Quartersaw Vertical Grain cut old growth wester red cedar bracewood, straight grain and very light weight. Sold by the 1/2 board foot volume. The picture shows 1 bdft = 2 sku’s.

Premium Western Red Cedar Bracewood Properties

Our Western Red Cedar bracewood is sourced from old growth trees, offering superior tonal qualities that modern instrument builders seek. Each piece features:

• Quartersawn Vertical Grain: Provides exceptional stability and minimal warping during climate changes
• Straight, Even Grain Pattern: Ensures consistent resonance throughout the instrument body
• Exceptionally Light Weight: Creates responsive instruments with improved vibration transfer
• Old Growth Quality: Higher density annual rings compared to younger cedar, resulting in enhanced tonal projection

Technical Specifications of Western Red Cedar Bracewood

This premium bracewood stock offers the technical characteristics that distinguish high-end instruments:

• Density: Approximately 22-28 lbs/cubic foot, ideal for acoustic resonance
• Average Moisture Content: 8-12% (workshop ready)
• Janka Hardness: 320 lbf (350 N), providing the perfect balance between strength and vibration
• Dimensional Stability: Excellent resistance to twisting and splitting
• Decay Resistance: Naturally resistant to moisture and rot

Instrument Building Applications

Western Red Cedar bracewood is highly prized for its versatility in fine instrument construction:

• Acoustic Guitar Bracing: Creates warm, responsive soundboards with rich overtones
• Classical Guitar Construction: Traditional choice for its balanced tonal qualities
• Harp Sound Chambers: Enhances projection and resonance
• Violin Family Instruments: Select luthiers use cedar for specific tonal characteristics
• Small Stringed Instruments: Ideal for ukuleles and mandolins requiring lightweight bracing

Sourcing and Quality Assurance

Our Western Red Cedar bracewood undergoes rigorous selection to ensure only premium material reaches your workshop:

• Carefully harvested from sustainable old growth sources
• Properly air-dried and kiln-stabilized for immediate use
• Hand-selected for optimal grain orientation and minimal defects
• Inspected for consistent density and structural integrity

Working With Western Red Cedar Bracewood

This quartersawn cedar bracewood offers excellent workability for precision instrument components:

• Cuts cleanly with both hand and power tools
• Takes fine detail work without splitting or chipping
• Glues effectively with all common woodworking adhesives
• Requires minimal finishing due to natural beauty and stability

Frequently Asked Questions

How much bracewood will I need for a standard acoustic guitar?
Most builders use approximately 1-1.5 board feet of Western Red Cedar bracewood for a complete acoustic guitar bracing system.

What makes quartersawn cedar superior to flatsawn?
Quartersawn Western Red Cedar bracewood provides greater stability, enhanced strength across the grain, and more consistent resonant properties essential for instrument bracing.

Can this bracewood be used for soundboards as well?
While primarily selected for bracing, our premium grade Western Red Cedar can also be used for soundboards when appropriately resawn to thinner dimensions.

How should I store unused Western Red Cedar bracewood?
Store flat in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight. Maintain consistent humidity levels between 40-50% for optimal wood stability.