What Are the Types of Cedar Wood?

Cedar wood has long been prized for its natural beauty, durability, and aromatic qualities. It is a popular choice for furniture, decking, siding, and various other woodworking projects due to its resistance to decay and insects. However, not all cedar woods are the same; different types offer unique characteristics, appearances, and uses. Understanding the various types of cedar wood can help you make informed decisions when choosing materials for your next project. In this article, we will explore the most common types of cedar wood, their properties, and ideal applications.

What Are the Types of Cedar Wood?

1. Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)

Western Red Cedar is arguably the most well-known and widely used type of cedar wood. Native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, it is celebrated for its stunning reddish-brown hue, straight grain, and pleasant aroma. This wood is highly valued in construction and woodworking for its excellent resistance to moisture, decay, and insect infestation.

• Appearance: Reddish-brown with a fine, straight grain.
• Durability: Highly durable outdoors; resistant to rot and insects.
• Uses: Siding, shingles, decking, outdoor furniture, and boat building.
• Advantages: Lightweight, easy to work with, and naturally aromatic.

Western Red Cedar's natural oils and compounds contribute to its resistance to the elements, making it an ideal choice for exterior applications. Its beautiful appearance also makes it popular for interior paneling and accents.

2. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Often confused with Western Red Cedar, Eastern Red Cedar is actually a type of juniper. It is native to eastern North America and is known for its rich, reddish-brown color and aromatic qualities. Despite its name, it is not a true cedar but shares many desirable properties.

• Appearance: Deep reddish-brown to purple with a fine, straight grain.
• Durability: Highly resistant to insects, decay, and moisture.
• Uses: Closet linings, chests, furniture, fence posts, and decorative items.
• Advantages: Its aromatic scent deters pests like moths, making it popular for storage applications.

Eastern Red Cedar's aromatic properties and natural resistance make it a favorite for protecting clothing and stored items from moths. Its beautiful color and scent also enhance its appeal for interior design.

3. Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)

Northern White Cedar, also known as Arborvitae, is native to eastern North America. It is distinguished by its pale color and fine texture. This cedar is softer than Western Red Cedar but is valued for its lightweight, rot-resistant qualities.

• Appearance: Pale yellow to light brown, sometimes with a greenish tint.
• Durability: Good resistance to decay when used in appropriate applications.
• Uses: Garden fencing, outdoor furniture, shingles, and interior paneling.
• Advantages: Easy to cut and shape, with a pleasant scent.

Northern White Cedar is often used in landscape projects and for making small craft items. Its soft texture makes it suitable for carving and detailed woodworking.

4. Spanish Cedar (Cedrela odorata)

Spanish Cedar is a tropical hardwood native to Central and South America. Despite its name, it is not a true cedar but is called so because of its aromatic qualities and appearance similar to true cedars. It is highly prized in the cigar industry for its excellent aroma and aging qualities.

• Appearance: Reddish-brown to pinkish hues with a straight grain.
• Durability: Moderate; often used indoors due to its susceptibility to moisture.
• Uses: Cigar humidors, fine furniture, musical instruments, and veneers.
• Advantages: Aromatic, easy to work with, and aesthetically appealing.

Spanish Cedar's aromatic scent and attractive appearance make it a preferred choice for luxury applications, especially where scent is a desirable feature.

5. Incense Cedar (Libocedrus decurrens)

Incense Cedar, native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, is well-known for its aromatic qualities and is often used in woodworking and incense production. It features a light color and fine grain, making it suitable for decorative purposes.

• Appearance: Pale yellow to light brown with a smooth, fine grain.
• Durability: Moderate; suitable for interior applications.
• Uses: Drawer linings, incense, small crafts, and decorative veneers.
• Advantages: Distinct aroma, lightweight, and easy to work with.

Incense Cedar’s aromatic and aesthetic qualities make it popular for specialty woodworking projects and scent-infused products.

Summary of Key Points

Understanding the different types of cedar wood can significantly improve your selection process for various projects. Here are the main takeaways:

• Western Red Cedar: Renowned for its reddish hue, durability outdoors, and aromatic scent; ideal for siding, decking, and furniture.
• Eastern Red Cedar: A juniper known for its pest-repellent scent and rich color; perfect for storage chests and closet linings.
• Northern White Cedar: Light-colored, soft, and easy to work with; suited for fencing and decorative items.
• Spanish Cedar: Aromatic tropical hardwood used mainly in luxury furniture, musical instruments, and cigar humidors.
• Incense Cedar: Light and aromatic, often used in crafts, incense, and interior accents.

Choosing the right type of cedar wood depends on your specific needs, whether it’s durability, aesthetic appeal, scent, or ease of workability. Each variety offers unique benefits that can enhance your project’s longevity and beauty. With this knowledge, you can confidently select the cedar wood that best fits your goals and enjoy the natural elegance and resilience this versatile material provides.