Port Orford cedar

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Port Orford Cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana)

Description

A lightweight, strong-smelling wood obtained from a large cedar tree (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) native to the Pacific coasts of California and Oregon. First lumbered in 1854, the yellowish wood has a fine texture and is strong. It is used for millwork, plywood, flooring, interior finish, and storage chests.

Synonyms and Related Terms

white cedar; Chamaecyparis lawsoniana

Physical and Chemical Properties

  • Color: Heartwood is light yellowish brown; Sapwood is pale yellow and not easily distinguished; color darkens with light, but turns gray outdoors
  • Grain: Straight with fine texture
  • Durability: Very resistant to decay and most insect attacks
  • Odor: Sweet pungent scent
  • Density = 29 pcf

Working Properties

  • Easy to work with both hand and machine tools
  • Holds paint well
  • Stains, glues, and finishes well

Resources and Citations

  • G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 166
  • Dictionary of Building Preservation, Ward Bucher, ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York City, 1996
  • West Coast Lumbermen's Association, Seattle, Wash.; air-dry weight = 29 pcf

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