One of the lightest commercial softwoods. Western Red Cedar at 12% moisture content has a specific gravity of 0.34. Cedar's low density enhances its insulation value and makes it an easy wood to transport and handle.

DIMENSIONAL STABILITY

Like all woods, Western Red Cedar is hygroscopic and will absorb or discharge moisture to attain equilibrium with the surrounding atmosphere. However, it has a very low shrinkage factor and is superior to all other coniferous woods in its resistance to warping, twisting and checking.

THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY

Wood is an excellent thermal insulator. This is an important characteristic since good thermal insulators help keep buildings cooler in summer and reduce heating costs in winter. The conduction of heat in wood is directly related to its density. Woods with low density have the highest thermal insulting value because such woods contain a high proportion of cell cavities.

In dry wood, these cavities are filled with air which is one of the most efficient thermal insulators. With its low density and high proportion of air spaces, Western Red Cedar is the best thermal insulator among the commonly available softwood species and is far superior to brick, concrete or steel. It has a coefficient of thermal conductivity (k value ) at 12% mc of 0.74 BTU in./sq.ft.h.F.