FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About Western Red Cedar

Q1. What is Western Red Cedar and why is it so popular for exterior projects?

A1. Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) is a softwood species from the Pacific Northwest, well-known for its light weight, dimensional stability and natural resistance to decay and insects. It combines warm color tones, fine grain and a pleasant aroma, making it a premium choice for siding, soffits, shingles, decking and outdoor structures.

Q2. What are the main advantages of Western Red Cedar compared with other softwoods or composite materials?

A2. Western Red Cedar offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, natural durability without heavy chemical treatment, and outstanding thermal and acoustic properties. It stays cool underfoot, is easy to machine and fasten, and provides a rich, natural appearance that many builders and homeowners prefer over synthetic products.

Q3. What kinds of projects is Western Red Cedar best suited for?

A3. Typical applications include exterior siding & cladding, ceiling & soffit, roof shingles & shakes, decking, pergolas, screen walls, garden structures, prefab cabins and modular buildings. It is also widely used for high-end residential projects, resorts and commercial façades where natural wood aesthetics are important.

Q4. How long does Western Red Cedar last in outdoor use?

A4. When properly designed, installed and maintained, Western Red Cedar can deliver decades of service life in exterior applications. Its natural extractives help resist decay and insects, and regular cleaning plus a suitable finish will further extend its lifespan in demanding climates.

Product Range & Customization

Q5. What Western Red Cedar products do you supply?

A5. We supply a full range of Western Red Cedar products for exterior and interior applications, including:

  • Lumber & timber for structural and appearance use

  • Siding & cladding (bevel, shiplap, tongue & groove, paneling)

  • Ceiling & soffit boards and profiles

  • Roof shingles & shakes (standard and decorative profiles)

  • Decking boards and accessories

  • Prefabricated / modular components and cabins

Custom profiles and project-based packages are available on request.

Q6. Can you manufacture to our drawings and project specifications?

A6. Yes. For project orders we can produce to shop drawings, cut lists or profile sketches provided by your team. We regularly supply project-specific profiles, fixed lengths, end-matching, factory routing/notching, and pre-drilling depending on the application.

Q7. What standard profiles and sizes do you offer for siding, ceiling & soffit?

A7. Common profiles include tongue & groove (T&G), shiplap, bevel siding, channel siding and paneling in a range of thicknesses and face widths. Typical thickness: 12–20 mm (or 1x, 5/4 nominal), with face widths from about 80 mm up to 180 mm depending on the profile. For bulk orders we can customize thickness, width and lengths to your project requirements.

Q8. What grades are available for your Western Red Cedar products?

A8. We offer Clear grades (such as Clear VG, A&Better) for high-end, fine-appearance applications, and knotty grades (STK / Select Tight Knot, #2 & Better) for a more rustic look and cost-effective solutions. Recommended grade will depend on your intended use, budget and local market positioning.

Q9. Do you provide factory pre-staining or pre-priming?

A9. Yes. Many customers choose factory pre-primed, pre-stained or fully finished siding, soffit, shingles and decking. Factory finishing helps improve coating performance, saves on-site labor and reduces weather risks during installation. We can match RAL, NCS or supplied color samples as needed.

Q10. Can you mix different species and products in one container?

A10. Yes. One of our key advantages as a factory supplier is the ability to combine multiple species (Western Red Cedar, White Oak / Red Oak, Burmese Teak, Black Walnut, etc.) and multiple product types (siding, soffits, shingles, decking, prefab components) in the same container. This helps distributors and project buyers optimize inventory and shipping costs.

Quality, Grading & Sustainability

Q11. Where do your Western Red Cedar raw materials come from?

A11. We source Western Red Cedar logs and lumber from reputable North American suppliers and exporters who follow recognized grading rules and sustainable forestry practices. Material is then processed, kiln-dried and value-added in our factory to meet project specifications.

Q12. How do you control moisture content and stability?

A12. For most exterior appearance applications we supply kiln-dried (KD) Western Red Cedar within the moisture range recommended for siding, soffit and decking. Each batch is checked and monitored during production, and we can provide moisture readings and drying information with your shipment upon request.

Q13. What grading rules do you follow?

A13. We follow North American grading standards for Western Red Cedar, and work closely with grading-certified partners. Clear and knotty grades are inspected according to industry-accepted rules so that your projects receive consistent quality from one shipment to the next.

Q14. Can you provide FSC/PEFC or other certification documents?

A14. Depending on the product and supplier, we can offer FSC® / PEFC™ certified material or supply documentation to support legal, responsibly sourced timber claims. Please let us know at the quotation stage if you require certified wood for your project so we can plan sourcing accordingly.

Q15. Do you offer fire-retardant or special treatments for Western Red Cedar?

A15. Yes. For projects in fire-sensitive zones or where building codes require specific ratings, we can work with treatment partners to provide fire-retardant treated (FRT) cedar or specify compatible coatings. We can also supply factory-finished systems designed to meet certain regional performance standards where applicable.

 

Pricing, MOQ & Lead Time

Q16. How is the price of Western Red Cedar determined?

A16. Pricing for Western Red Cedar is influenced by several factors:

  • Lumber market levels in North America (log and sawn lumber prices)

  • Grade (clear vs knotty), dimensions and profile complexity

  • Surface finish and factory coating (prime, stain, paint, special systems)

  • Order volume, packaging requirements and delivery terms

We will always provide a transparent quotation showing the specification, Incoterms and validity period.

Q17. What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

A17. For standard items we usually quote based on full or partial container loads, with a minimum quantity per item or per profile to ensure efficient production. For project-based orders, we can discuss flexible MOQs if multiple items and species are combined in the same shipment.

Q18. What is the typical production lead time?

A18. For most Western Red Cedar orders, standard production time is around 15–35 days after deposit and technical confirmation (exact timing depends on profile complexity, finishing requirements and total volume). For tight project schedules, please share your timeline early so we can propose the best production and shipping plan.

Q19. Do you offer long-term price or supply programs for distributors?

A19. Yes. For regular importers, distributors and project partners, we can discuss framework agreements, seasonal planning and container programs to help you secure more stable supply and pricing over time.

Packing, Shipping & Trade Terms

Q20. How do you pack Western Red Cedar products for export?

A20. All products are bundled, end-protected and wrapped for export, with clear labels showing species, grade, size, piece count and order references. Siding, soffit and decking are usually packed in strapped bundles with protective wrapping; shingles and prefab components are packed in strong cartons or crates as required.

Q21. From which ports do you ship, and which Incoterms can you work with?

A21. We ship from major Chinese ports to ports worldwide. We commonly quote FOB, CFR/CIF and sometimes DAP depending on your location and logistics needs. If you have a preferred forwarder or shipping line, we can also work with your nominated partner.

Q22. Can you support mixed containers with different sizes and profiles?

A22. Yes. We are experienced in loading mixed-specification containers, combining different sizes, profiles, finishes and even species in one shipment. Our loading plans aim to optimize both space utilization and easy unloading at your warehouse.

Q23. How do you handle shipping documents and customs paperwork?

A23. We provide a full set of export documents including commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and fumigation / phytosanitary certificates where required. If you need additional documents for local customs or timber compliance, please inform us before shipment.

Ordering Process & After-sales Service

Q24. What information do you need to prepare a quotation?

A24. To prepare an accurate quote, the following information is very helpful:

  • Product type (siding, soffit, shingles, decking, prefab components, etc.)

  • Species and grade (e.g., WRC Clear VG, STK knotty)

  • Profile drawing or reference profile, dimensions and lengths

  • Surface finish (rough / smooth / brushed) and coating requirements

  • Estimated quantity per item and target delivery port

  • Any certification or special performance requirements (FSC, fire rating, etc.)

Q25. What are your usual payment terms?

A25. For new customers, standard terms are usually T/T with deposit and balance before shipment. For long-term partners, we can discuss more flexible payment solutions, subject to credit evaluation and cooperation history.

Q26. Can we arrange third-party inspection before shipment?

A26. Yes. We welcome third-party inspection (such as SGS, BV, or your appointed QC agent) at our factory or at the loading port. We also provide detailed photos and packing lists before shipment for your reference.

Q27. How do you handle quality claims or issues after delivery?

A27. In case of any quality concerns, please notify us as soon as possible with photos, quantity details and a brief description. We will investigate promptly and work with you to find a fair solution, which may include replacement in a future shipment, credit note or other agreed arrangements depending on the situation.

Q28. Do you support OEM / private-label packaging?

A28. Yes. For distributors and brand owners we can provide OEM packaging, including customized labels, barcodes and printed cartons for shingles or small packs. Please share your artwork and packing requirements during the quotation stage.

Q29. How can we start a trial order with your factory?

A29. You can start with a trial or sample-based shipment focusing on one or two product lines, such as Western Red Cedar siding or shingles. Once specifications and quality are confirmed, we can gradually expand to decking, ceiling & soffit and other species in combined containers.

WANT TO WORK WITH US?