Western White Cedar

White Cedar is a lightweight, fine-textured hardwood prized for its pale cream to light golden heartwood and subtle, straight grain. Native to North America, this soft, stable timber is valued for its natural decay resistance, dimensional stability, and smooth finish, making it ideal for both artisan and functional woodworking projects.

Easy to machine, turn, and sand, White Cedar finishes to a soft, polished sheen that highlights its uniform color and gentle grain patterns. Its lightweight yet durable properties make it perfect for pen blanks, knife handles, small turned objects, inlays, and decorative crafts, bringing understated elegance to every piece.

Botanical Information

Scientific Name: Thuja occidentalis (Eastern White Cedar)

Family: Cupressaceae

Origin: Eastern North America

Common & Trade Names

White Cedar, Eastern White Cedar, Northern White Cedar, Arborvitae

Workability & Characteristics

Lightweight, strong, and stable

Fine, even texture with straight grain

Machines, sands, and turns easily

Polishes smoothly to a natural luster

Naturally decay-resistant

Health & Safety Note

Dust from White Cedar may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation, and prolonged exposure can trigger sensitization in sensitive individuals. Always use dust extraction, respirators, and eye protection when cutting, sanding, or turning.

White Cedar wood, Thuja occidentalis, Eastern White Cedar, Arborvitae wood, lightweight hardwood blanks, pen blank wood, knife handle wood, turning wood, decorative hardwood, premium artisan wood