Eastern White Cedar vs. Western Red Cedar: What's the Difference?

Eastern white cedar and western red cedar are two popular species of wood that, at first glance, you might have a little trouble distinguishing. After all, they have a lot in common: both have that pleasant aroma we associate with closets and attics, both have a similar face grain and both excel in exterior and interior building for their exceptional durability and decay resistance.

However, if you take a closer look, there are also notable differences between the two. Below, we cover the main differences between white cedar vs. red cedar shingles.

What Is the Difference Between Red and White Cedar Shingles?

Both western red and eastern white cedar make excellent roofing materials. They have unique characteristics that impact visual appeal, maintenance and durability. Before going into depth about these species, here is a breakdown of the differences between them:

Color, Aesthetics and Customization

Eastern white cedar has a pale, creamy outer layer (sapwood) with a light brown core (heartwood). In its natural state, it weathers to a sophisticated, silvery-gray patina. Its fine-textured surface accepts coatings and paints well, allowing for exceptional personalization. You can paint your white cedar roof shingles in a range of colors to complement your home.

Western red cedar's hallmark is its distinct color. It showcases rich natural hues of red, amber and brown. You can't paint red cedar, giving you fewer customization options. The wood also contains acids that can cause it to darken or become blotchy as it ages.

Durability, Resistance and Maintenance

Both wood species boast outstanding durability, but western red cedar has the edge. It contains tannins that resist insects and decay. Red cedar trees are larger, denser and stronger than their eastern white counterparts. Their moisture-resistant properties prevent warping.

Natural oils in white cedar help it resist rotting and pests. Compared to red cedar, the wood is more fibrous, which makes it more prone to splitting or cracking.

Eco-Friendliness and Insulation

Sustainable harvesting makes both species an eco-friendly choice. While white cedar shingles also insulate well, red cedar has an advantage. They offer enhanced energy efficiency due to their unique cellular structure. Tiny air pockets act as natural insulators, which improves thermal performance.

Discovering the Western Red Cedar

Western red cedar is considered one of the finest softwoods in the world. Native to and primarily grown in British Columbia, Washington and Oregon, this slow-growth timber thrives in the cool, wet and shady environments of the Pacific Northwest forests. This species can grow to enormous heights, with some trees reaching heights of 200 feet and diameters of 13 feet. 

History

The western red cedar was valued by local indigenous tribes for millennia and used for many purposes. The bark was used to make blankets, clothing, baskets and rope, and the logs were used for canoes, masks, community longhouses and intricate totem poles. The outer bark was used for roofing materials due to its water-repellent properties. It's also been used for hundreds of years to treat ailments like colds and rheumatism.

It wasn't until the 20th century that other places discovered the many uses of western red cedar. Today, it is the wood of choice in the Northeastern U.S. due to its weather-resistant properties.  

Properties

Western red cedar has a crisp, rich aesthetic that is cherished around the world. The wood's color varies,  even in the same tree. Some are deep brown, whereas others are light yellow-gold. The heartwood, however, retains the characteristic blushed-red color that cedar is associated with.

Western red cedar is commonly used for shakes and shingles, where its natural appearance makes the building feel warmer and more welcoming. Some of the other advantages of western red cedar include:

• Resistance to decay: Western red cedar is the most decay-resistant cedar, making it great for outdoor construction projects like shakes and shingles. It is also one of the longest-living North American softwood trees.

• Stability: Western red cedar has twice the stability of other softwood species.

• Fast drying time: Once a western red cedar is cut down, it dries quickly and experiences little shrinkage.

• Aroma: It's also loved for its distinct pleasant smell, which makes it great for interior design.

• Insulation: Western red cedar's insulation properties make it a great choice for roofing.

• Sustainability: Western red cedar is the most abundant species of cedar and can be sustainably harvested.

• Versatility: It can be used to make a project more contemporary or traditional, depending on the project's design and the character of the wood. Its versatility is one of the most appealing aspects of western red cedar. Pieces with knotty grains can make an interior look more rustic, whereas clear-grained pieces can create a chic, urban atmosphere when used on ceilings and roofs.

• Straight grain: The species features a straight grain texture, making it perfect for most kinds of building projects, including shingles, siding, decks and furniture.

Uses 

In addition to roofing, western red cedar is also used for the following applications:

• Ornamental trees: Western red cedar is often cultivated as a decorative tree, and to a lesser extent, for hedges and screens.

• Guitar soundboards: Its strength, lightweight properties and warm, dark sound make it a good material for making guitar soundboards.

• Chests and closets: The strong aromatic oils of western red cedar are thought to deter carpet beetles and moth larvae, which are known to eat natural fibers like wool. 

All About Eastern White Cedar Wood

The eastern white cedar tree is smaller than its western red counterpart and provides a wood that is exceptionally lightweight and fine-grained.

Also referred to as "swamp cedar" and "northern white cedar," eastern white cedar is found most abundantly in the east part of Canada and the central and eastern forests in the U.S.

Compared to the western red cedar, which can grow up to 200 feet tall, the eastern white cedar only reaches 30 to 60 feet. The trunk diameter is only 2 feet. Eastern white cedar is sustainably harvested and long-lived, making it an excellent roofing material.  

History

Eastern white cedar was extensively used by both indigenous cultures and the European settlers in the area. In the 1500s, Jacques Cartier, a French explorer, wrote about a miraculous tree called "arborvitae," which the native Iroquois and Wabanakis showed him. He also learned from the natives that the tree's foliage, which is rich in vitamin C, could be used to treat scurvy, leading to the tree's nickname, "the tree of life."

In addition to its healing capabilities, eastern white cedar has a lower density than other types of cedar and does a good job in environments where it's exposed to soil and water. For that reason, through much of history, white cedar was the preferred choice for building watercraft like canoes and weather-tolerant fences. In European colonies, settlers even used white cedar to make pipes..

Properties

Eastern white cedar's sapwood layers are white with a hint of yellow. Its pale brown inner heartwood has occasional red tones.

The wood is finely textured, lightweight and makes for an efficient material when it comes to building. Here are some other properties that make the wood a preferred choice for many applications:

• Resistance to decay: Although not to the extent of western red cedar, eastern white cedar is decay-resistant and naturally repels insects.

• Good-looking texture: Eastern white cedar has a fine, dense texture and an even grain pattern.

• Lightweight: Eastern white cedar is one of the lightest and softest commercially available woods in the U.S.

• Aroma: Its welcoming scent makes it a great choice for interior design.

• Customizability: The wood's dense, fine texture provides a neutral, uniform color and tone. Its pale color makes it appealing — it takes almost any coating or paint, meaning you can easily customize it to suit your project perfectly.

• Great insulation: White cedar's excellent insulation capabilities make it a great choice for both exterior roofing and interior designs.

• Elegant aging: If exposed to the elements, white cedar quickly turns an attractive gray, which adds more visual interest.

Uses

Eastern white cedar is often used for sidewall and roof applications and is commercially used for lumber, rustic posts and fencing, poles, shingles, and log cabin construction. The species replenishes itself in approximately 35 years, allowing for sustainable harvesting.

Which Is Better, Red or White Cedar?

Choosing between these materials depends on your project's needs, aesthetic goals and scope. Let's explore the factors guiding your choice.

Size and Availability

For larger roofing projects, western red cedar is often superior. Its majestic trees yield broader, longer planks, ideal for expansive yet tough roofs. Eastern white cedar comes from smaller trees, resulting in narrower planks with more knots.

Both wood species are widely available. In the U.S., western red cedar grows in the northwestern part of the country, while eastern white cedar grows in the northeast.

Strength and Stability

Western red cedar has a slight strength advantage. The shingles have fewer knots and are less prone to splitting, making them ideal for roofing. Eastern white cedar is still a tough, durable shingle choice. It boasts a fine grain and excellent workability, with outstanding decay resistance.

Lifespan and Natural Protection

Western red and eastern white cedar roof materials have similar life expectancies. With proper care, cedar roofs can last up to 30 years. Certain climate conditions can affect the longevity of your shingles. Painting white cedar shingles can enhance their weather resistance and help them last longer. 

These wood species contain natural properties that protect them against rot and insects.

Environmental Considerations and Cost

If environmental impact and cost are top concerns, opt for locally sourced wood. Choose western red cedar for west coast roofing projects and eastern white cedar if you live on the east coast. You save on shipping costs while cutting down on transportation emissions.

Choose Cedar Roof Coatings for Your Cedar Roof Maintenance

Cedar Roof Coatings is the leading company for cedar roof restoration, preservation and repair in Fairfield County. If you suspect there's a problem with your roof — whether it's just some loose shingles or a more serious issue — we encourage you to get our Full Roof Inspection as soon as possible.

During the inspection, we will honestly evaluate your roof. We won't simply recommend that you replace it — if we can save you money by performing a roof restoration, that is what we'll recommend. We perform an in-depth inspection of your roof to determine the level of care it requires.

You will find that getting an inspection can end up saving you lots of money in repairs in the long run. Even a tiny issue with a roof could become major in a short amount of time, so you should make sure to get an inspection as quickly as possible.

Our highly experienced roof inspectors will cover your entire roof to identify and photograph all deficiencies they observe and document their findings. Our inspectors' expertise allows them to discover not just the obvious deficiencies, but also the less obvious ones that could eventually lead to major issues and perhaps even premature roof failure.

Then, a report is generated that documents the data gathered and suggests a course of action to correct the deficiencies. This report will also provide estimates for the recommended repairs.

It is our goal to help you save as much money as possible by maintaining the roof you have — and giving you the curb appeal that your home deserves. We provide professionalism and high-quality workmanship at a reasonable price. If you would like a quote for an inspection, fill out our contact form or call us at (203) 847-5740. Let us know what you need to be inspected and we'll get back to you as soon as possible to arrange a date and time to meet.

Contact Cedar Roof Coatings for an Inspection

It is our goal to help you save as much money as possible by maintaining the roof you have — and giving you the curb appeal that your home deserves. We provide professionalism and high-quality workmanship at a reasonable price. If you would like a quote for an inspection, fill out our contact form or call us at 203-847-5740. Let us know what you need to be inspected and we'll get back to you as soon as possible to arrange a date and time to meet.