Cedar lumber collection
Closest Kingma softwood/outdoor path when an exact listing is not available.
View optionAlaskan Yellow Cedar Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Softwood lumber species
Alaskan Yellow Cedar is best understood by how it looks, how it works, and where it should be used. This guide explains the practical buying details before sending you to the right Kingma products.
Scientific nameCupressus nootkatensis* *This species has undergone many reclassifications, see note in comments
Janka hardness580 lbf
Average dried weight31 lb/ft³
Best fitSee best uses below
Overview
Why choose Alaskan Yellow Cedar?
Alaskan Yellow Cedar is a softwood lumber species. Its natural range is The coast of northwestern North America. Common uses include various utility or construction applications, chests, boxes, guitar soundboards, flutes, outdoor furniture, decking, flooring, siding, boatbuilding and carving.
Scientific nameCupressus nootkatensis* *This species has undergone many reclassifications, see note in comments
DistributionThe coast of northwestern North America
ShrinkageRadial: 2.8%, Tangential: 6.0%, Volumetric: 9.2%, T/R Ratio: 2.1
DurabilitySaid to be durable or very durable against decay, and it resists most insects.
Alaskan Yellow Cedar colour, grain, and figure
The heartwood is a pale yellow. The sapwood is much the same whitish or pale yellow and is not distinct from the heartwood.
Grain usually runs straight but sometimes wavy. The texture is even, medium to fine.
Working notes
It works easily by hand or machine, though wavy pieces may tear out when planed. It holds paint well.
Serious reactions are rare, but Alaskan yellow cedar is said to cause skin irritation.
Alaskan Yellow Cedar should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Alaskan Yellow Cedar
Best projects
Common uses include various utility or construction applications, chests, boxes, guitar soundboards, flutes, outdoor furniture, decking, flooring, siding, boatbuilding and carving.
Use caution
Avoid specifying it by name alone; confirm board size, moisture, colour, figure, and the project environment before buying.
Finish strategy
Test finishes on offcuts first, especially when colour, blotching, outdoor exposure, or grain filling matters.
Buying note
Choose boards, slabs, plywood, blanks, or posts based on the project rather than species name alone.
Shop path
Buying Alaskan Yellow Cedar from Kingma
Start with the direct species match when Kingma sells it. If stock rotates, use the closest live collection or a clearly explained alternative.
White Oak lumber collection
A harder outdoor-aware hardwood alternative when the project calls for durability rather than softwood character.
View optionSimilar woods and alternatives
If Kingma does not have an exact match online, use the buying links below as practical alternatives only when the colour, grain, hardness, or project environment makes sense.
Alaskan Yellow Cedar FAQ
What is Alaskan Yellow Cedar best used for?
Common uses include various utility or construction applications, chests, boxes, guitar soundboards, flutes, outdoor furniture, decking, flooring, siding, boatbuilding and carving. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Alaskan Yellow Cedar beginner friendly?
It depends on density, grain direction, and tooling. Test cuts on offcuts first, and choose Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Poplar when easier machining is the priority.
Does Kingma sell Alaskan Yellow Cedar?
The buying section on this page links to any Alaskan Yellow Cedar Kingma has in stock and to the closest alternatives. Stock changes often, so call (780) 229-7681 or visit the yard at 4607 91 Ave NW, Edmonton to check what is in today.