Wood Species Guide
Port Orford Cedar
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana
Also called: Port-Orford Cedar, Lawson Cypress, Lawson's Cypress, Oregon Cedar, White Cedar (regional)
About the name “Port Orford Cedar”
Port Orford cedar is a false cypress (Chamaecyparis), not a true cedar. In Europe the same tree is called Lawson cypress and is a common garden conifer. Regional use of "white cedar" for it overlaps with Atlantic and northern white cedar, which are different woods.
What Port Orford Cedar looks like
Light yellowish white to pale tan, with a slight pink cast in some boards. Heartwood and sapwood look much the same.
Grain and texture
Straight, even grain with a fine texture. It has a strong, spicy, gingery scent when cut.
Working Port Orford Cedar: planing, cutting and gluing
Easy to work with hand and power tools, and it planes and turns smoothly. It glues and finishes well. The aroma is strong while cutting, and some people find it irritating.
Finishing Port Orford Cedar: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Takes clear oils, stains and film finishes well. The natural oils can slow some oil-based varnishes slightly, so let a test board cure first. Epoxy bonds well after a light seal coat.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Heartwood is durable to very durable against decay and resists most insects. It is very stable. In Florida's damp heat it is a solid choice for covered outdoor projects; finish all sides and keep end grain off wet surfaces.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Port Orford cedar is one of the West Coast's specialty softwoods: stable, rot resistant and pleasant to work. It is a favorite for arrow shafts, boxes and closet work, and some guitar builders use it for tops. Supply is small and much of the best wood is exported, so expect a high price. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Port Orford Cedar
Arrow shafts, boatbuilding, guitar soundboards, boxes and chests, decking, interior millwork and woodenware.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Rated Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List because of past logging and an introduced root disease (Phytophthora lateralis) that kills the trees.
Safety and toxicity
- Skin irritation
- Respiratory / asthma
Skin irritation, runny nose and asthma-like symptoms have been reported. The strong scent bothers some people, so ventilate the shop.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + respirator when cutting or sanding; ventilate; 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.
The dust and strong aroma have been reported to irritate skin and cause runny nose and asthma-like symptoms in some people. Use good dust collection and a respirator.
Port Orford Cedar in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Port Orford Cedar listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
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