It works well. It has very high natural decay resistance. The wood has a characteristic odor, but the odor does disappear if the wood is dried at moderate to high temperatures. Eastern White Cedar is a close relative of Western red cedar, genetically speaking. However, the white cedar tree is much smaller and so the lumber is quite knotty, compared to the very clear lumber of red cedar.
Decay resistance is very high.
It has a pleasant odor and is dried at very low temperatures. Western is much stronger and pieces are clearer. The heartwood of both has high natural decay resistance. Because of the low density, you should consider using large headed nails or screws when fastening to avoid excessive pull out. Professor Gene Wengert is Extension Specialist in Wood Processing at the Department of Forestry, University of Wisconsin-Madison.