Species Guide · Eastern Red Cedar
Naturally rot-resistant and aromatic — built for fencing, siding, posts, and paneling.
Eastern Red Cedar is a light, aromatic softwood with a warm reddish heartwood and pale sapwood, prized for the same natural oils that give it real rot and insect resistance without any chemical treatment. It's the classic choice for fencing, siding, and paneling where a genuine cedar look and smell matter as much as durability.
Characteristics
Eastern Red Cedar's natural oils give it real rot and insect resistance without the extreme density of the tropical hardwoods, which means it's noticeably easier on tools and fasteners — typically no pre-drilling required. It handles Central Florida's humidity without warping, and its aromatic character holds up well in both outdoor and enclosed applications like saunas and interior paneling.
Also Used For
Beyond fencing, privacy walls, and posts, Eastern Red Cedar makes a strong exterior siding and mills cleanly into tongue and groove for interior paneling or sauna builds.
Tongue & Groove
5" exposure per board
~6.875" exposure per board (confirmed at quote time)
Add 10% to your square footage
Add 20% to your square footage
Common Questions
Fencing and privacy walls, siding and accent walls, posts, and sauna or interior paneling — its light weight and natural resistance to rot and insects make it a versatile choice beyond just decking.
Yes. It's naturally rot-resistant and handles Central Florida's humidity without warping, and its aromatic, insect-resistant qualities hold up well outdoors.
Yes — 1x6 T&G runs 5" of exposure per board, and 1x8 T&G runs approximately 6.875" of exposure per board, confirmed at quote time. Standard grade needs about 10% overage on your square footage; cabin grade needs about 20%.
No — it's lightweight and easy to work with, typically without needing pre-drilling, unlike the denser tropical hardwoods.
Yes. We can custom mill almost any dimension in Eastern Red Cedar — tell us the project and we'll tell you what's possible.
Goodwood Direct sources Eastern Red Cedar for fencing, siding, posts, and paneling, and delivers across Lakeland and Central Florida. Looking for a denser hardwood decking option instead? See Decking.
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