The Wood Library
Janka hardness ~350 lbf Density ~370 kg/m³ Stability Very good Workability Easy
Softwoods
Cedar
Cedrus / Thuja
Light, aromatic and naturally resistant to rot and insects, cedar is the softwood of choice for the outdoors — cladding, garden furniture, and the lining of wardrobes and chests.
The facts
Best uses
- Outdoor & garden furniture
- Cladding & decking
- Wardrobe & chest lining
- Saunas
Watch out for
Cedar is soft and dents easily, and its natural oils can interfere with some glues and finishes — lovely outdoors, less suited to high-wear surfaces.
Engineer's notes
Cedar earns its keep where other woods rot: outdoors and in damp air. Its scent also naturally repels moths, which is why I line drawers and wardrobes with it. Just keep it off surfaces that take a beating — it is soft.
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