Why Canadian Western Red Cedar Remains the Benchmark – and How It Compares to UK Cedar

What is Cedar Cladding?
Cedar cladding is one of the most popular natural façade materials used in both residential and commercial architecture. Known for its warm tones, durability, and natural resistance, cedar offers a timeless aesthetic combined with reliable long-term performance.

Among all species, Canadian Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) is widely regarded as the premium choice for timber cladding.

Cedar Grading Explained

Western Red Cedar cladding is typically supplied in two main grading options:
• No.2 Clear & Better – clean, high-quality appearance with minimal knots
• No.2 Clear & Better (85/15 mix) – similar overall quality, but allows up to 15% of boards with more visible natural characteristics

While Canadian Cedar is often perceived as knot-free, it is important to specify the correct grade or allow for wastage, as some natural features may still occur depending on the grading mix.

Where Does Canadian Cedar Come From?
Western Red Cedar is sourced from the coastal regions of British Columbia, Canada, where it grows in a unique environment:
• Mild, wet coastal climate
• Slow, consistent growth cycles
• Dense, fine-grained structure
These conditions produce a high-quality, stable timber with excellent consistency, making it particularly well suited for external cladding applications.

Why Choose Canadian Western Red Cedar?
1. Natural Durability
Western Red Cedar contains natural oils that provide resistance to:
• Rot and fungal decay
• Insect attack
• Moisture ingress
This allows it to perform externally without the need for chemical treatment.

2. Exceptional Stability
Thanks to its low density, cedar offers:
• Reduced movement (minimal swelling and shrinkage)
• Lower risk of splitting, cupping or distortion
• Long-term façade consistency
This makes it ideal for modern rainscreen systems and coated applications.

3. Lightweight & Easy to Work
Canadian Western Red Cedar is typically available in lengths from 1.83m (6ft) up to 6.1m (20ft), supplied in regular increments.
Cedar is easy to machine and install, allowing:
• Bespoke profiles and detailing
• Faster installation on site
• Reduced structural load compared to denser hardwoods

4. Natural Aesthetic
Cedar is prized for its visual qualities:
• Colour range from light straw to warm reddish brown
• Fine, straight grain
• Clean finish in higher grades
Over time, it naturally weathers to a uniform silver-grey, a look often specified in contemporary architecture.

5. Sustainable Material
Canadian cedar is:
• Sourced from responsibly managed forests
• Renewable and low in embodied carbon
• Suitable for environmentally conscious projects

Price Consideration & Market Alternatives
Canadian Western Red Cedar typically sits at a higher price point due to its premium quality, slow growth, and import from North America.
As a result, clients and contractors often explore more cost-effective alternatives, particularly on budget-sensitive projects — with UK-grown cedar at first being one of the most commonly considered options.

Why Choose Cedar Cladding?
Choosing Canadian Cedar means investing in:
• Long-term durability
• Premium architectural finish
• Sustainable construction
• Low maintenance over time

What About British Cedar?
UK-grown cedar can be used for cladding, but it is important to understand that it is not a like-for-like alternative to Canadian cedar.
Key differences include:
• Faster growth, wider grain and lower density
• Greater variation in colour and appearance
• Reduced dimensional stability compared to Canadian cedar
• Increased risk of movement, including splitting, cupping and twisting
• Generally not recommended for coated finishes due to movement
These characteristics can also limit the suitability of certain cladding profiles.

Speak to Our Team
Whether you are considering Canadian Western Red Cedar, UK Cedar, alternative timber species, bespoke profiles, factory coating, or technical specification support, Brookridge Timber is here to help.
Get in touch with our team for technical guidance, samples, drawings, or assistance with your next specification.
T: 01823 680 546
E: sales@brookridge.co.uk