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Yellow Cedar | Chamaecyparis nootkatensis
Yellow Cedar is a North American softwood timber prized for its durability and ease of tooling.
Yellow Cedar is a North American softwood timber renowned for its attractiveness, durability and ease of tooling.
Other Names: Camcedar, Nootka Cypress, Sitka Cypress, Pacific Yellow Cedar, Alaska Cedar
Overview
This rare and exceptionally beautiful wood species occurs only on the Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska south to Oregon. It is one of the slowest growing tree species in North America; 50 to 60 annual growth rings per inch are not uncommon, with some living specimens believed to be around 1200 years old.
Yellow Cedar is a bright timber, ranging in colour from soft yellow to light brown. Sapwood occurs as a very narrow band and is almost white to yellowish white. Heartwood is a bright clear yellow, darkening upon exposure. The grain is typically very straight with a fine and even texture. The timber is quite light, being only slightly heavier than Western Red Cedar. It is also highly aromatic, due to the presence of naturally occurring oils.
Prized by boat builders, Yellow Cedar boasts exceptional natural durability - resistance to weather, insects and contact with soil - as well as dimensional stability and ease of tooling. The timber stands up to constant wear and load impacts without forming ridges or splitting. Yellow Cedar resists splintering and wears smoothly over time. The timber is easily worked by hand or machine, turns and carves well, and finishes beautifully. It readily accepts standard fittings and fastenings, though resinous glues are recommended for bonding.
Common applications of Yellow Cedar include flooring, decking, paneling, exposed ceilings, roofing shingles, custom woodworking, carving and millwork. The timber has been used since ancient times for boat building, and racing boat enthusiasts often use it for high-performance shells. The timber's resistance to splintering makes it a popular choice for stadium seating, sauna and indoor pool areas, and outdoor furniture.
Properties
Shrinkage
| Very Low | Low | Medium | High | Very High | |
Tangential: |
|||||
| 6.0 | |||||
| Radial: | 3 - 4 |
Strength Group
| Very High | High | Reasonably High | Medium High | Medium | Reasonably Low | Low | Very Low | |
| Unseasoned: | S1 | S2 | S3 | S4 | S5 | S6 | S7 | |
| Seasoned: | SD1 | SD2 | SD3 | SD4 | SD5 | SD6 | SD7 | SD8 |
Stress Grade
| Structural No. 1 |
Structural No. 2 |
Structural No. 3 |
Structural No. 4 |
Structural No. 5 |
|
| Unseasoned: | F8 | F7 | F5 | F4 | |
| Seasoned: | F14 | F11 | F8 | F7 | F5 |
Density per Standard
| Unseasoned: | 0 kg/m3 |
|---|---|
| Seasoned: | 480 kg/m3 |
Joint Group
| Very High | High | Reasonably High | Medium | Low | Very Low | |
| Unseasoned: | J1 | J2 | J3 | J4 | J5 | J6 |
| Seasoned: | JD1 | JD2 | JD3 | JD4 | JD5 | JD6 |
Colour
| White, yellow, pale straw to light brown | Pink to pink brown | Light to dark red | Brown, chocolate, mottled or streaky | |
Mechanical Properties
Durability
| Low | Moderate | Reasonably High | High | |
| (0 - 5 yrs) | (5 - 15 yrs) | (15 - 25 yrs) | (more than 25 yrs) | |
| In-Ground: |
||||
| (0 - 7 yrs) | (7 - 15 yrs) | (15 - 40 yrs) | (More than 40 yrs) | |
| Above ground: |
||||
| (0 - 20 yrs, usually < 5) | (21 - 40 yrs) | (41 - 64 yrs) | (More than 60 yrs) | |
| Marine Borer Resistance: |
| Lyctid Borer Susceptibility: |
Not Susceptible |
|---|---|
| Termite Resistance: |
Resistant |
Fire Properties
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | |
| EFH Ignitibility: |
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| EFH Spread-of-Flame Index: |
|||||||||||
| EFH Smoke-Developed Index: |
| Smoke Development Rate: |
<750 |
|---|
| 1 - non-combustible | 2 - reasonably non-combustible | 3 - slightly combustible | 4 - combustible | |
| Fire Properties Group Number: |
| Average Specific Extinction Area: |
<250 |
|---|---|
| Bushfire Resistance: |
Not Tested |
Description
| Botanical Name: | Chamaecyparis nootkatensis |
|---|---|
| Preferred Common Name: | Yellow Cedar |
| Other Names: | Camcedar, Nootka Cypress, Sitka Cypress, Pacific Yellow Cedar, Alaska Cedar |
| Species Type: | Softwood |
Appearance
Yellow Cedar sapwood occurs as a very narrow band, being almost white to yellowish white. Heartwood is a bright clear yellow, darkening upon exposure. The grain is typically very straight with a fine and even texture. Growth rings are close together and not prominent.
Common Applications
Because of its light weight and extreme durability, Yellow Cedar is highly recommended for external applications such as decking, weatherboards, handrails, veranda posts and outdoor furniture. It is a premium boat building material, and is found in saunas and indoor pool areas.
Common Form
Sawn
Workability
Yellow Cedar is easily worked by hand or machine, accepts coatings well and finishes beautifully. Bonding is best achieved with resin-type adhesives.
Origin of Timber
North America
Availability - Further Information
Yellow Cedar has only recently become readily available in Australia. Limited quantities of this slow-growth timber are imported from the Pacific coast of North America.
Source of Timber
Native Forest
Applications
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Decking
Timber decking creates spaces that are functional, practical and aesthetically pleasing. With the right design and care a timber deck will make a valuable addition to any home or business, creating an outdoor living space that will be enjoyed for years to come.
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Doors
Timber is one of the most popular and superior material choices for both internal and external doors. Whether manufactured from solid or engineered timber, there are many stylish and practical options that won't compromise on strength and structural performance. A distinctive timber door can also create visual impact, adding value to any commercial or domestic building.
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Interior Stairs
Timber should be the material of choice for designers seeking internal staircases of strength, beauty and durability. The construction procedure described here applies to most general type stairs of either conventional or contemporary construction.
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Internal Paneling
Timber paneling creates interiors as warm as they are stylish. Commonly utilising an MDF or plywood substrate, internal timber paneling is natural and versatile and comes as either solid natural timber panels or as sheets of engineered wood products
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