Cedar Species Guide

Overview of true Cedar species in the Cedrus genus, along with important commercial woods commonly sold under the Cedar name, valued for their aroma, durability, stability, decay resistance, and use in furniture, exterior projects, closets, shingles, and specialty woodworking.

Overview

The name Cedar is used for several different groups of aromatic, decay-resistant softwoods. Botanically, true cedars belong to the genus Cedrus, but the lumber trade also uses the Cedar name for several unrelated genera that share similar characteristics such as aromatic heartwood, natural durability, dimensional stability, and resistance to insects and decay.

True cedars are native primarily to mountainous regions surrounding the Mediterranean and western Himalayas. Other commercially important woods commonly called Cedar occur throughout North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Asia, and other regions.

Because the Cedar name is applied so broadly, understanding the difference between true Cedars and commercial Cedar-type woods is especially important for woodworkers, collectors, and buyers.

This guide provides an overview of the true Cedrus genus and the major woods commonly encountered under the Cedar trade name.

The Cedrus Genus

Cedrus belongs to the Pinaceae family, which also includes Pines, Firs, Spruces, Hemlocks, and Larches.

The genus contains a small number of recognized species.

True Cedars are generally known for:

Aromatic heartwood
Good dimensional stability
Moderate density
Straight to slightly irregular grain
Natural decay resistance
Good workability
Attractive warm coloration
Resistance to insect attack
Long service life

True Cedar lumber has historically been used for construction, furniture, architectural woodworking, carving, storage chests, and exterior applications.

Distribution and Habitat

True Cedar species occur naturally in mountainous areas of:

The Mediterranean region
North Africa
The Middle East
Turkey
The western Himalayas

They generally grow in cool mountain environments and can form extensive conifer forests at higher elevations.

Several species have also been widely planted outside their native ranges as ornamental and forestry trees.

Notable True Cedar Species

Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica)

Native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria, Atlas Cedar is valued both as an ornamental tree and for its aromatic, durable timber.

Its wood is generally light to medium brown and can be used for:

Furniture
Interior millwork
Carving
Decorative woodworking
Construction

Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani)

Cedar of Lebanon is one of the most historically significant timber trees in the world.

Native to portions of the eastern Mediterranean, it has been used for thousands of years in construction, shipbuilding, furniture, religious structures, and architectural woodworking.

Its reputation for durability and fragrance contributed greatly to the historic importance of Cedar timber.

Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara)

Native to the western Himalayas, Deodar Cedar produces aromatic, durable wood with good dimensional stability.

Traditional uses include:

Construction
Architectural timber
Furniture
Bridges
Interior joinery
Carving

Its natural resistance to decay historically made it particularly valuable in mountainous regions.

**Cyprus Cedar (Cedrus brevifolia)**

Native to Cyprus, this comparatively limited-range Cedar is closely related to Cedar of Lebanon.

Its wood shares many of the aromatic and durable qualities associated with true Cedars, although its restricted distribution limits its importance as a modern commercial timber.

Additional Cedar Species and Related Forms

True Cedrus taxa commonly recognized include:

Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica)
Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani)
Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara)
Cyprus Cedar (Cedrus brevifolia)

Because botanical treatments differ, some authorities classify certain Cedar populations as subspecies or varieties rather than completely separate species.

As additional Cedar species or regional forms are added to the Exotic Woods of the World archive, they can be incorporated into this guide and linked to their individual species pages.

Commercial Woods Commonly Called Cedar

Many of the world’s most important “Cedars” are not members of the Cedrus genus.

These woods are still commercially significant and deserve inclusion because woodworkers commonly encounter them under the Cedar name.

Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)

Western Red Cedar is one of North America’s most important exterior softwoods.

It is valued for:

Exceptional decay resistance
Low density
Excellent dimensional stability
Easy workability
Aromatic heartwood

Common applications include:

Siding
Shingles
Outdoor furniture
Decking
Fencing
Saunas
Exterior trim

Despite its name, Western Red Cedar belongs to the Cupressaceae family rather than Cedrus.

**Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)**

Eastern Red Cedar is actually a Juniper.

Its aromatic reddish heartwood has long been prized for:

Cedar chests
Closet lining
Small furniture
Turning
Carving
Decorative objects

The strong aroma is traditionally associated with resistance to clothing moths and other insects.

**Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)**

Northern White Cedar produces lightweight, stable, decay-resistant wood.

It is commonly used for:

Outdoor furniture
Fencing
Shingles
Canoes
Rustic construction
Log structures

**Alaskan Yellow Cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis)**

Alaskan Yellow Cedar is a dense, durable, fine-textured softwood known for exceptional stability and resistance to decay.

Common applications include:

Boatbuilding
Exterior construction
Carving
Joinery
Architectural woodworking
Musical instruments

Its botanical classification differs from true Cedars.

**Spanish Cedar (Cedrela odorata)**

Spanish Cedar is not a conifer at all.

It belongs to the Meliaceae family, the same family as Genuine Mahogany.

The wood is highly aromatic and valued for:

Cigar humidors
Furniture
Cabinetry
Musical instruments
Millwork
Veneer

It is one of the most commercially important tropical woods sold under the Cedar name.

**Australian Red Cedar (Toona ciliata)**

Australian Red Cedar is also a member of the mahogany family rather than a true Cedar.

Historically, it was one of Australia’s premier furniture woods and was heavily harvested for:

Furniture
Cabinetry
Interior joinery
Veneer
Decorative woodworking

**Caribbean White Cedar (Tabebuia heterophylla)**

Caribbean White Cedar is another example of a wood whose common name includes Cedar despite belonging to an unrelated botanical group.

It has been used regionally for furniture, interior construction, and general woodworking.

Common Characteristics of Cedar Woods

Because the Cedar trade name covers several unrelated genera, characteristics vary considerably.

However, many Cedar-type woods share:

Aromatic heartwood
Good dimensional stability
Natural decay resistance
Resistance to insects
Straight grain
Fine to medium texture
Relatively easy machining
Attractive warm coloration
Good outdoor performance

These shared qualities explain why unrelated woods have historically acquired the Cedar name.

Color and Appearance

Cedar woods can range from:

Pale cream
Yellow
Golden brown
Pinkish brown
Reddish brown
Deep red or purple-brown

Some species show strong contrast between pale sapwood and darker heartwood.

Western Red Cedar and Eastern Red Cedar are particularly recognizable for their rich reddish coloration.

Grain and Texture

Most Cedar woods have:

Straight grain
Fine to medium texture
Moderate natural luster

Some species may show:

Irregular grain
Knots
Color streaking
Growth-ring contrast

The relatively soft texture of many Cedars makes them pleasant to machine and carve.

Aroma

One of Cedar’s most recognizable characteristics is its fragrance.

Different Cedar-type woods produce distinctly different aromas due to naturally occurring extractives in their heartwood.

These aromatic compounds can contribute to:

Insect resistance
Decay resistance
Characteristic scent
Traditional use in closets and storage chests

A strong aroma should not be considered proof that wood dust is harmless. Appropriate dust protection should still be used when machining Cedar.

Hardness and Density

Cedar species range from very lightweight woods to considerably denser specialty timbers.

Examples include:

Western Red Cedar — lightweight
Northern White Cedar — lightweight
Eastern Red Cedar — moderately dense
Alaskan Yellow Cedar — moderately dense and relatively hard

This variation means the specific Cedar species should always be considered rather than assuming all Cedar lumber performs the same way.

Dimensional Stability

Dimensional stability is one of the major advantages of many Cedar woods.

Several species exhibit relatively low shrinkage and perform well under changing humidity.

This makes Cedar particularly useful for:

Exterior siding
Doors
Shingles
Outdoor furniture
Boat components
Architectural joinery

Natural Durability

Many Cedar woods contain natural extractives that improve resistance to:

Fungal decay
Moisture
Insects
Weather exposure

Heartwood is generally much more durable than sapwood.

Durability varies significantly between species, so exterior suitability should be evaluated individually.

Workability

Most Cedar woods are relatively easy to work.

Common characteristics include:

Easy sawing
Easy planing
Good carving
Good gluing
Good finishing
Low tool wear

Because many Cedars are relatively soft, surfaces can dent or scratch more easily than dense hardwoods.

Sharp tools help prevent fuzzy grain and torn surfaces.

Common Uses

Cedar-type woods have an exceptionally broad range of applications.

Common Applications

Outdoor furniture
Siding
Shingles
Fencing
Decking
Furniture
Cabinetry
Closets
Cedar chests
Boatbuilding
Canoes
Carving
Turning
Musical instruments
Cigar humidors
Architectural millwork
Interior trim
Decorative objects

The ideal application depends heavily on the specific Cedar species.

Cedar for Outdoor Projects

Cedar is especially associated with outdoor woodworking.

Species such as Western Red Cedar and Northern White Cedar are frequently chosen for exterior projects because of their:

Decay resistance
Light weight
Stability
Easy machining

Common outdoor uses include:

Adirondack chairs
Pergolas
Fences
Garden structures
Siding
Shingles
Outdoor benches

Cedar for Furniture

Several Cedar species make attractive furniture woods.

Popular applications include:

Chests
Benches
Cabinets
Rustic furniture
Outdoor furniture
Decorative tables
Small boxes

Eastern Red Cedar is particularly popular where its dramatic purple-red color and fragrance are desirable.

Cedar for Closets and Storage

Eastern Red Cedar has traditionally been used for:

Closet lining
Storage chests
Blanket chests
Drawer interiors

Its characteristic aroma has made it one of the most recognizable Cedar applications in North American woodworking.

Cedar for Boatbuilding

Several Cedar-type woods have important marine histories.

Examples include:

Western Red Cedar
Northern White Cedar
Alaskan Yellow Cedar
Deodar Cedar

These species combine favorable properties such as:

Low weight
Stability
Decay resistance
Workability

Cedar Identification Characteristics

Common identification clues include:

Distinctive aroma
Straight grain
Light weight in many species
Reddish, yellowish, or golden heartwood
Pale sapwood
Fine to medium texture
Natural durability

However, common names alone are unreliable because unrelated species may all be called Cedar.

Whenever possible, identification should include the scientific name.

True Cedar vs. False Cedar

This distinction is particularly important.

True Cedars

Only members of the genus Cedrus are botanically true Cedars.

These include:

Atlas Cedar
Cedar of Lebanon
Deodar Cedar
Cyprus Cedar

Woods Commonly Called Cedar

These include:

Western Red Cedar — Thuja
Eastern Red Cedar — Juniperus
Northern White Cedar — Thuja
Alaskan Yellow Cedar — Callitropsis
Spanish Cedar — Cedrela
Australian Red Cedar — Toona

These are commercially legitimate names, but they do not indicate botanical membership in Cedrus.

Sustainability and Conservation

Conservation status varies significantly between Cedar species.

Important considerations include:

Geographic origin
Species
Harvest pressure
Habitat loss
Forest-management practices
Plantation availability
International trade regulations

Some Cedar species remain widely available from managed forests, while others have limited natural populations or have experienced extensive historic harvesting.

Responsible sourcing is especially important when purchasing tropical Cedar-type woods.

Related Wood Family and Species Guides

Explore additional Exotic Woods of the World resources:

Compare Wood Properties

Compare Cedar woods alongside hundreds of hardwood and softwood species using the Exotic Woods of the World database.

Related resources include:

Collector Notes

Few wood names create as much botanical confusion as Cedar. True Cedars comprise only a small group within the Cedrus genus, yet numerous unrelated woods have acquired the Cedar name because they share aromatic heartwood, natural durability, insect resistance, or similar working characteristics.

For collectors, this makes scientific identification especially valuable. A collection labeled simply “Cedar” may actually contain woods from several completely different botanical families.

Understanding the difference between true Cedars and commercially named Cedar-type woods provides a much clearer picture of this historically important group and helps explain why Cedar remains one of the most recognizable names in woodworking, architecture, forestry, and timber history.