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What is Sugi & How Does it Compare to Western Red Cedar?

Sugi vs. Western Red Cedar

Understanding the Differences Between Two Popular Softwoods

When it comes to choosing wood for outdoor structures, interior finishing, or specialty woodworking projects, both Sugi (Japanese Cedar) and Western Red Cedar stand out for their beauty, durability, and unique performance characteristics.

While these two species share similarities—such as their resistance to rot and insects—they differ in origin, appearance, density, scent, and long-term stability. This guide provides a balanced, educational comparison to help you understand how each wood performs and when one may be preferred over the other.

What Is Sugi?

Sugi refers to the timber harvested from the Japanese cedar tree (Cryptomeria japonica), a tall evergreen conifer native to Japan. It has been used for centuries in traditional Japanese architecture, including temples, shrines, houses, and interior paneling.

Key Characteristics of Sugi

Lightweight with straight grain: Typically pale yellow to light brown, sometimes with soft reddish tones.

Naturally resistant to decay, insects, and fungi.

Fine texture and smooth appearance.

Cultural significance: The wood holds deep historical value in Japanese craftsmanship.

Used in many industries: Construction, interior paneling, furniture, and specialty woodworking.

Overall, Sugi offers a balance of durability and workability, making it valued both in Japan and internationally.

What Is Western Red Cedar?

Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) grows along the Pacific Northwest coast of North America, including British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. Known for its rich color, aromatic scent, and exceptional outdoor performance, it is widely used for exterior applications.

Key Characteristics of Western Red Cedar

Warm reddish-brown tones with distinct grain patterns.

Outstanding natural resistance to rot, decay, and insects due to its high extractive content.

Low density and dimensional stability—cedar moves less with moisture changes.

Long lifespan outdoors, especially in wet or variable climates.

Strong cultural and economic value in North American woodworking traditions.

Western Red Cedar is commonly used for sheds, siding, fencing, pergolas, garden beds, greenhouses, and outdoor furniture.

Sugi vs. Western Red Cedar: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Species & Origin

Sugi: From Cryptomeria japonica, native to Japan.

Western Red Cedar: From Thuja plicata, native to the Pacific Northwest.

Both are softwoods with long histories of structural and cultural use.

Appearance

Sugi: Light yellow–brown, sometimes reddish; fine, straight grain; soft visual tone.

Western Red Cedar: Rich reddish-brown; more pronounced grain patterns; deeper, warmer aesthetic.

Which is better?Neither—this is personal preference. Cedar offers more color variation; Sugi offers a lighter, more uniform look.

Durability & Decay Resistance

Both species contain natural oils that protect against fungi, insects, and moisture.

Sugi: Naturally durable but slightly softer overall. Performs well outdoors when properly maintained.

Western Red Cedar: One of the most decay-resistant woods available. Ideal for wet, coastal, or variable climates.

Subtle advantage: 

Western Red Cedar, especially for long-term outdoor exposure.

Density & Weight

Sugi: Very lightweight (similar to pine), easy to cut and handle.

Western Red Cedar: Also lightweight, but slightly higher density than Sugi.

Real-world impact:Cedar’s density gives it better stability outdoors; Sugi’s lower density makes it easier to work with indoors.

Uses & Applications

Sugi is commonly used for: framing, flooring and interior finishing, traditional Japanese building, and furniture and small woodworking projects.

Western Red Cedar is commonly used for: outdoor structures (sheds, pergolas, fences, greenhouses), decking and siding, garden beds and outdoor furniture, trim, paneling, and architectural accents.

Subtle advantage: 

Cedar excels specifically in harsh outdoor environments.

Scent & Aromatic Qualities

Sugi: Emits a mild, sweet, pleasant scent; valued in Japanese culture for its calming aroma.

Western Red Cedar: Known for its rich, distinctive aroma—often described as fresh, warm, and naturally protective (its scent comes from oils that repel insects).

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Getting Ready for Gardening with a Greenhouse: Your Ultimate Guide!

Everything You Need to Know Before Setting Up Your First Greenhouse

For many gardeners, the growing season feels frustratingly short. Spring arrives late, fall comes early, and unpredictable weather — from heavy rain to surprise frost — can derail even the best-planned garden. Add in pests, poor soil conditions, or limited outdoor space, and it becomes clear why more gardeners are turning to greenhouses.

A greenhouse creates a controlled micro-environment that lets you grow healthier plants, experiment with new varieties, and extend your growing season well beyond what’s possible outdoors. Whether you're nurturing seedlings, growing heat-loving crops, or cultivating year-round herbs, the right greenhouse makes all the difference.

Outdoor Living Today’s Western Red Cedar greenhouses blend sustainability, craftsmanship, and smart design — helping gardeners create thriving plant environments that last for years.

This guide walks you through the essential steps to prepare for greenhouse gardening, so you can grow with confidence — from choosing the right style to managing climate, soil, water, and plant health.

We’ll guide you through:
✔ selecting the right greenhouse
✔ site selection and preparation
✔ choosing the right wood
✔ climate control and ventilation 

✔ irrigation and water management

✔ soil and plant selection

Selecting the Right Greenhouse

What to Consider When Choosing Your Greenhouse

Before you plant your first seed, start by choosing the greenhouse that best supports your gardening goals. Consider your available outdoor space, budget, and the types of plants you plan to grow. This ensures you choose a structure that fits comfortably into your yard and supports the temperature, humidity, and light needs of your plants.

Outdoor Living Today offers a range of greenhouse sizes, including 8×8, 8×12, 12×12, and 12×16 Western Red Cedar Greenhouses and SunShed models. Each provides excellent durability, natural insulation, and timeless beauty.

Site Selection and Preparation

Choosing the right location is just as important as choosing the right greenhouse. This determines how much light your plants receive, how warm the interior becomes, and how efficiently you can maintain your greenhouse year-round.

Tips for Ideal Site Placement

Maximize sunlight exposure: Choose a location that receives full sun, ideally facing south for maximum winter light.

Remove obstacles: Clear away debris, low-hanging branches, or structures that may cast shadows.

Ensure a level foundation: A solid, level base prevents uneven settling and improves long-term structural integrity.

Prevent weed encroachment: Install a weed barrier to stop invasive plants from creeping into your greenhouse base.

Raised Garden Bed Greenhouse cover 3

Sustainability: Why Cedar Makes a Difference

Western Red Cedar is one of the most sustainable greenhouse materials available. Harvested from responsibly managed forests in Canada and the United States, cedar has a naturally low environmental impact compared to synthetic or chemically treated materials.

Why Western Red Cedar is the Sustainable Choice

Naturally rot-resistant thanks to its oils (no chemical treatments required)

Long lifespan outdoors, reducing replacement waste

Low density, meaning cedar moves less in fluctuating temperatures

Lower environmental footprint during processing than many alternative materials

According to forestry researchers, responsibly managed cedar forests help ensure long-term ecological stability through controlled harvesting and regeneration.

Climate Control and Ventilation

Maintaining proper temperature and airflow is the key to greenhouse success. Without ventilation, heat and humidity can quickly build up — stressing plants, inviting pests, and promoting fungal diseases.

Outdoor Living Today’s greenhouses make ventilation easy with adjustable roof vents, allowing gardeners to regulate interior temperatures naturally.

Climate Control Tips

Open vents during hot afternoons to prevent overheating.

Use circulating fans to reduce stagnant air pockets.

Monitor humidity levels — excess moisture can lead to powdery mildew or mold.

Use automatic vent openers for consistent climate control.

Regulating temperature and humidity inside protected agriculture structures greatly reduces disease pressure and improves plant health.

Irrigation and Water Management

Greenhouse plants often require more consistent moisture than outdoor plants. However, overwatering is equally dangerous — leading to root rot, fungal issues, or nutrient leaching.

Best Practices for Greenhouse Watering

Use misting nozzles for humidity-loving plants like seedlings.

Consider a rainwater collection system (e.g., barrel kits) for sustainable irrigation.

Ensure proper drainage to prevent standing water and soil saturation.

According to industry data, greenhouse structures can reduce overall water use due to controlled irrigation and reduced evaporation.

Raised Garden Bed Greenhouse cover 4

Soil and Plant Selection

Greenhouse plants often require more consistent moisture than outdoor plants. However, overwatering is equally dangerous — leading to root rot, fungal issues, or nutrient leaching.

Choosing the right soil and plants is crucial for greenhouse success. The enclosed environment allows for better growth control — but it also requires that soil quality and plant selection be intentional.

Soil Tips

Use high-quality, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.

Test soil pH and nutrients periodically to maintain optimal growth conditions.

Ensure soil has enough perlite, compost, and structure to support root systems.

Plant Selection Tips

Choose plants suited for greenhouse growing, including herbs, leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, citrus, and specialty flowers.

Start seeds indoors in trays and transplant young plants when roots are established.

For quicker results, purchase healthy nursery plants and acclimate them to the greenhouse environment gradually.

Gardening Raised Bed Greenhouse 6x3 4 web.jpg

By incorporating a thoughtfully selected and well-prepared greenhouse into your gardening routine, you unlock a world of growing opportunities — from extending your growing season to cultivating healthier, stronger plants year-round.

With Outdoor Living Today’s Western Red Cedar greenhouses, you’re choosing a structure built for durability, sustainability, and long-term performance. Pair that with smart site selection, proper irrigation, balanced soil, and good climate management, and your greenhouse becomes a thriving oasis in every season.

Ready to create your own backyard greenhouse sanctuary?
Explore our full range of cedar greenhouses and start growing with confidence!

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Top Pergola Plants

Climbing plants add shade, fragrance, privacy, and visual interest, transforming a pergola into a lush outdoor retreat throughout the season.

A lush, thriving garden is beautiful, but many regions across the country are dealing with ongoing water shortages. Choosing drought resistant plants that need less water is one of the easiest ways to reduce water use, lower your bills, and create an eco-friendly garden that still feels vibrant.

Drought resistant plants go far beyond cacti. There are flowering perennials, shrubs, herbs, and groundcovers that can tolerate dry conditions once established. In the first few weeks or months, these plants still need consistent watering, but after they settle in, they will survive and even bloom when rainfall is minimal.

Below is a full guide to drought resistant plants along with simple tips to help you get the most out of a low-water landscape.

Top Plant Selection

Passionflower

Passionflower quickly covers pergolas and trellises, making it ideal for creating shade and visual drama. Cold-hardy varieties are available for cooler climates, and it pairs beautifully with early-blooming clematis.

purple and white flower in close up photography

Clematis

A lightweight climber loved for its large, colorful flowers and long blooming season. Clematis is easy to train along pergola beams and can be layered with other vines to provide continuous blooms from spring through fall.

a bunch of purple flowers that are on a plant

Wisteria

Known for its cascading clusters of fragrant flowers, wisteria creates a romantic, timeless look. This vigorous climber requires strong structural support and regular pruning, but rewards with stunning spring displays and dappled shade.

tilt shift lens photography of purple flowers

Honeysuckle

A fast-growing vine prized for its sweet fragrance, especially in the evening. Honeysuckle quickly fills in pergola structures and attracts pollinators, making it both beautiful and beneficial to the garden.

a close up of a flower with a blurry background

Jasmine

Famous for its intense, intoxicating scent, jasmine is perfect for pergolas near seating or dining areas. In warm climates it blooms for extended periods, while in cooler regions it can be grown as an annual for seasonal impact.

white flowers in tilt shift lens

Grape Vine

Grape Vine

Grape Vine

Grape Vine

Grape Vine

Grape Vine

Grape Vine

Grape Vine

Grape Vine

Grape Vine

Grape Vine

Grape Vine

A functional and beautiful choice that provides shade, privacy, and fruit. Grape vines thrive in a wide range of climates and create a dense canopy over pergolas, making them ideal for sunny backyards.

A functional and beautiful choice that provides shade, privacy, and fruit. Grape vines thrive in a wide range of climates and create a dense canopy over pergolas, making them ideal for sunny backyards.

blue berries on brown stick

Trumpet Vine

A bold climber with vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in red, orange, and yellow. This vine grows quickly and attracts hummingbirds and bees, adding color and movement to pergola structures.

Two hanging vines with yellow and red flowers

Bignonia (Cross Vine)

A vigorous climber with elegant, bell-shaped flowers. Bignonia thrives in warm climates and tolerates light frost, offering lush coverage and long-lasting visual appeal.

a close up of a leaf on a tree

Sweet Pea

A delicate, fragrant vine with soft blooms that work beautifully on pergolas and garden structures. Sweet peas prefer full sun and well-drained soil and are ideal for seasonal color in spring or cooler months.

pink flowers in tilt shift lens

Bleeding Heart & Tropical Bleeding Heart

Heart-shaped flowers make this vine a standout choice for shaded pergolas. Traditional bleeding heart suits cooler climates, while tropical varieties thrive in warm regions and provide continuous blooms.

Vibrant pink and red flowers blooming on a branch.
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