When you step into a Cascade Handcrafted log home or cabin, you feel the calm strength of the Pacific Northwest. Two woods help create that feeling: old‑growth Yellow Cedar and Western Red Cedar. Both are beautiful and long‑lasting, but each one has its own scent, color, and character. These differences shape how we use them in our handcrafted homes.
Where These Trees Grow
Western Red Cedar grows from Alaska to northern California. It thrives in cool, wet forests and can reach impressive heights. Its color ranges from light brown to deep red, giving homes a warm and classic look.
Yellow Cedar grows in similar regions but is less common. It grows slowly and has a pale yellow tone with a fine, smooth grain. Even though it is called a cedar, it is actually a type of cypress. Its bright, clean color makes it stand out in both rustic and modern designs.
How Each Wood Smells
One of the biggest differences between these two woods is their scent.
- Western Red Cedar has a sweet, warm, and familiar cedar smell. Many people love it because it feels comforting and natural.
- Yellow Cedar has a sharper scent. Some describe it as slightly “skunky” or strong. This smell comes from the natural oils in the wood, which also help protect it from insects and decay.
This scent difference matters more than you might think—especially in outdoor uses.
Why Yellow Cedar Works Well for Fencing
Yellow Cedar’s strong taste and smell make it a smart choice for fencing, especially around horses. Horses that crib—those that chew on wood—tend to avoid Yellow Cedar because they don’t like the flavor. This helps fences last longer and reduces damage, making Yellow Cedar a practical and durable option for ranches and rural properties.
Sustainable Forestry
Both woods are harvested under strict Canadian forestry rules. Western Red Cedar is more abundant and is replanted through long‑term programs. Yellow Cedar grows more slowly and in smaller areas, so it is harvested with extra care. Foresters work to protect old‑growth stands and support natural regrowth. Both woods contain natural oils that reduce the need for chemical treatments.
How Cascade Handcrafted Uses These Woods
At Cascade Handcrafted, we choose each wood for its strengths and the style a homeowner wants.
Western Red Cedar: Warm and Classic
- Light and easy to shape
- Strong natural insulation
- Rich color that deepens over time
- Great for full‑scribe and post‑and‑beam homes
Old‑Growth Yellow Cedar: Bright and Strong
- Dense and highly durable
- Pale, clean color that feels modern
- Excellent in wet or coastal climates
- Ideal for clients who want a smooth, refined look
Your Wood Choice Shapes Your Home
Both Yellow Cedar and Western Red Cedar bring beauty, strength, and history to a handcrafted home. Each log carries the story of the forest it came from. When shaped by hand, it becomes part of a home built to last for generations.
Drop by the Chilliwack site, request a free quote or call 1-604-703-3452 to speak directly to Markus and he will walk you through the options available to you, whether it is residential, commercial, renovations or custom floor plans, begin the journey towards your wood-based home today.
