Alaska Yellow Cedar

Alaska Yellow Cedar Building Materials

Alaska yellow cedar is often referred to as Alaska cypress or Pacific Coast cypress but is more frequently called "yellow cedar". This exceptionally uncommon and gorgeous softwood, which is not a real "cedar" species, is exclusively cultivated in the Pacific coast region of North America. Alaska yellow cedar, with its pale yellow wood and straight, consistent grain, has long been employed in the boat construction industry due to its outstanding weather resilience. 

Alaska yellow cedar is unusually thick as a result of its brief growth season. Due to its inherent oils, which give the wood a wax-like sheen, it dries rapidly, works readily, and performs well in both finished and unfinished forms. 

Alaska yellow cedar is thicker and denser than western red cedar and has the same insect, rot, and decay-repelling tannins and oils. This gives it outstanding strength and stability with very little shrinkage. The most admired quality of golden cedar, besides its toughness, is its stunning, delicate golden hue. It weathers to a very appealing pale silver grey if not treated. 

Call (800) 775-4024 to learn more about the Alaska yellow cedar building materials we offer at Cedar Country Lumber.

Why Choose Alaska Yellow Cedar?

Alaska yellow cedar building materials occasionally exhibit pinkish or blueish stains. These stains are not caused by a flaw or issue with the wood, but rather by naturally existing oils that rise to the top during manufacture and vanish when exposed to sunlight.

Alaska yellow cedar is a well-liked option for handrails and ramps because it does not splinter, and it is ideal for high traffic applications such as decking and flooring because of its stress resistance and longevity. 

Alaska yellow cedar is a great option for siding in a variety of bespoke designs, shingles, shake roofing, and paneling since it has a stronger flame resistance than other softwoods. When installing Alaska yellow cedar, care should be taken to use corrosion-resistant fasteners due to the high tannin content of the wood.

We were ecstatic to have recently had the chance to discuss the benefits of using Alaska yellow cedar in construction with the readers of Premier Builder Magazine.