All species / Northern White Cedar

Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)

Canoes, shingles, fences and rustic outdoor work; very light and durable.

The data

Stiffness (modulus of elasticity)800,000 psi

Specific gravity (12% MC)0.31

Janka hardness320 lbf

Average dried weight22.0 lb/ft³

Shrinkage, radial (green → dry)2.2%

Shrinkage, tangential4.9%

Shrinkage, volumetric7.2%

Movement classVery stable

Stiffness & hardness: USDA Wood Handbook (Table 5-3 class data). Shrinkage: USDA Wood Handbook. Full sourcing notes are in our data documentation on the guides page — values print with their source so you can check us.

Shelf span guide — Northern White Cedar

Longest span that stays at or under the 0.02 in/ft long-term standard, floating ends, load spread evenly:

Shelf	15 lb/ft	25 lb/ft	35 lb/ft
3/4 in thick, 11 in deep	27 in	23 in	20 in
1 in thick, 11 in deep	36 in	31 in	27 in

Quick sag check — Northern White Cedar

Span (in)

Depth (in)

Thickness (in)

Total load (lb)

Full options — edging strips, fixed ends, centered loads — in the Shelf Sag Calculator.

Quick movement check — Northern White Cedar

Width across grain (in)

Cut

From MC (%)

To MC (%)

Full options in the Wood Movement Calculator.