Antonio Mcgowan
Incense cedar fencing is a popular choice for homeowners and contractors due to its durability, resistance to decay, and ability to retain paint colour without fading. The wood is sourced from trees found in California, southern Oregon, and western Nevada, and is known for its reddish-brown fibrous bark and small, scale-like leaves. Incense cedar is also used in the production of pencils, Venetian blinds, fence posts, construction lumber, and exterior furniture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Libocedrus decurrens |
| Common Uses | Fence posts, pencils, Venetian blinds, construction lumber, sheathing, siding, chests, and various exterior furniture applications |
| Sustainability | Not listed in the CITES Appendices, reported by the IUCN as a species of least concern |
| Durability | One of the most durable native American woods |
| Decay Resistance | High |
| Dimensional Stability | High |
| Volumetric Shrinkage | 3.8% |
| Stain Retention | High |
| Paint Retention | High |
| Aesthetic | Attractive natural color, columnar or pyramidal form |
| Odor | Spicy |
| Texture | Fine and uniform |
| Pest Resistance | Naturally resistant to insects |
| Moisture Resistance | Excellent performance record in high humidity and moisture areas |
| Eco-Friendliness | Eco-friendly |
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$10.45
What You'll Learn
Durability and decay resistance
Incense cedar fencing is known for its durability and decay resistance. The Forest Products Laboratory has classified incense cedar as one of the woods that hold stains the longest and suffer the least when protection against weathering becomes inadequate. It is also known for its high dimensional stability.
The incense cedar tree is found in California, southern Oregon, and western Nevada. The botanical name for incense cedar is Libocedrus decurrens. The tree is usually found on mountain slopes from 2,500 to 7,000-foot elevations. Mature trees are 20 to 30 inches in diameter and 75 to 110 feet in height, but they can grow up to 150 feet tall and six feet in diameter. The tree is rarely found in pure stands but usually grows intermingled with Ponderosa Pine, Sugar Pine, Douglas Fir, and White Fir.
The wood of the incense cedar tree is non-resinous. The sapwood is white or cream-colored, and the heartwood is light brown or light reddish-brown. The texture is fine and uniform with small, evenly arranged cells. The wood has a spicy odor, a characteristic of all cedars.
The durability and decay resistance of incense cedar wood are due in part to its low volumetric shrinkage. When dried from a green state down to 12 to 15 percent moisture content, the volumetric shrinkage is only 3.8 percent, which is close to the bottom of the 3.4-6.6 percent range of commercially important softwoods. This low shrinkage rate is critical for fencing as it makes incense cedar the least likely of all cedars to shrink and leave large gaps between the pickets.
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Volumetric shrinkage
Incense cedar is a popular choice for fencing due to its durability and resistance to decay and warping. It is also known for its dimensional stability, which is second only to its decay resistance in terms of importance in lumber. This stability is reflected in its volumetric shrinkage properties.
The exact mechanism of volumetric shrinkage in incense cedar is not publicly available. However, it is important to understand the general concept of volumetric shrinkage in wood to comprehend its impact on incense cedar fencing. Wood is a hygroscopic material, meaning it can absorb and release moisture depending on the surrounding environmental conditions. When wood is dried, it loses moisture, which results in a reduction in its volume. This volume change can affect the dimensional stability of the wood.
In the context of incense cedar fencing, volumetric shrinkage can impact the overall stability and durability of the fence. If the wood experiences significant shrinkage, it may lead to gaps, warping, or structural weaknesses in the fence. However, incense cedar is known for its resistance to decay and high durability, which suggests that its volumetric shrinkage may not be as significant as other types of wood.
Additionally, proper treatment and staining of incense cedar fencing can help mitigate the effects of volumetric shrinkage. As mentioned earlier, incense cedar is known for its ability to hold stain, which can enhance its protection against weathering. By reducing the impact of moisture and humidity, the potential for volumetric shrinkage to cause negative effects is diminished. Therefore, while volumetric shrinkage is an inherent property of incense cedar, proper lumber selection, treatment, and maintenance can minimize its impact on the longevity and performance of the fence.
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Aesthetic appeal
Incense cedar fencing is widely regarded for its aesthetic appeal. The wood's natural colour is considered attractive, with a light brown or light reddish-brown heartwood and white or cream-coloured sapwood. The heartwood's reddish-brown hue is complemented by the tree's reddish-brown fibrous bark and small, scale-like leaves, creating a visually pleasing combination.
Beyond its natural colouring, incense cedar is also valued for its ability to absorb stains and retain paint colours without fading. This quality allows for a wide range of finishes, making it versatile and adaptable to various design preferences and aesthetic goals. Whether left in its natural state or enhanced with paint or stain, incense cedar fencing can be customised to suit diverse stylistic choices.
The wood's fine and uniform texture contributes to its visual appeal, presenting a smooth and silken surface that is prized by fence contractors, DIY enthusiasts, carpenters, architects, and homeowners alike. The straight and clean grains of mature incense cedar trees, coupled with their rapidly tapering trunks, further enhance the overall aesthetic of the fencing.
Additionally, incense cedar's dimensional stability is noteworthy. Its low volumetric shrinkage ensures that fences made from this wood are unlikely to develop unsightly gaps between pickets over time. This feature not only adds to the visual appeal but also ensures that the fence maintains its structural integrity and privacy functions.
The unique characteristics of incense cedar, such as its columnar or pyramidal form and its growth on mountain slopes, contribute to its distinctive appearance. This wood is sought after when eye-catching appeal is desired, as it adds a touch of natural beauty and elegance to any fencing project. Whether used for pickets, rails, or posts, incense cedar is recognised as one of the finest fence products available, combining functionality with aesthetic excellence.
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Comparisons with Western Red Cedar
Incense cedar and Western red cedar are both popular choices for fencing. They share several similarities, including their durability and resistance to decay and warping. However, there are also some key differences between the two types of wood.
One notable distinction is their appearance. Incense cedar has a light reddish-brown heartwood and creamy white or light tan sapwood, while Western red cedar is a bit darker in colour. The grain structure of Western red cedar is knotty and uniform, contributing to its strength and ease of workability. In contrast, incense cedar has a straight grain and a fine, uniform texture.
In terms of availability, Western red cedar is more commonly found in certain regions, such as the Midwest, and is easier to source for major retailers. It is also considered more sustainable due to its rapid growth and the responsible harvesting practices of the lumber industry. On the other hand, incense cedar is more prevalent in regions like California and has limited production capacity for large-scale retailers.
Cost-wise, incense cedar is slightly more cost-efficient than Western red cedar. However, it is important to note that the pricing can vary depending on the grade and staining options chosen for Western red cedar.
Both types of cedar are known for their resilience and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. Western red cedar contains natural tannin oils that offer protection from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage. Similarly, incense cedar exhibits exceptional resistance to decay and water shrinkage, making it ideal for fencing applications.
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Eco-friendliness
Incense cedar fencing is an eco-friendly option for several reasons. Firstly, cedar is a naturally occurring plant that is considered self-sustaining, even when regularly harvested for commercial use. This is because cedar trees grow quickly, ensuring a robust and steady supply.
Secondly, cedar fencing is long-lasting. Cedarwood is highly resistant to decay, insects, and warping, and it performs well in high humidity and moisture areas. This means that cedar fences require minimal maintenance and can last for many years, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
Thirdly, incense cedar fencing is made from the heartwood of the cedar tree, which is known for its exceptional durability. The heartwood is light brown or light reddish-brown in colour, with a fine and uniform texture. This part of the tree is less likely to shrink than other types of cedar, ensuring that the fence remains solid and private without large gaps between the pickets.
Additionally, incense cedar fencing can be stained or painted, and it retains colour without fading. This means that cedar fences can be easily refreshed or renovated, prolonging their lifespan and reducing the need for replacement.
Finally, cedar trees are often intermingled with other tree species such as Ponderosa Pine, Sugar Pine, and Douglas Fir. By using cedar wood for fencing, lumber companies may help to promote the growth and preservation of these mixed-conifer forests.
Overall, incense cedar fencing is an eco-friendly option due to its natural durability, low-maintenance qualities, and the sustainable nature of cedar trees.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense cedar fencing is a type of fencing constructed from incense cedar wood.
Incense cedar is a forest tree found in California, southern Oregon, and western Nevada. The botanical name for incense cedar is Libocedrus decurrens.
Incense cedar wood is known for its exceptional resistance to decay and high durability when exposed to weather. It is also easily milled and has a very uniform texture. The wood is non-resinous with a light brown or light reddish-brown heartwood and white or cream-colored sapwood.
Incense cedar wood is one of the most durable and decay-resistant native American woods. It is also the least likely of all cedars to shrink, which is critical for fencing as it ensures that there will not be large gaps between the pickets. The wood can also be easily stained or painted to achieve the desired aesthetic.
Incense cedar fencing is similar to Western Red Cedar fencing, which is another popular choice for fencing due to its durability and resistance to warping. Incense cedar is slightly more cost-efficient and narrower in width, which may be a desirable aesthetic for some.
