When purchasing for cedar furnishings or lumber, you may discover that “cedar” can discuss with a number of various kinds of wooden—a few of which aren’t technically cedar in any respect. This confusion stems from the truth that many woods labeled as “cedar” come from completely different botanical households, though they share related traits like fragrant scent, pure resistance to bugs, and wealthy coloration.
Let’s break down 5 of the most typical sorts of cedar wooden, what they’re used for, and the way they evaluate in sturdiness, sustainability, and aesthetics.
1. Jap Purple Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Regardless of the title, Jap crimson cedar is definitely a species of juniper. It grows abundantly throughout the jap United States and as far west as Nebraska. Recognized for its vibrant reddish hues, signature aroma, and decay resistance, this wooden is often used for furnishings, chests, closets, and fence posts. It’s additionally probably the most sturdy cedar sort on this checklist, with a comparatively excessive Janka hardness score of round 900, making it appropriate for indoor and outside furnishings functions.
2. Jap White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)
Also called Northern white cedar, this species is native to the northeastern U.S. and southeastern Canada. It’s a light-weight softwood, pale in colour, and has a low Janka score of round 320, making it much less immune to dents and scratches. Although usually used for outside buildings like shingles and siding resulting from its climate resistance, it’s typically not most well-liked for fantastic furnishings. Moreover, like different Thuja species, Jap white cedar may cause allergic reactions in some people.
3. Spanish Cedar (Cedrela odorata)
Spanish cedar is the one true cedar on this checklist (belonging to the Cedrela genus). It’s a tropical hardwood with a pinkish to reddish-brown tone and a Janka hardness of about 600. As soon as well-liked for cabinetry, cigar packing containers, and boat-building, Spanish cedar is now thought-about a susceptible species resulting from overharvesting. It grows primarily in Central and South America, and worldwide laws now restrict its export to guard remaining forests. Sadly, unlawful logging stays a priority.
4. Western Purple Cedar (Thuja plicata)
To not be confused with Jap crimson cedar, Western crimson cedar is one other member of the Thuja genus. Discovered alongside the Pacific Northwest coast, this cedar is a softwood with a heat, reddish-brown hue and a Janka hardness of round 350. Its pure oils repel moisture and bugs, making it a well-liked selection for outside furnishings, decking, and siding. Nonetheless, it isn’t as dense or sturdy as Jap crimson cedar and could also be much less appropriate for indoor furnishings that sees heavy use.
5. Alaskan Yellow Cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis)
Regardless of its title, Alaskan yellow cedar isn’t a real cedar both—it’s extra intently associated to cypress. It’s a yellowish, fine-grained wooden that grows in coastal Alaska and British Columbia. With a Janka score of round 580, it’s reasonably sturdy and has traditionally been used for boats, musical devices, and carving. Nonetheless, yellow cedar populations are at the moment threatened by local weather change, and efforts to fight “Yellow Cedar Decline” have had restricted success, lowering its availability on the business market.
Selecting the Proper Cedar for Furnishings
If you happen to’re contemplating cedar wooden furnishings, Jap crimson cedar is often the most suitable choice for indoor use resulting from its sturdiness, colour, and fragrant qualities. For outside functions, Western crimson cedar gives a weather-resistant various, although it’s softer. We suggest all the time researching the supply of the wooden to make sure it is harvested sustainably—particularly when contemplating imported species like Spanish cedar or yellow cedar.
Discover our stable wooden furnishings assortment to be taught extra about responsibly-sourced American hardwoods, together with options to cedar that supply related sturdiness and sweetness.
Wish to be taught extra about Cedar? Learn extra about cedar wooden, the place it comes from, and its sustainability in furnishings design.
