UK & Canadian Western Red Cedar Timber Cladding

Davidson Timber provides premium timber cladding solutions and acts as a reliable Canadian Western Red Cedar supplier throughout the UK. Western Red Cedar stands out with its vibrant color tones and fine grain together with its exceptional durability against decay which makes it suitable for contemporary and classic construction projects. The timber business run by our family has supplied Western Red Cedar cladding to projects across the nation for more than ten years. Davidson Timber works closely with architects and developers to supply custom timber solutions precisely designed for each project including bespoke homes and extensive architectural developments.

Why Choose UK & Canadian Western Red Cedar Cladding?

Canadian Wester Red Cedar is a durable softwood, slow grown, naturally durable, stable, light weight and has a natural beauty and warmth complemented by a uniform fine grain. UK Grown Cedar is moderately durable and will contain more frequent and larger knots than its Canadian namesake.

Canadian West Red
Cedar Clear

Canadian West Red Cedar
Clear & Better 15% 4 Clear

UK Cladding Grade

Detailed Information

UK & CANADIAN WESTERN RED CEDAR CLADDING SPECIFICATION

Wood Type

Softwood

Typical Lengths

1.828m (6ft) - 4.88m (16ft)

Fire Treatment

Can be fire treated to Euroclass B

Fixings

Stainless Steel Fixings Recommended

Typical Section Sizes

Ex 22, 32, 50, 75mm x 22, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175mm

Density

390 kg per m3 at 16% Moisture Content

Typical End Uses

Cladding, Brise Soleil systems, Shingles and Decking

Origin

Canadian - North America and Western Canada. UK - Commercially Grown around the UK.

Colour

Salmon pink sapwood to dark brown Heartwood - If left unprotected, it will turn to a silver/grey colour

Durability

Canadian - durable, high resistance to decay. UK - Moderately durable timber, recommended to treat with preservative

Sustainability

Sourced from well managed forests - FSC® or PEFC certified products available on request.

Quality

Canadian - Imported as No 2 Clear and better and No 4 clear and better. UK - Cladding grade - frequent and large knots throughout

Strength & Working Properties

As it is a soft timber it can me more prone to physical damage in terms of splitting and indentation/bruising. Care should be taken

Dimensional
Stability

Canadian - It has a very low shrinkage factor and is superior to all other coniferous woods in its resistance to warping, twisting and checking, UK - Medium mositure movement, potential for splitting due to higher knot content

Chemical
Properties

This specie has natural preservatives which can have a corrosive effect on some unprotected metals, causing a black stain on the wood

Profiles

Treatments

Treatments can be applied to various cladding species to enhance or alter their colour or give them long term protection against the elements. Davidson Timber can provide a 30 year warranty against rot & fungal decay. The treatment process enables the timber to hold colour longer, requiring little or no maintenance.

Davidson Timber’s Expertise & Quality Assurance

Timber cladding stands as the principal product at Davidson Timber while Canadian Western Red Cedar emerges as one of our most specified and trusted materials. We have delivered sustainably sourced cladding products to UK residential and commercial clients for more than ten years. Since 2014 our membership with Timber Development UK demonstrates our ongoing dedication to responsible sourcing and adherence to industry best practices. Canadian Western Red Cedar stands as our primary product offering due to its renowned durability and stability combined with its unique tonal variations. This product provides superior protection against decay and insects which makes it a high-performance substitute for treated softwoods and imported hardwoods suitable for modern and traditional uses. Davidson Timber delivers customized product support services for architects, developers and contractors while providing technical guidance on board dimensions as well as surface treatments and installation techniques. Based on actual project experience our recommendations meet both performance expectations and design intent for every specification.

Canadian Western Red Cedar
Frequently Asked Questions

Canadian Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) is a durable, lightweight softwood native to Canada, known for its rich reddish-brown colour, fine grain, and natural resistance to rot, decay, and insects, making it ideal for cladding and exterior applications.

Canadian Western Red Cedar is good for cladding because it is naturally durable, lightweight, and resistant to rot, decay, and insects. Its dimensional stability and rich aesthetic appeal make it ideal for both modern and traditional designs.

Yes, Canadian Western Red Cedar is highly durable for outdoor use due to its natural resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage, making it ideal for cladding, decking, and other exterior applications.

Canadian Western Red Cedar cladding can last 30-50 years or more with proper installation and maintenance, thanks to its natural durability and resistance to weathering.

Yes, Canadian Western Red Cedar is versatile and can be used for both modern and traditional homes due to its natural beauty, stability, and ability to complement a wide range of architectural styles.

To maintain Canadian Western Red Cedar cladding, clean it periodically and apply UV-protective oils or stains to preserve its colour. If left untreated, it will naturally weather to a silver-grey patina.

Yes, Canadian Western Red Cedar is sustainable as it is harvested from responsibly managed forests and is available with FSC or PEFC certification, ensuring eco-friendly sourcing.

Canadian Western Red Cedar is naturally durable and does not require chemical treatment, but it can be treated with fire-retardant coatings, stains, or oils to enhance its weather resistance, fire performance, and appearance.

Canadian Western Red Cedar offers superior durability, natural resistance to rot and insects, and excellent dimensional stability. Its lightweight nature, aesthetic appeal, and eco-friendly sourcing make it a preferred choice over other woods for cladding and outdoor applications.

Yes, Canadian Western Red Cedar is eco-friendly as it is sourced from responsibly managed forests and is available with FSC or PEFC certification, ensuring sustainable harvesting and minimal environmental impact.

UK Cedar Frequently
Asked Questions

UK Cedar cladding is timber sourced from Cedar species grown in the UK, typically Western Red Cedar. It is used to cover exterior walls, giving buildings a natural, warm finish.

  • Naturally resistant to moisture and decay
  • Lightweight and stable
  • Attractive grain and colour variation
  • Easy to work with and install

Yes. Cedar contains natural oils that protect it from rot, insects, and weather damage. It performs well in the UK climate without heavy treatment.

With proper installation and basic care, UK Cedar cladding can last 40 to 60 years or more. Lifespan depends on exposure and maintenance.

Yes. Cedar suits a wide range of styles.

  • Clean profiles work well on modern builds
  • Natural tones complement traditional properties
  • Leave it untreated for a natural silver-grey finish over time.
  • Or apply oils or stains to retain original colour.
  • Clean occasionally to remove dirt and algae.

Yes. When sourced responsibly from managed UK forests, Cedar is a renewable material with a low environmental impact.

Cedar usually does not need pressure treatment. Its natural oils act as protection. Some choose to apply finishes for colour or added surface protection.

  • High natural durability
  • Better resistance to warping and shrinking
  • Lower maintenance needs
  • Distinctive appearance

Yes. It is biodegradable, renewable, and requires less chemical treatment than many other timbers. Locally sourced Cedar also reduces transport impact.