Japanese Hinoki subsitute available in California?
1/4/13
I am looking for the wood that most closely resembles the Japanese Hinoki. I have a client that wants to line the upper portions a room with this wood. The room is tiled to 6 feet. The wood would go over that. The client is looking for the scent that you would find in a Japanese bathroom (onsen). I've heard about Alaskan Yellow Cedar or Port Orford Cedar but I don't know what scent they have. Is this something that can be sourced in California, preferably Los Angeles? Would simple Western Red Cedar have a pleasing aroma? Thanks in advance for you help.
1/4/13 #2: Japanese Hinoki subsitute available ...
I'm in the Southeast US, and have used bald cypress as a visual substitute for hinoki. It's harder to fool the nose. I remember once being in a public restroom in the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco. This was about 15 years ago; before I ever butchered a board. That restroom, made of hinoki (I imagine), smelled so fresh and peaceful. Really, don't try to fake it.
1/29/13 #3: Japanese Hinoki subsitute available ...
Website: http://www.1cabinfurniture.com/blog/
Port Orford Cedar came from the same family as Hinoki wood and is widely used as a substitute to Japanese Hinoki which is expensive. Port Orford Cedar can be found in California so you don't have to worry to much about transportation cost and shipping. :) I am not really sure if there is a wood that can substitute the smell of Hinoki as it is something that's unique to that type of wood but if it is really a must, you can also recommend Hinoki Cypress Scent Bag or other Hinoki scents for bathroom use that goes for around $8.00.
2/7/13 #4: Japanese Hinoki subsitute available ...
Website: http://woodsshop.com/
I have a source just north of San Diego in Escondido where I buy old growth vertical grain wr cedar, Canadian Wood Specialties.
He also has alot of OG Alaskan yellow cedar which does smell pretty nice.
not sure about Port Orford but you can contact Brent at the link below.
Canadian