Western Red Cedar Claddding

Western Red Cedar Cladding

This product is a special order item. Please speak to us concerning your needs.

Overview

Western Red Cedar is one of the world's most highly regarded timber cladding species, valued for its outstanding natural durability, exceptional dimensional stability and timeless appearance. Sourced from sustainably managed forests in North America, Western Red Cedar has been used for decades on premium residential, commercial and architectural projects.

Our No. 2 Clear & Better grade has been carefully selected to provide a high-quality architectural finish, offering long, clean boards with minimal natural characteristics. Lightweight, naturally durable and easy to work with, Western Red Cedar is the benchmark for premium timber cladding.

Appearance

Western Red Cedar displays a beautiful variation of colour, ranging from pale straw and honey tones through to rich reddish-brown heartwood. This natural variation creates a unique and attractive façade that matures beautifully over time.

No. 2 Clear & Better grade offers:

• Fine, straight grain.
• Minimal knots and natural defects.
• Smooth texture.
• Excellent colour variation.
• Premium architectural appearance.

Every board is unique, giving each project its own individual character while maintaining a consistently high-quality finish.

What to Expect if Left Untreated

Western Red Cedar does not require preservative treatment for external durability.

If left untreated:

• The rich brown and honey tones gradually weather.
• UV exposure transforms the timber into an attractive silver-grey patina.
• The weathering process is completely natural.
• The change is purely aesthetic and does not affect the timber's durability.

Many architects intentionally leave Western Red Cedar untreated to achieve a contemporary weathered appearance that blends naturally into its surroundings.

Recommended Treatments

Treatment is entirely optional and depends on the desired appearance.

To retain the original Cedar colour

We recommend:

• Osmo UV Protection Oil
• Sansin SDF
• Teknos Exterior Wood Coatings
• Remmers Exterior Timber Finishes
• Sikkens Cetol System

These coatings help reduce UV degradation, preserve the timber's natural warmth and extend maintenance intervals.

To achieve a natural silver-grey finish

No treatment is required.

Alternatively, pre-weathering coatings can be applied where a uniform silver appearance is preferred immediately.

Durability

Western Red Cedar is naturally durable thanks to the preservatives contained within its heartwood.

Durability Class: Class 2 – Durable

Benefits include:

• Excellent resistance to fungal decay.
• Naturally resistant to moisture.
• No preservative treatment required.
• Outstanding long-term external performance.

With correct detailing, ventilation and installation, Western Red Cedar can provide an expected above-ground service life of 30 years or more.

Density & Weight

Approximate Density:

330–390kg/m³

Western Red Cedar is one of the lightest commercially available cladding timbers.

Benefits include:

• Extremely easy to handle.
• Faster installation.
• Reduced structural loading.
• Ideal for larger cladding profiles.

Stability

Western Red Cedar is widely recognised as one of the most dimensionally stable softwoods available.

Benefits include:

• Minimal expansion and contraction.
• Excellent resistance to twisting.
• Excellent resistance to cupping.
• Outstanding long-term stability.
• Ideal for rainscreen and shadow gap cladding systems.

Its excellent stability helps maintain clean, consistent lines throughout the life of the building.

Recommended Fixings

For external installations, always use corrosion-resistant fixings.

Recommended

? A2 Stainless Steel screws or ring-shank nails for inland installations.

? A4 Stainless Steel fixings for coastal or highly exposed environments.

Pre-drilling is recommended when fixing close to board ends to achieve the best possible finish.

Typical Applications

Western Red Cedar is suitable for:

• Contemporary homes.
• Luxury residential developments.
• Commercial buildings.
• Garden rooms.
• Garden offices.
• Extensions.
• Apartment developments.
• Feature façades.
• Soffits.
• Fascias.
• Timber frame construction.

Advantages

• Premium architectural timber.
• Naturally durable.
• Exceptional dimensional stability.
• Extremely lightweight.
• Beautiful natural colour variation.
• Minimal knots (No. 2 Clear & Better grade).
• Easy to machine and install.
• No preservative treatment required.
• Excellent sustainability credentials.

Things to Consider

Like all natural timber, Western Red Cedar will gradually weather to a silver-grey finish if left untreated.

Although No. 2 Clear & Better is a premium appearance grade, natural colour variation between boards should be expected. These variations are a characteristic of genuine Western Red Cedar and contribute to its unique architectural appeal.

Good to Know

Western Red Cedar is often regarded as the benchmark for premium timber cladding.

Compared with Thermowood Ayous:

• Greater natural colour variation.
• Richer grain pattern.
• Lower density.
• Equally excellent dimensional stability.
• Premium architectural reputation.

Compared with Douglas Fir:

• Lighter weight.
• Greater natural durability.
• Better dimensional stability.
• Lower maintenance requirements.

Compared with Canadian Larch:

• Cleaner appearance.
• Fewer natural knots.
• Less movement.
• More refined architectural finish.

For customers looking for a premium timber cladding that combines beauty, durability and long-term performance, Western Red Cedar remains one of the finest choices available.

Sustainability

Western Red Cedar is sourced from responsibly managed forests and is widely available with FSC® or PEFC certification. Its natural durability eliminates the need for chemical preservative treatment, making it an environmentally responsible choice for external timber cladding.

Lanlee Performance Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Western Red Cedar need treating?

No. Western Red Cedar is naturally durable and does not require preservative treatment. Treatment is only recommended if you wish to retain the original warm brown colour.

Will Western Red Cedar turn grey?

Yes. Like all natural timbers exposed to UV light, Western Red Cedar will gradually weather to a beautiful silver-grey patina if left untreated.

Is Western Red Cedar suitable for coastal locations?

Yes. When installed using A4 stainless steel fixings, Western Red Cedar performs exceptionally well in coastal and exposed environments.

Is Western Red Cedar environmentally friendly?

Yes. Western Red Cedar is a renewable timber resource commonly sourced from certified sustainable forests. Its natural durability means it requires no chemical preservative treatment, making it an environmentally responsible choice for external cladding.

Lanlee Recommendation

Western Red Cedar (No. 2 Clear & Better) is the premium choice for customers seeking a beautiful, long-lasting and low-maintenance timber cladding. Its outstanding natural durability, exceptional stability and elegant appearance have made it one of the most specified cladding timbers in the world.

Whether installed on a contemporary home, luxury garden room or commercial development, Western Red Cedar provides a timeless finish that will continue to perform and mature beautifully for decades.