​Japanese cedar timber is synonymous with long lived and quality Japanese architecture. It is prized for its natural durability, pleasant scent, attractive appearance, sustainable production, and historical use stretching back many hundreds of years. It’s light weight, stability and excellent finishing properties made it first choice for Shou-Sugi-Ban, the traditional Japanese charred finish, or any of the more conventional finishes.

Botanical name: Cryptomeria Japonica

Other names: Sugi

Source location: Southern Japan

Stability: Stable

Durability in ground: Durable

Durability above ground: Durable

Density: Approx 300-420kg/m3 (at approx 12% MC)

Dimensions: Western Red Cedar is available up to 200 x 150 and 300 x 100mm

Appearance: Heartwood is typically reddish brown & Sapwood is straw coloured. Knots are common

Uses: Japanese cedar is ideal as a cladding material for weight conscious applications like mobile tiny homes, as well as being recognized around the world as a cladding material suited for earthquake proof structures. In addition to cladding applications, Japanese cedar is also commonly used for panelling, saunas, sarking, and soffits.

Tips: Japanese Cedar conforms to an “All Heartwood, Tight Knot” specification and as such are equivalent in durability rating to H3.1 treated timber suitable for use as weatherboard cladding.