Wood Species Guide

Alaskan Yellow Cedar

Cupressus nootkatensis (syn. Callitropsis nootkatensis, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis)

Also called: Yellow Cedar, Alaska Cedar, Nootka Cypress, Yellow Cypress, Alaska Yellow Cedar

Alaskan yellow cedar is a slow-grown Pacific cypress with pale yellow, fine-grained wood that resists rot. Boatbuilders, carvers and outdoor furniture makers prize it for how cleanly it works.

DomesticSoftwoodCedars & Junipers

Good forOutdoor & Rot-Resistant Guitars & Tonewoods

About the name “Alaskan Yellow Cedar”

Despite the name, this tree is a cypress, not a true cedar. Botanists have moved it between several genera, so you will see it listed as Chamaecyparis, Callitropsis or Cupressus. It is a different wood from Western red cedar and from the yellow-colored woods sometimes called cedar in other regions.

What Alaskan Yellow Cedar looks like

Pale yellow to light buttery tan, with little difference between heartwood and sapwood. It mellows to a soft golden tone over time and turns silver gray outdoors if left bare.

Grain and texture

Very straight, tight grain with a fine, even texture, since the trees grow slowly in cold coastal forests. Clear vertical-grain boards are common.

Working Alaskan Yellow Cedar: planing, cutting and gluing

One of the nicest softwoods to work by hand or machine: it planes cleanly, carves crisply and sands smooth. It glues, nails and screws well. Expect a strong, slightly raw-potato smell while cutting.

Finishing Alaskan Yellow Cedar: oil, film finishes and epoxy

Takes oils, stains and film finishes well and stays light under a clear coat. Outdoors, a penetrating oil or just letting it weather is common. Epoxy bonds well; a thin seal coat first keeps bubbles down.

Durability, stability and Florida humidity

Heartwood is durable to very durable against decay and resists most insects, which is why it is used for boats, decks and outdoor furniture. It is stable once dry. In Florida it holds up well on a covered lanai; finish all sides and use stainless fasteners near salt air.

Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop

Alaskan yellow cedar is a great pick when you want a light, rot-resistant softwood for outdoor benches, planter boxes, shower mats or a boat trim job. It is soft, so it dents more easily than hardwood tops. Clear stock is limited and priced accordingly. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.

Common uses for Alaskan Yellow Cedar

Boatbuilding, decking, outdoor furniture, siding, carving, shower and sauna parts, boxes, and some guitar soundboards.

Sustainability and CITES status

Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Rated Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, although stands in southeast Alaska have suffered a well-known dieback tied to a warming climate.

Safety and toxicity

Our toxicity rating ModerateWhat the ratings mean

Skin irritation
Respiratory / asthma

Skin irritation is the main report. Other woods in the cypress family are known airway irritants, so treat the fine dust with care.

In the shop: Dust collection + mask or respirator when sanding; gloves for sensitive skin
Food contact: Not recommended for cutting boards, bowls and utensils

General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.

Skin irritation has been reported from the dust and freshly cut wood. Use dust collection and a mask, like other aromatic cypress-family woods.

Wood toxicity and dust safety guide: every species compared