Cedar 2x2 Lumber

Cedar 2x2 is the piece you reach for when a project sees weather and you don’t want to lean on chemical treatment to make it last. Western Red Cedar is a durable, weather-resistant choice that is naturally resistant to rotting, decay and insect infestations. That matters in Montana, where freeze-thaw cycling and spring snowmelt punish anything sitting outside at the ground line.

Here’s the thing most first-timers get wrong: a 2x2 isn’t 2 inches by 2 inches. 2x2 lumber refers to a piece of wood with a nominal size of 2 inches by 2 inches. However, due to the standard milling and drying process, the actual dimensions of a 2x2 board are typically 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches. That size reduction is the result of surfacing the wood to make it smooth and uniform. Plan your cuts around 1-1/2”, not 2”, or you’ll end up with gaps and wasted material.

The real decision is grade. Get that right and the rest falls into place.

Grades and Sizes

Cedar 2x2 comes in two appearance grades worth knowing. A D&Better grade gives you a clearer board that can have small pin knots or slight imperfections, but for the most part is a cleaner and clearer board. Select tight knot grade allows tight knots, raised grain and is slightly rougher than the D&Better grade. This is a more economical choice.

Pick by where the wood lands. D&Better for anything at eye level — railings, furniture accents, finish trim. Select Tight Knot when you want a rustic look or the piece won’t be scrutinized, and you’d rather save the money. Both are sound wood. The knots in STK are tight and intergrown, not the loose, falling-out kind. Cedar’s natural resistance to rot and decay makes it an ideal choice for exterior applications, and cedar stays straighter than many other species, providing a reliable and easy-to-work-with material.

What to steer clear of is economy stock with loose knots or wane along the edge — that’s just waste you’re paying to haul home and cut around.

Most cedar 2x2 ships S4S, meaning all four sides are planed smooth. This is the standard finish used in interior and exterior projects. Western Building Center carries a Cedar 2x2 in D&Better grade. Lengths across suppliers vary widely — some sell short 4-foot and roughly 8-foot boards, others run all the way up through 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 foot.

Spec	Detail
Nominal size	2” x 2”
Actual size	1-1/2” x 1-1/2”
Surfacing	S4S (planed smooth, four sides)
Species	Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)
Appearance grades	D&Better (clear) / Select Tight Knot
Length range (varies by supplier)	4’ up through 20’

Before you cut anything, verify the grade and actual size at purchase. Grab a tape measure and always check the actual thickness and width on the cedar board’s end grain before buying.

Where Cedar 2x2 Belongs

Think decorative and light-duty, not structural. In general, 2x2s are not used as primary structural supports due to their limited load-bearing capacity. They earn their keep in plenty of other roles.

Outdoors, the natural rot resistance shines. Cedar is suitable for a variety of uses, including furniture, arbors, pickets, and more. The small profile also makes it a natural for lattice panels, pergolas, trellises, and raised garden beds. Deck railings and balusters round out the list.

Inside, where it’s non-load-bearing, cedar 2x2 works for corner bracing, cabinet framing, partition reinforcement, and blocking behind drywall. It also handles window and door casing supports, crown and baseboard enhancements, and custom furniture detailing. Cedar can be left exposed as an interior finish option, a common practice in cabin home construction.

Finishing and Installation

Cedar takes finish better than most softwoods, and that comes down to its chemistry. Western red cedar is pitch and resin-free, which means it’s ideal for accepting and holding a wide range of finishes including dark stains, bleaches, solid colors and semi-transparents. Whatever look you’re after, the wood cooperates.

Don’t rush the install. Allow lumber to acclimate on site 1-2 weeks prior to installation. In Montana’s dry, swingy climate, that acclimation window is what keeps boards from warping or opening gaps after they’re fastened.

A few handling basics carry the day:

• Store flat to avoid warping.
• Stack with spacers for airflow if stored outdoors.
• Use stainless or galvanized fasteners for outdoor installations.

Cedar’s excellent workability — light weight, easy to nail, saw, trim or cut — means the actual building goes fast once the wood’s settled in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 2x2 actually 2 inches by 2 inches? No. While the nominal size suggests a 2x2 board measures 2 inches by 2 inches, the actual size is smaller due to the sawing, drying, and finishing processes. After being surfaced on all four sides, the final dimensions of a standard 2x2 board are 1-1/2 inches by 1-1/2 inches. Plan your cut lists around the actual size.

What’s the difference between D&Better and Select Tight Knot cedar? D&Better is a clearer board that may have small pin knots or slight imperfections but is mostly cleaner and clearer. Select tight knot allows tight knots, raised grain, and is slightly rougher than D&Better — a more economical choice. Use D&Better where appearance matters; STK where you want rustic looks or want to save money.

Can I use cedar 2x2 for structural framing? No. 2x2s are not used as primary structural supports due to their limited load-bearing capacity. They’re for trim, decorative work, light framing, blocking, and outdoor detailing — not load-bearing members.

Does cedar need to be treated for outdoor use? That’s the appeal — it doesn’t. Western Red Cedar is naturally resistant to rotting, decay and insect infestations, making it the right choice for builders who want to use natural wood rather than synthetic products.

Why let the wood acclimate before installing? Cedar moves with moisture. Allowing lumber to acclimate on site 1-2 weeks prior to installation lets it adjust to local conditions first, which cuts down on warping and gapping after it’s fastened in place — worth the wait in a climate that swings as much as Montana’s.

Does cedar take stain and paint well? Yes. Cedar’s natural oils and preservatives fight off weather, bugs, fungi and algae and, if desired, allow excellent absorption of stains and paint. Being pitch-free is the reason it holds finish so reliably.