FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Wanted: Alaskan Yellow Cedar shingle pix

| Posted in Photo Gallery on August 26, 2003 05:01am

Please post:  I’m looking for new & a few years & several years old – photos for client to understand the color range/staining they can expect.  (This is sidewall shingles)

Any insight into methods to accelerate aging under porch roofs, overhangs, etc also appreciated.   Thanks in advance

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Piffin | Aug 26, 2003 08:38pm | #1

    I'm real interested in seeing this too. I have a restoration project where the first archy recommended yellow cedar instead of red or white, in a theory that they would age more nicely.

    ???????????

    I've never used Alaskan yellow before.

    .

    Excellence is its own reward!

    1. User avater
      talkingdog | Aug 27, 2003 03:38am | #2

      Waste to use good yellow cedar on shingles IMO. It's a rare and expensive tree. Not as rot resistant as red cedar. Just turns gray when weathering.

      It's the prime architectural wood here. They don't use it for shingles, but I have seen it used in a temple roof made of 2 inch thick planks, which last about 20 years.

      What I do like is the way redwood ages, at least our redwood. Turns sort of carmely and reddish brown in the areas exposed to lots of sun, fading to grey with streaks of black in areas that get rain splash.

      1. Piffin | Aug 27, 2003 03:52am | #3

        When you say "here", you are meaning in Nipon, right?

        Do you know, is this yellow cedar the same or just similar to Port Orford cedar? I have used a fair amt of POC for ext. trim and railings and porch decks, etc. I saw some at a show once that was clear grain and asked how I could get it that good.

        The answer was that the Japanesse were buying all the top grade stuff they could get and that the tree tops were all that would be milled for the American market, knots and all. I would have to buy a couple truck loads to get the righteous clear material.

        From the beginning of time, Cedars have been regarded as a sacred wood in many cultures..

        Excellence is its own reward!

        1. User avater
          talkingdog | Aug 27, 2003 06:50am | #4

          Yup. I think these species are all slightly different. There are various species of yellow cedar all over the Pacific Rim. The Japanese import all the good stuff, as you say, just as they do with Doug Fir and Spruce. Yellow cedar from Canada, Taiwan, Korea, the US and who knows where else--Siberia? Very expensive.

          The knotty tops and second growth stuff--that's what the Japanese use for sheathing under a tile roof or as lath for mud plaster. Considered superior to plywood. I suppose your cedar was painted.

          Anyway, I don't particularly like the way it looks when it ages outdoors, although that may be just what your archy is looking for. Won't last as long as redwood or red cedar.

          IMO the best use for the stuff is sculpture. Wonderful for carving. But if you are going to use it in a house, though, it makes wonderful paneling inside a bathroom. Smells very good when steam hits it.

          1. Piffin | Aug 27, 2003 10:55pm | #5

            Thanks for the comments.

            The idea this archy had is that if we do the job from a historical preservation viewpoint, A red cedar will blacken more than White cedar which would have been historicaly accurate, but he has little faith in the new second growth white cedar as a quality material for roofing. He suggested that yellow would turn silver grey like white will but his opinion is that it will last longer.

            Thus my interest in photos.

            Excellence is its own reward!

          2. User avater
            talkingdog | Aug 28, 2003 03:35am | #6

            This is up in Maine? That's cooler and dryer than here. Is low quality yellow cedar really any better low quality white cedar?

            In a humid wet climate like ours yellow cedar does not last long exposed to water.

            For instance, in the typical bathing area we put cheap second growth knotty yellow cedar runners on the floor, over the tile. These get thoughly wet every day. Within a few months there a some black stuff that starts coming out along the grain, looks like spalting. After a year or so they are looking greyish with streaks of black. Usually we throw them out before New Years and buy new ones at the DIY center.

          3. sphaugh | Aug 28, 2003 03:33pm | #8

            Piffin,

            Same line of reasoning for my project - we want it to turn silver/grey not black.  AK Yellow Cedar also still available in pretty decent quality - whereas you pay a premium for good white cedar, Maibec or others.  I won't specify white w/o a finish on it because it just doesn't appear to be stable long term - more the consistency of cardboard to be honest.

            I'm with an architecture firm long established in Charleston, SC but we've taken on lots of work in RI - where my boss has a summer house on the coast.  I moved to RI last fall & have just been soaking up all the knowledge from the craftsmen - something I've always enjoyed.  Lots of the locals are/have been using AK yellow cedar for wall shingles - a few even used it on roofs.  Owner of Liberty Cedar (a local supplier known as the place to get high quality cedar, mahogany, redwood) has it on his house walls & roof, raves about it.

            I found a photo, shot w/o much sunshine... posting it here hopefully to get the ball rolling...

          4. tek | Aug 29, 2003 08:25pm | #9

            You wouldn't happen to work for Chris Schmitt would you?

            We use Alaskan Yellow Cedar here in MA all the time.  Does a great job weathering although sometimes we see black splotches.  This must be fungus getting to the softer grain.

            I have read an article that said if you do treat Red Cedar with bleaching oil that it will prevent fungus growth and therefore keep it from going black.

          5. sphaugh | Aug 29, 2003 08:45pm | #10

            re: who I work for.  http://www.sswarchitects.com indeed.  How do you know Chris?

          6. tek | Aug 29, 2003 10:24pm | #11

            I've got my spies.  Chris hired us to keep an eye on the branch office.  I sent on and e-mail, let me know if you haven't received it.

    2. andybuildz | Aug 28, 2003 03:44am | #7

      Piff

            I built a kayak many moons ago of pondorosa pine and sitka spruce...from Alaska....you should see how its held up.

      Did it when I was 18 in my living room....still have it...even though the canvas skin rotted off it about two years later when I left it outside along side my garage in a bad winter uncovered......

      One day I'll reskin it.....oiy..yeh sure....maybe my one day grandchildren might...lol

      Yellow cedar huh? hmmmm.I need a roof here. Interesting!

      Be older'n dirt

                         Namaste'

                                        andy 

       

      Its very hard to grow, because it's difficult to let go of the models of ourselves in which we invested in so heavily

      http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction

The crew talks about work start times, fire-resistant construction, fixer-uppers, building Larsen trusses, and AI for construction.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper
  • A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh
  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data