Best Red Cedar Timber Supplies for DIY Projects
Red cedar timber supplies range from small, dimensioned boards to mixed lumber boxes and ready-made millwork. For precise small projects, the Barrington Hardwoods boards offer a defined 3/4-by-6-inch size; Woodchucks Wood packs suit cutting-board-style woodworking and small builds; and the mixed-board box offers more varied stock. The Ekena Millwork knee brace is a finished Western Red Cedar component rather than general lumber.
| Product | Best For | What Sets It Apart |
|---|---|---|
| Barrington Hardwoods Eastern Red Cedar | Projects needing wider boards | Two 3/4-by-6-inch pieces, sanded on two sides |
| Woodchucks Wood 10-Pack | Small projects needing multiple pieces | Ten 3/4-by-2-by-16-inch boards |
| Woodchucks Wood 6-Pack | Smaller material quantities | Six 3/4-by-2-by-16-inch boards |
| Woodchucks Wood Mixed Box | Flexible stock for varied projects | Box of 15–20 kiln-dried boards |
| Ekena Millwork Knee Brace | Decorative or structural millwork | Rough-sawn Western Red Cedar component |
Barrington Hardwoods Eastern Red Cedar Lumber
This set contains two Eastern Red Cedar pieces measuring 3/4 inch by 6 inches by 12 inches. The listed features include beautiful grain, kiln drying, and two sides sanded to a 3/4-inch thickness.
Best for: Small furniture, craft, or accent projects that need a wider board in a defined length. Its stated dimensions make it easier to plan a project than with a mixed-size box, while the sanded faces can reduce preparation work on those sides.
Consideration: The pieces are only 12 inches long, so this set is not suited to projects requiring long, uninterrupted boards. Confirm that the width and quantity meet your cutting plan.
Woodchucks Wood Red Aromatic Cedar 10-Pack
This listing describes a 10-pack of solid red aromatic cedar hardwood lumber, with each piece measuring 3/4 inch by 2 inches by 16 inches. The product name identifies the stock as cutting-board wood, but buyers should assess their intended use and finishing requirements separately.
Best for: Makers who want several narrow, same-size pieces for small woodworking projects. Compared with the six-pack version, this option provides more boards in the same listed dimensions, which may suit projects requiring repeated components or extra material for cuts.
Consideration: The supplied information does not specify sanding, kiln drying, or finish. Check the product listing for details if surface preparation or moisture condition is important to your project.
Woodchucks Wood Red Cedar 6-Pack
This pack contains six red cedar boards listed at 3/4 inch thick, 2 inches wide, and 16 inches long. Its dimensions match the Woodchucks 10-pack, making quantity the main stated difference between the two options.
Best for: Smaller builds or trial projects that need a limited number of narrow boards. Choose this pack over the 10-pack if six pieces are enough and you want to avoid purchasing more stock than your project calls for.
Consideration: The provided product details do not list preparation or drying information. It also offers fewer pieces than the 10-pack, so it may be less suitable when a project needs spare material for mistakes or additional parts.
Woodchucks Wood Eastern Red Cedar Mixed Box
This box contains 15–20 Eastern Red Cedar boards and measures 12 by 12 by 6 inches. The listed description says the boards are kiln dried and at least 3/4 inch thick. It also notes that cedar is typically knotty and that some boards may have cracks.
Best for: Hobbyists who want a supply of varied boards for multiple small projects, experiments, or rustic designs. The larger assortment offers more material than the dimensioned packs, while the natural knots can suit projects where varied grain is acceptable.
Consideration: Board dimensions and appearance may vary, and the listing specifically allows for knots and occasional cracks. Avoid this option if your project requires uniform, defect-free stock or precise matching dimensions.
Ekena Millwork Western Red Cedar Knee Brace
This is a rough-sawn Western Red Cedar knee brace, listed as 4 inches wide, 16 inches deep, and 16 inches high. Unlike the other picks, it is a shaped millwork component, not a bundle of boards intended for general cutting.
Best for: Buyers seeking a cedar brace as a ready-made millwork element for a project designed around its listed dimensions. It was selected because it offers a finished component option alongside the raw lumber supplies.
Consideration: The supplied details do not explain installation requirements, load capacity, or included hardware. Verify that the component’s dimensions and specifications suit the intended application before purchasing.
Buying Guide: Choosing Red Cedar Timber Supplies
Do you need fixed dimensions or assorted stock?
Choose dimensioned boards when a plan calls for specific lengths and widths. The Barrington set and Woodchucks packs list defined board measurements. A mixed box offers a greater number of pieces, but variable sizes and natural defects can make it harder to plan precise cuts.
How many pieces should you buy?
Compare the piece count with your cut list, and allow for offcuts or rejected pieces when your design requires consistent appearance. The six-pack is the smaller quantity of the matching Woodchucks narrow-board options; the 10-pack provides more of the same listed size. The mixed box is a different choice for varied stock.
Does the wood arrive prepared for your project?
Check whether the listing states kiln drying, sanding, thickness, and surface condition. The Barrington product lists kiln drying and two sanded sides; the mixed box lists kiln-dried boards. The supplied details for the Woodchucks six- and 10-packs do not specify these preparation details.
Should you choose Eastern Red Cedar or Western Red Cedar?
Compare the species named in the listing with your project requirements rather than treating cedar products as interchangeable. Most lumber picks here identify Eastern Red Cedar or red aromatic cedar, while the knee brace is listed as Western Red Cedar. Consider dimensions, grain, finish, and intended use as well as the species name.
Frequently Asked Questions
What red cedar option is best for small projects?
The dimensioned Woodchucks boards are a practical choice when 3/4-by-2-by-16-inch pieces suit the plan. Select the six- or 10-pack based on the number of boards needed.
Which option lists kiln-dried cedar?
The Barrington Hardwoods set and Woodchucks mixed box both state that their cedar is kiln dried.
Are all the products raw lumber?
No. The Ekena Millwork item is a rough-sawn knee brace, while the other products are sold as lumber boards or board assortments.
Is the mixed box suitable for projects requiring uniform boards?
It may not be. The listing notes that board sizes can vary, cedar is typically knotty, and some pieces may have cracks.
What should I check before ordering cedar boards?
Confirm species, dimensions, quantity, surface preparation, and any stated variation or defects. Match those details to your cut list and intended finish.