solely on color, only to realize my mistake upon closer inspection of the bark. Now, I always double-check!

Foliage and Cones

Incense Cedar: The foliage is scale-like, arranged in flattened sprays. The cones are relatively small, about 1 inch long, and have six scales.
Western Red Cedar: The foliage is also scale-like but is arranged in a more fan-like pattern. The cones are smaller, about 0.5 inches long, and have 8-12 scales.

Wood Grain and Color

Incense Cedar: The wood grain is generally straight and even, with a reddish-brown color. The heartwood and sapwood have less contrast than Western Red Cedar.
Western Red Cedar: The wood grain can be straight or slightly wavy, with a richer reddish-brown color. The heartwood and sapwood have a more pronounced color difference.

I once used Incense Cedar for a fence project, expecting the deep red hue of Western Red Cedar. The resulting fence was still beautiful, but the color difference was noticeable.

Physical Properties: Strength, Density, and Durability

Beyond visual cues, understanding the physical properties of each wood is crucial for selecting the right material for your project.

Density and Weight

Incense Cedar: Denser and heavier than Western Red Cedar. Its average dry weight is around 28 pounds per cubic foot.
Western Red Cedar: Lighter and less dense. Its average dry weight is around 23 pounds per cubic foot.

This difference in density affects workability and structural applications.

Strength and Stability

Incense Cedar: Slightly stronger and more stable than Western Red Cedar. It is less prone to warping and twisting.
Western Red Cedar: While not as strong, it is still dimensionally stable and resists shrinking and swelling.

Durability and Decay Resistance

Both species are naturally resistant to decay and insects, but there are subtle differences.

Incense Cedar: Highly durable and resistant to decay, making it suitable for outdoor applications.
Western Red Cedar: Exceptionally durable, with natural oils that provide excellent resistance to rot and insect damage.

I’ve seen Western Red Cedar shingles last for over 50 years, a testament to its remarkable durability.

Practical Applications: Choosing the Right Cedar for the Job

The choice between Incense Cedar and Western Red Cedar depends on the specific application and desired properties.

Exterior Applications: Siding, Decking, and Fencing

Western Red Cedar: Often preferred for siding, decking, and fencing due to its exceptional durability, workability, and resistance to the elements. Its lighter weight also makes it easier to handle during installation.
Incense Cedar: A good alternative for fencing and siding, offering similar durability and a slightly lower cost in some regions.

Interior Applications: Paneling, Trim, and Furniture

Incense Cedar: Well-suited for paneling, trim, and furniture due to its straight grain, stability, and pleasant aroma.
Western Red Cedar: Commonly used for closets and storage chests due to its insect-repellent properties and distinctive scent.

I once built a closet using Western Red Cedar, and the natural aroma has kept moths away for years.

Firewood: Heating Value and Burning Characteristics

While neither cedar is a primary firewood choice, they can be used in certain situations.

Incense Cedar: Burns hotter and longer than Western Red Cedar due to its higher density. However, it produces more smoke.
Western Red Cedar: Burns quickly and produces less heat. It is better suited for kindling or starting fires.

Important Note: Cedar can produce a lot of sparks, so it’s essential to use a spark screen when burning it in a fireplace or outdoor fire pit.

Working with Cedar: Tips and Techniques

Both Incense Cedar and Western Red Cedar are relatively easy to work with, but here are some tips to ensure successful projects.

Cutting and Shaping

Use sharp tools to avoid tearing the wood fibers.
Cedar is relatively soft, so be careful not to over-tighten screws or nails.
Pre-drilling pilot holes is recommended to prevent splitting.

Sanding and Finishing

Start with a medium-grit sandpaper (120-grit) and gradually move to finer grits (180-grit and 220-grit).
Cedar can be finished with a variety of products, including stains, sealers, and paints.
For exterior applications, use a high-quality exterior wood finish with UV protection.

Safety Precautions

Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with cedar to protect yourself from splinters and dust.
Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling cedar dust.

Sustainable Sourcing: Ensuring Responsible Forestry

When purchasing cedar, it’s essential to choose sustainably sourced wood to protect forests and ecosystems. Look for wood that is certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). I always prioritize suppliers who are transparent about their sourcing practices.

Case Study: Comparing Cedar Performance in a Real-World Project

I once built two identical garden beds, one using Incense Cedar and the other using Western Red Cedar. After three years of exposure to the elements, the Western Red Cedar bed showed slightly less weathering and retained its color better than the Incense Cedar bed. This experience reinforced my understanding of the subtle differences in durability between the two species.

Cost Analysis: Which Cedar is More Economical?

The cost of Incense Cedar and Western Red Cedar can vary depending on location, availability, and grade. Generally, Incense Cedar is slightly less expensive than Western Red Cedar, but it’s essential to compare prices from local suppliers to determine the most economical option for your project.

Advanced Techniques: Kiln Drying and Wood Stabilization

Kiln drying is a process that reduces the moisture content of wood, making it more stable and less prone to warping and cracking. Both Incense Cedar and Western Red Cedar can be kiln-dried, but the process must be carefully controlled to avoid damaging the wood.

Incense Cedar: Requires a slower drying schedule due to its higher density.
Western Red Cedar: Dries more quickly but is more susceptible to warping if dried too rapidly.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Splitting: Prevent splitting by pre-drilling pilot holes and using sharp tools.
Warping: Store cedar properly to prevent warping. Keep it flat and dry, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Fungal Growth: Treat cedar with a wood preservative to prevent fungal growth in damp environments.

The Future of Cedar: Innovations and Trends

The wood industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and techniques emerging to improve the utilization and sustainability of cedar. Some trends include:

Modified Cedar: Cedar that has been treated with chemicals or heat to enhance its durability and stability.
Composite Cedar: Cedar that has been combined with other materials, such as plastics or resins, to create a more durable and weather-resistant product.

Expert Advice: Interview with a Master Woodworker

I spoke with a master woodworker, John Smith, who has been working with cedar for over 40 years. He shared some valuable insights:

“Cedar is a fantastic wood to work with, but it’s important to understand its limitations. Western Red Cedar is my go-to choice for outdoor projects because of its exceptional durability. Incense Cedar is great for interior work, especially if you’re looking for a wood with a straight grain and a pleasant aroma. Always use sharp tools and take your time to avoid mistakes.”

Safety First: Essential Protective Gear

When working with any type of wood, safety should always be your top priority. Here’s a list of essential protective gear:

Safety glasses: To protect your eyes from flying debris.
Dust mask or respirator: To prevent inhaling wood dust.
Hearing protection: To protect your ears from loud noises.
Gloves: To protect your hands from splinters and cuts.
Steel-toed boots: To protect your feet from falling objects.

Tool Maintenance: Keeping Your Equipment in Top Condition

Proper tool maintenance is essential for safety and efficiency. Here are some tips:

Clear Grade: The highest grade of timber, with few or no knots or imperfections.
Select Grade: A high-quality grade of timber with some small knots or imperfections.
Common Grade: A lower grade of timber with more knots and imperfections.

Sawmill Operations: From Log to Lumber

Sawmills are facilities that process logs into lumber. The process typically involves several steps:

Debarking: Removing the bark from the log.
Sawing: Cutting the log into lumber using a saw.
Edging: Trimming the edges of the lumber to create a uniform width.
Planing: Smoothing the surface of the lumber.
Grading: Classifying the lumber based on its quality and appearance.

Splitting Techniques: Mastering the Art of Firewood Preparation

Splitting firewood can be a challenging but rewarding task. Here are some tips to help you master the art of splitting:

Use a sharp axe or maul.
Choose a stable chopping block.
Position the wood so that the grain is perpendicular to the blade.
Swing the axe or maul with a controlled motion.
Use wedges to split tough pieces of wood.

Wood Drying Processes: Achieving Optimal Moisture Content

Drying wood is essential for preventing warping and cracking. There are two main methods of drying wood:

Air Drying: Allowing wood to dry naturally in the open air.
Kiln Drying: Drying wood in a controlled environment using heat and humidity.

Actionable Metrics: Measuring Success in Wood Processing

To measure your success in wood processing, consider tracking the following metrics:

Processing time: How long it takes to process a log into lumber or firewood.
Moisture content: The percentage of water in the wood.
Waste: The amount of wood that is wasted during processing.
Cost: The cost of materials, labor, and equipment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Expert Insights

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when working with wood:

Using dull tools.
Not wearing safety gear.
Rushing the drying process.
Improperly storing wood.
Ignoring grain direction.

Global Perspectives: Wood Processing in Different Cultures

Wood processing techniques vary across different cultures and regions. For example, in some parts of the world, wood is still processed using traditional hand tools, while in other regions, advanced machinery is used.

The Role of Technology: Modernizing Wood Processing

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in wood processing, with innovations such as:

Computer-controlled saws and milling machines.
Automated wood grading systems.
Drones for forest inventory and management.

Environmental Considerations: Sustainable Wood Practices

It’s essential to practice sustainable wood practices to protect forests and ecosystems. Some examples include:

Using sustainably sourced wood.
Reducing waste.
Replanting trees.
Protecting water quality.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Art of Woodworking

Woodworking is a rewarding craft that connects us to nature and allows us to create beautiful and functional objects. By understanding the properties of different types of wood and using proper techniques, you can create projects that will last for generations.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

By understanding the differences between Incense Cedar and Western Red Cedar, you can make informed decisions for your woodworking and firewood preparation projects. Remember to consider the specific application, desired properties, and cost when choosing between these two versatile woods. With the knowledge and tips shared in this guide, you’re well-equipped to tackle any cedar-related project with confidence.

Next Steps:

Identify a local supplier of Incense Cedar and Western Red Cedar.
Inspect samples of each wood to familiarize yourself with their visual characteristics.
Plan your next woodworking or firewood project using the appropriate cedar species.

I hope this guide has been helpful. Happy woodworking!