Getting to Know Western Red Cedar

Cedar shake roofs instantly add a classic and elegant touch to any colonial-style home, making them a favorite among many American homeowners. Consumers have several choices when it comes to this elegant roofing material. Among these variants, Western red cedar (scientific name: Thuja plicata) scores highly in terms of beauty and durability.

The Western red cedar is an enormous tree that grows mostly in cool, moist areas of the Pacific Northwest region such as Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Hence, this material is also referred to as Pacific red cedar. The lovely reddish brown bark and wood distinguishes red cedar from other trees, making it quite the stylish option for roof shakes. Interestingly, red cedar shakes transform into lovely shades of gray as they age.

According to a study by Portland State University, Native American tribes where the first ones to appreciate red cedar's fine-grained surface and rot-resistant qualities. These tribes used the wood to create various objects such as wooden storage boxes, canoes, houses, ceremonial head dresses, and even coffins. These days, Western red cedar is used for various purposes other than roofing. For instance, you’ll find that red cedar is also used for building siding, fence posts, deck flooring, blinds, shutters, gazebos, and sheds.