Port Orford cedar
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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
- The Wood Database: Port Orford Cedar
- 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