Port Orford Cedar — Identification, Uses and Properties
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana Cupressaceae
A significant number of logs are exported to Japan for specialized applications. Notable for its strength-to-weight ratio.
SOFTWOOD NORTH AMERICA ARROW SHAFTS
Taxonomy & Nomenclature
Botanical Name(s)
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana
Family
Cupressaceae
Wood type
Softwood
Local Names
Port Orford Cedar (United States), Lawson's Cypress (United Kingdom), Beihinoki (Japan)
Origin Region
North America
Main End Uses
Arrow shafts · Musical instruments · Guitar soundboards · Boatbuilding · Boxes and chests · Decking · Interior millwork
Wood Identification Guide
Reference Colour
light yellowish-brown
Texture
consistent medium to fine texture
Grain
straight
Sapwood
pale yellow-brown to nearly white and is not distinctly separated from the heartwood
Interlocked Grain
no
Notes
Pale yellowish to light yellow-brown softwood with little contrast between sapwood and heartwood, straight grain, and a fine even texture. Freshly worked wood often has a strong ginger-like scent. It feels moderately light for its stiffness and commonly appears clean and uniform.
Wood Identifier App
Identify Port Orford Cedar and more with the app
Snap a photo and get instant AI-powered species recognition. Available on Google Play and the App Store.
Log Description
Tree height
150 – 200 ft
Tree height
45 – 60 m
Diameter
120-180 cm
Buoyancy
floats
Diameter
47.2-70.9 in
Physical & Mechanical Properties
Density
465 g/cm³ @ 12% MC
Density
29 lb/ft³
Monnin Hardness
590
Janka Hardness
590 lbf
Janka Hardness
2,624 N
Volumetric Shrinkage Coefficient
10.1 % / %
Tangential Shrinkage
6.9 %
Radial Shrinkage
4.6 %
T/R Anisotropy Ratio
1.5
Crushing Strength
41.9 MPa
Crushing Strength
6,077 psi
Bending Strength (MOR)
84.8 MPa
Bending Strength (MOR)
12,299 psi
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)
11,350 MPa
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)
1,646,178 psi
Durability & Treatment
Resistance to Decay
durable to very durableDry Wood Borers
resistantSawing & Machining
Blunting Effect
low
Machining Tools
easy to work with using both hand and power tools
Suitability Slicing
yes
Notes
Accepts paint well and takes stains, glues, and finishes effectively.Assembling & Finishing
Nailing Screwing
good
CITES & Trade Restrictions
CITES Status
Unlisted
Back to Species Library
Completeness: 7.3 / 10