softwood · Cupressus nootkatensis
Alaska Yellow Cedar wood properties
Also known as: nootka cypress, alaskan yellow cedar.
| Type | softwood |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Cupressus nootkatensis |
| Modulus of elasticity (MOE) | 1,420,000 psi |
| Specific gravity | 0.50 |
| Density (approx) | 31 lb/ft³ (2.6 lb per board foot) |
| Janka hardness | 580 lbf |
| Shrinkage (tangential / radial) | 6% / 2.8% |
| Region | Northwest coast of North America |
A 1 in x 6 in x 8 ft board of Alaska Yellow Cedar weighs about 10.4 lb (roughly 31 lb per cubic foot). Its Janka hardness of 580 lbf is harder than about 23% of the woods in our database.
Uses and working notes
Common uses: carving, boatbuilding, siding, flooring, decking, outdoor furniture, boxes and chests.
Durability: Strongly resists rot and insects, holding up well in demanding exterior and marine settings.
Workability: Generally cooperative, though wavy grain can tear when planed; paint, stain and finish all adhere well.
Use this data
Similar woods
Woods with comparable hardness and density to Alaska Yellow Cedar:
How these numbers were sourced
MOE (1,420,000 lbf/in2), Janka (580 lbf) and shrinkage (T 6.0%, R 2.8%) from The Wood Database, which cites the USDA FPL Wood Handbook. Specific gravity 0.50 is the 12% MC value (page lists basic 0.42, 12% MC 0.50). No dimensional change coefficient given: Alaska Yellow Cedar has no exact row in the FPL/Hoadley table reproduced by Popular Woodworking, so CT/CR are omitted. Region, uses, durability and workability summarized from The Wood Database. Price indicative.
Values shown as estimates rather than sourced constants: typicalPricePerBF_usd.
Sources
These calculators are for planning and estimation. Engineering results (shelf sag, wood movement) use published average material properties; real boards vary by grade, grain, moisture and defects. Verify load-bearing designs with a professional.