What Types of Cedar Are There?

Cedar is a popular and highly valued wood known for its durability, pleasant aroma, and beautiful appearance. It has been used for centuries in construction, furniture making, and decorative applications due to its natural resistance to decay and pests. However, the term "cedar" can refer to different types of trees across various regions, each with unique characteristics and uses. Understanding the different types of cedar is essential for selecting the right wood for your project or landscaping needs. In this article, we will explore the main types of cedar, highlighting their differences, common uses, and distinctive features.

What Types of Cedar Are There?

True Cedars (Genus Cedrus)

When most people think of cedar, they often refer to trees from the genus Cedrus, which are true cedars native to the mountains of the Middle East and the Himalayas. These trees are prized for their large size, striking appearance, and aromatic wood.

• Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica): Native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria, this cedar features bluish-green foliage and a symmetrical, conical shape. Its wood is highly valued for furniture and veneer.
• Lebanese Cedar (Cedrus libani): Found in Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey, it is famous for its historical significance and distinctive aroma. Its wood is durable and used in construction and musical instruments.
• Himalayan Cedar (Cedrus deodara): Native to the Himalayas, this cedar has drooping branches and soft, bluish-green needles. It is often used as an ornamental tree and for timber.

True cedars are known for their large, evergreen stature, aromatic wood, and high-quality timber. They thrive in mountainous regions and are often cultivated as ornamental trees in parks and large landscapes.

Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)

Despite its name, Western Red Cedar is not a true cedar but belongs to the cypress family (Cupressaceae). It is one of the most popular and widely used cedars in North America, especially in the Pacific Northwest.

• Description: Characterized by its rich reddish-brown color, straight grain, and aromatic smell, Western Red Cedar can grow up to 70 meters tall. Its soft, lightweight wood is highly durable outdoors.
• Uses: Commonly used for building siding, shingles, fencing, outdoor furniture, and boat building due to its resistance to moisture and decay.
• Advantages: Its natural oils repel insects and fungi, making it an excellent choice for exterior applications.

Western Red Cedar is highly valued for its aesthetic appeal and longevity in outdoor environments. Its ease of workability and natural resistance to the elements have made it a staple in construction and home improvement projects across North America.

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Often called "cedar" in North America, Eastern Red Cedar is actually a type of juniper, not a true cedar. It is native to eastern North America and is widely used for various purposes.

• Description: This evergreen tree features scale-like, bluish-green foliage and produces small, berry-like cones that are often used in culinary and ornamental applications.
• Uses: Its wood is aromatic, durable, and resistant to pests, making it popular for closet linings, chests, fence posts, and craft wood. The berries are used to flavor gin and in traditional medicine.
• Characteristics: The wood has a distinctive aroma and a reddish-brown appearance, similar to true cedar but with different physical properties.

Eastern Red Cedar is an important landscape tree and provides habitat for wildlife. Its aromatic wood and berries add to its versatility and appeal.

Spanish Cedar (Cedrela odorata)

Despite its name, Spanish Cedar is not a true cedar but belongs to the Meliaceae family, related to mahogany. It is native to Central and South America and is highly prized for its timber and aromatic qualities.

• Description: Known for its fine grain, reddish hue, and pleasant scent, Spanish Cedar is valued in the manufacture of high-end furniture, musical instruments, and veneer.
• Uses: It is a preferred material for making guitar bodies and other musical instruments due to its tonal qualities and workability.
• Advantages: Its natural oils help prevent insect infestations, making it suitable for storage chests and closets.

Spanish Cedar's combination of durability, aesthetic appeal, and aromatic properties has made it a sought-after wood in craftsmanship and luxury furniture making.

Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens)

This North American native belongs to the cypress family and is renowned for its aromatic wood and beautiful appearance.

• Description: Incense Cedar has reddish-brown, fine-grained, and aromatic wood. It often features a distinctive scent that persists over time.
• Uses: Commonly used in making pencils, decorative veneers, and as a building material for interior paneling.
• Characteristics: It is a medium-sized tree with a conical crown, suitable for landscape planting and ornamental purposes.

Its aromatic and durable wood makes Incense Cedar popular for interior finishing, cabinetry, and craft projects.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Cedar

When selecting cedar for your project, consider the following factors:

• Purpose: Determine whether the cedar will be used for outdoor construction, furniture, decorative purposes, or aromatic qualities.
• Climate and Environment: Some cedar types, like Western Red Cedar, excel outdoors, while others are better suited for indoor or controlled environments.
• Appearance: Consider color, grain, and overall aesthetic to match your design preferences.
• Durability and Maintenance: Some cedars naturally resist decay and pests, reducing maintenance needs.
• Cost and Availability: Availability may vary depending on your location and the specific cedar type.

Understanding these factors will help you choose the most suitable cedar type for your specific application.

Summary of Key Points

In summary, cedar is a versatile group of trees and woods, encompassing true cedars (genus Cedrus) and various other trees often called cedars colloquially. True cedars, such as Atlas, Lebanese, and Himalayan cedar, are prized for their size, aromatic wood, and historical significance. Western Red Cedar and Incense Cedar are valued for their outdoor durability and aesthetic qualities, especially in North America. The Eastern Red Cedar, a juniper, and Spanish Cedar, related to mahogany, are notable for their aromatic properties and uses in craft and musical instruments.

By understanding the different types of cedar, their characteristics, and best uses, you can make informed decisions whether you are constructing a building, creating furniture, or landscaping your property. Each type offers unique benefits, making cedar a truly remarkable and adaptable material across various applications.