When looking for cedar furnishings or lumber, you would possibly discover that “cedar” can confer 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 commonest forms of cedar wooden, what they’re used for, and the way they examine in sturdiness, sustainability, and aesthetics.
1. Japanese Purple Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Regardless of the identify, Japanese pink cedar is definitely a species of juniper. It grows abundantly throughout the jap United States and as far west as Nebraska. Identified 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 essentially the most sturdy cedar sort on this checklist, with a comparatively excessive Janka hardness ranking of round 900, making it appropriate for indoor and out of doors furnishings purposes.
2. Japanese White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)
Also referred to as Northern white cedar, this species is native to the northeastern U.S. and southeastern Canada. It’s a light-weight softwood, pale in shade, and has a low Janka ranking of round 320, making it much less immune to dents and scratches. Although usually used for out of doors buildings like shingles and siding as a consequence of its climate resistance, it’s usually not most well-liked for superb furnishings. Moreover, like different Thuja species, Japanese 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 widespread for cabinetry, cigar packing containers, and boat-building, Spanish cedar is now thought of a weak species as a consequence of overharvesting. It grows primarily in Central and South America, and worldwide rules 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 Japanese pink cedar, Western pink 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 alternative for out of doors furnishings, decking, and siding. Nonetheless, it’s not as dense or sturdy as Japanese pink cedar and could also be much less appropriate for indoor furnishings that sees heavy use.
5. Alaskan Yellow Cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis)
Regardless of its identify, 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 ranking of round 580, it’s reasonably sturdy and has traditionally been used for boats, musical devices, and carving. Nonetheless, yellow cedar populations are at present threatened by local weather change, and efforts to fight “Yellow Cedar Decline” have had restricted success, lowering its availability on the industrial market.
Selecting the Proper Cedar for Furnishings
For those who’re contemplating cedar wooden furnishings, Japanese pink cedar is often the best choice for indoor use as a consequence of its sturdiness, shade, and fragrant qualities. For out of doors purposes, Western pink cedar presents a weather-resistant various, although it’s softer. We suggest at all times 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 strong wooden furnishings assortment to be taught extra about responsibly-sourced American hardwoods, together with alternate options to cedar that supply related sturdiness and wonder.
Need to be taught extra about Cedar? Learn extra about cedar wooden, the place it comes from, and its sustainability in furnishings design.
