Content Menu
● Hardwood vs Softwood: The Botanical Truth
● Cedar's Misunderstood Strength and Durability
>> Physical & Mechanical Properties
>> Natural Resistance and Longevity
● Cedar vs Hardwoods: Detailed Comparison
● Cedar in Real-World Applications
>> Decorative and Specialty Uses
● Cedar's Sustainability and Environmental Impact
● Cedar Performance: Weather, Aging, and Maintenance
● Challenges and Limitations of Cedar
● Choosing the Right Cedar for Each Project
● Cedar in Modern Design and Architecture
● Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
>> 1. What makes cedar a softwood, not a hardwood?
>> 2. Is cedar wood good for outdoor furniture?
>> 3. Will cedar wood repel insects and pests in closets?
>> 4. Does cedar need maintenance to last outdoors?
>> 5. Are all trees called “cedar” true cedars?
Cedar is one of the most widely recognized woods in construction, furniture, and design. Its unique aroma and beautiful grain patterns make it desirable for both aesthetic and practical purposes. Yet, the question persists: Is cedar wood a hardwood? Understanding this answer means venturing into the realms of botany, woodworking, and material science—a journey that reveals the remarkable, and sometimes counterintuitive, profile of cedar.[3][11][12]
Wood classification hinges on biological origins rather than strength or density.[5][9][1]
- Hardwoods stem from angiosperm (broadleaf, flowering) trees, which generally shed their leaves seasonally.
- Softwoods arise from gymnosperms, usually coniferous and evergreen trees with needles and cones.
Cedar belongs to the coniferous gymnosperm group. Consequently, the primary types of cedar found in North America—Western Red Cedar, Eastern Red Cedar, and related species—are all botanically softwoods, regardless of their practical toughness or reputation.[9][13][1][5]
The term “softwood” is misleading. Cedar wood, while technically soft, holds up splendidly in outdoor environments.[1][3][5]
- Grain and Texture: Cedar commonly shows a straight, sometimes knotty grain. Its surface sands to a smooth finish, ideal for furniture or exterior panels.[10][14][9]
- Color and Aroma: Depending on species, cedar's color can range from rich reddish browns to lighter golden hues. Its signature scent is both pleasing and useful, repelling insects and pests.[13][10]
- Weight and Hardness: Cedar is lightweight, with a relatively low Janka hardness rating (Eastern Red cedar about 900, Western Red cedar around 350). While much softer than oak or maple, this softness makes cedar easier to shape and assemble.[15][5][10]
Cedar possesses natural resistance to rot, fungi, insects, and moisture due to its aromatic oils and compounds like thujaplicins and phenolics.[11][14][3][10]
- Decay Resistance: Performs exceptionally outdoors, capable of lasting 20-30 years even without aggressive treatments.[14][3][10]
- Insect Repellency: Cedar's oils discourage moths, termites, and beetles, making it the wood of choice for closets and storage chests.[10][14]
- Stability: Scientific studies show cedar is twice as stable as most common softwoods due to low fiber shrinkage and moisture retention.[3]
Understanding cedar's diversity is key to proper selection for any project.[16][13][10]
- Western Red Cedar: Grows along the Pacific coast, famed for warm tones, straight grain, and superior outdoor performance.[13][10]
- Eastern Red Cedar: Dense, highly aromatic, and favored in furniture and closet applications.
- Alaskan Yellow Cedar & Northern White Cedar: Lighter color, fine grain, still excellent for outdoor and decorative projects.
- Incense Cedar & Inland Cedar: Known for ecological adaptability and low maintenance needs.[3]
Consider project specifics when choosing among cedar variants: Western Red is best for structural and siding, Incense Cedar suits wet climates, and Inland Cedar is prized for decorative stripes.[13][3]
While many gravitate toward hardwoods like oak or maple for perceived strength, cedar offers distinctive advantages—especially outdoors.[2][4][6][1]
| Feature | Cedar (Softwood) | Oak/Maple (Hardwood) | Redwood (Softwood) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botanical Category | Softwood vermontwoodsstudios | Hardwood vermontwoodsstudios | Softwood cedur |
| Density/Hardness (Janka) | 350–900 vermontwoodsstudios+2 | 1200+ (Oak/Maple) vermontwoodsstudios+1 | ~600 (Redwood) cedur+1 |
| Rot Resistance | High stikwood+1 | Moderate—needs sealing arnoldwood | Very High arnoldwood |
| Workability | Easy, forgiving northernlogsupply+1 | Harder, requires skill realcedar | Moderate arnoldwood |
| Weight | Light playgroundone+2 | Heavy arnoldwood | Moderate |
| Pest Repellent | Yes northernlogsupply+1 | No | Yes |
| Maintenance | Low–medium rmfp+1 | Higher arnoldwood | Low |
| Sustainability | Fast-growing, eco-friendly playgroundone | Variable | Similar |
| Common Price | Moderate realcedar+1 | Often premium realcedar+1 | Higher arnoldwood |
Unlike oak, which is heavy and hard, cedar makes installation and detailed designs easier. Cedar's natural weather resistance means fewer chemicals and less frequent maintenance. For budget-conscious, eco-friendly, and safe outdoor projects, cedar is hard to beat.
- Decking & Fencing: Cedar is lighter and easier to install than hardwood. It doesn't require intensive pre-drilling and specialized tools as some hardwoods do.[2][3]
- Siding & Roofing: Western Red Cedar excels as siding and shingles. Its insulation and durability help homes retain heat and resist weather damage.[4][16][13]
- Playground & Play Sets: Cedar's lower splinter risk, cool surface in sunlight, and ease of construction make it the preferred choice for outdoor play structures.[1]
- Furniture: Its scent and vivid color are sought after for beds, tables, panels, and decorative pieces.[14][10]
- Closets & Storage: Cedar's aromatic oils deter pest infestations, making it ideal for chests and wardrobes.[10][14]
- Panels, Beams, & Tongue-and-Groove: Cedar's stability and acoustic resonance lend themselves to specialized construction projects.[3]
- Saunas: The weather/mold resistance and scent make cedar popular for saunas.[8]
- Musical Instruments: Certain cedar types, such as Spanish and Yellow Cedar (technically hardwoods), are valued in guitar construction and wind instruments for tonal qualities.[5]
Cedar is a comparatively sustainable wood.[2][1]
- Growth Rate: Cedar species grow faster than many hardwoods, providing a renewable, eco-friendly source.[1]
- Local Sourcing: Western Red Cedar is often harvested closer to manufacturing sites, reducing shipping costs and carbon footprint.[2]
- Chemical-Free Protection: Its natural oils mean fewer chemical treatments are needed, mitigating environmental hazards.
Cedar's resistance to moisture makes it uniquely suited to forests, mountains, and coastlines.[3]
- Weather Resistance: Cedar's fiber saturation point is lower than most softwoods, meaning less shrinkage, minimal warping, and better dimensional stability.[3]
- Aging: When left untreated outdoors, cedar gradually takes on a soft silvery-gray patina. Regular staining or sealing can preserve its original hues.[14][3]
- Maintenance: Basic cleaning and resealing every 1–3 years help maintain structural integrity and appearance. Cedar structures commonly last 25–30 years with routine care.[10][14][3]
While cedar is outstanding in many ways, there are practical considerations to bear in mind.[6][5]
- Softness: Cedar's relatively low hardness means it can dent more easily than hardwoods. For high-impact applications like floors, hardwoods may be preferred.[5]
- Cost: Though more affordable than hardwoods like oak or redwood, premium clear grades of cedar can be costly.
- Availability: Some regions may find high-quality cedar less accessible, leading to imports and variable pricing.
Decision factors include climate, exposure, design, and budget.[13][3]
- Western Red Cedar: For outdoor siding, decks, and beams in moderate climates.
- Incense Cedar: Highly weatherproof; perfect for rainy, humid, or variable regions.
- Eastern Red Cedar: Best indoors—for closet or furniture—leveraging its strong aroma.
- Inland Cedar: Excels in visual applications where unique striping is prized.
Experienced builders and woodworkers match the right cedar type to the project for optimal performance and longevity.
Designers continue to embrace cedar for its warmth, character, and performance.[13][3]
- Contemporary Applications: Cedar is widely adopted for minimalist cladding and accent walls, offering subtle grain and tones.
- Biophilic Design: The scent and natural appearance of cedar add wellness and comfort to indoor environments.
- Sustainable Building: Low embodied energy and renewability make cedar central to eco-conscious homes and structures.
Cedar wood, despite its classification as a softwood, delivers an exceptional combination of rustic beauty, natural resistance, and incredible versatility. It endures where many hardwoods falter—outside in rain, sun, and snow; inside, offering aromatic protection to cherished garments and goods. Cedar's softness makes it easy to work with, yet its oils, fibers, and stability propel it far beyond low-density, low-durability stereotypes.[5][1][10][3]
Whether crafting decks, playgrounds, furniture, or modern architectural statements, cedar routinely surpasses expectations. Its sustainable growth, ease of handling, and lasting performance render it a smart investment, delivering value and character for decades.
Cedar comes from coniferous gymnosperm trees, botanically classified as softwoods, regardless of their density, durability, or toughness.[9][5][10]
Yes, cedar's resistance to decay, insects, and moisture makes it ideal for outdoor furniture, decks, fences, and many external projects.[11][10][3]
Cedar releases natural aromatic oils that act as insect repellents, protecting garments and goods in storage from moths, beetles, and other pests.[14][10]
Though naturally durable, periodic cleaning and resealing are recommended to preserve cedar's appearance and maximize its lifespan in outdoor settings.[10][14]
No. Some woods called “cedar”—such as Spanish Cedar and Yellow Cedar—are technically hardwoods, while Western Red and Eastern Red Cedar are true softwoods.[5][10][13]
[1](https://playgroundone.com/is-cedar-a-hardwood/)
[2](https://www.realcedar.com/blog/cedar-decking-vs-hardwood-decking/)
[3](https://www.rmfp.com/blog/cedar-wood-expert-guide)
[4](https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/types-of-lumber/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90567851db)
[5](https://vermontwoodsstudios.com/pages/cedar-wood)
[6](https://www.arnoldwood.com/blog/cedar-vs-other-woods-which-is-best-for-porch-posts/)
[7](https://oakcitycustoms.com/pages/wood-species)
[8](https://www.reddit.com/r/woodworking/comments/12fbqoi/wood_types_cheat_sheet/)
[9](https://northcastlehw.com/blogs/wood/is-cedar-a-hardwood)
[10](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/2025/05/06/the-13-most-frequently-asked-questions-about-cedar-wood/)
[11](https://www.stikwood.com/blogs/workbench/discover-the-benefits-and-uses-of-cedar-wood)
[12](https://cedarimports.com.au/about-cedar/)
[13](https://www.cedur.com/types-of-wood-western-red-cedar-yellow-cedar-white-cedar)
[14](https://www.northernlogsupply.com/log-looks/posts/benefits-of-using-cedar-wood/)
[15](https://www.realcedar.com/why-western-red-cedar/characteristics-properties-of-western-red-cedar/)
[16](https://marketing.avofenceandsupply.com/blog/exploring-the-types-and-grades-of-cedar)
