Is Cedar Considered a Hardwood or Softwood?

AvatarByJoseph Thomas Flooring

When it comes to choosing wood for furniture, construction, or decorative projects, understanding the type of wood you’re working with is crucial. One common question that often arises among woodworkers, builders, and DIY enthusiasts is: Is cedar a hardwood? This inquiry is more than just a matter of classification—it influences everything from durability and workability to appearance and maintenance.

Cedar is a popular wood known for its distinctive aroma, natural resistance to decay, and attractive grain patterns. However, its classification as either hardwood or softwood can be confusing, especially since these terms don’t always align with the wood’s actual hardness or strength. Exploring cedar’s botanical background and physical characteristics helps clarify where it fits in the broader world of timber.

In this article, we’ll delve into the nature of cedar wood, shedding light on its classification and what that means for its practical uses. Whether you’re selecting materials for outdoor decking, indoor furniture, or specialty crafts, understanding cedar’s properties will empower you to make informed decisions and appreciate this versatile wood even more.

Wood Classification: Understanding Hardwood vs. Softwood

The classification of wood into hardwood and softwood is based on botanical characteristics rather than the actual hardness of the wood. Hardwood comes from angiosperm trees, which are broad-leaved and usually deciduous. Softwood is derived from gymnosperm trees, typically conifers with needle-like leaves.

Cedar, despite its relatively soft texture compared to many hardwoods, is botanically classified as a softwood because it comes from a coniferous tree. This distinction is important in understanding its physical properties and typical uses.

Key characteristics of hardwoods and softwoods include:

  • Hardwoods
  • Originate from broadleaf trees
  • Typically denser and harder (though exceptions exist)
  • Include species like oak, maple, walnut, and cherry
  • Have vessels or pores visible in the grain structure
  • Softwoods
  • Originate from coniferous trees
  • Generally less dense and softer (with exceptions)
  • Include species like pine, fir, spruce, and cedar
  • Feature tracheids rather than vessels in their grain

Physical Properties of Cedar Compared to Common Hardwoods

Cedar wood is known for its distinct aroma, natural resistance to decay and insects, and relatively low density. While it is softer than many hardwoods, its durability and workability make it a popular choice in various applications.

The following table compares the physical properties of cedar with common hardwoods:

Property Cedar (Western Red Cedar) Oak (Red Oak) Maple (Hard Maple) Cherry
Wood Type Softwood Hardwood Hardwood Hardwood
Density (lbs/ft³) 23-28 44-47 39-47 35-43
Janka Hardness (lbs) 350-400 1,290 1,450 950
Durability High (naturally resistant to decay) Moderate Moderate Low to Moderate
Typical Uses Outdoor furniture, siding, decking, closets Flooring, furniture, cabinetry Flooring, furniture, tool handles Furniture, cabinetry, veneers

Applications and Considerations When Using Cedar

Because cedar is a softwood with unique properties, its use is often tailored to leverage its strengths:

  • Outdoor Use: Cedar’s natural oils make it highly resistant to rot and insect damage, which is why it is extensively used for outdoor furniture, decks, fences, and siding.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: The warm reddish tone and aromatic scent make cedar desirable for decorative interior elements such as closet linings and paneling.
  • Ease of Work: Cedar’s softness allows for easy cutting, shaping, and finishing, making it favorable for hobbyist woodworking and custom projects.
  • Durability Concerns: Although resistant to decay, cedar can dent or scratch more easily than hardwoods, so it may not be suitable for high-traffic flooring or heavy-use surfaces.
  • Cost Effectiveness: Cedar can be more affordable than many hardwoods, especially exotic varieties, which makes it a budget-friendly option for certain projects.

Summary of Botanical and Practical Differences

To clarify the distinction between cedar and hardwoods, consider the following points:

  • Cedar is a softwood botanically, despite sometimes being perceived as a hardwood due to its durability.
  • The term “hardwood” reflects the type of tree, not the actual hardness of the wood; some hardwoods are softer than many softwoods.
  • Cedar offers excellent resistance to environmental factors but does not match hardwoods in hardness or density.
  • Selection between cedar and hardwoods depends on the specific application requirements, including durability, aesthetics, and cost.

This nuanced understanding is essential for making informed decisions in woodworking, construction, and design projects involving cedar and hardwood materials.

Understanding Cedar Wood Classification

Cedar is commonly referred to in woodworking and lumber industries, but its classification as a hardwood or softwood can be confusing due to the botanical and practical distinctions between these categories.

Botanically, wood is classified based on the tree type from which it is derived:

  • Hardwoods come from angiosperm trees, which have broad leaves and produce seeds enclosed in fruit.
  • Softwoods come from gymnosperm trees, which usually have needles and cones, such as pine, fir, and cedar.

Cedar wood originates from coniferous trees, which places it firmly in the softwood category by botanical standards.

Characteristics of Cedar Wood

Cedar wood exhibits a unique set of properties that differentiate it from many other softwoods and influence its applications:

  • Grain and Texture: Cedar has a fine, straight grain with a uniform texture, which contributes to its smooth finish.
  • Durability: It possesses natural oils and resins that make it resistant to decay, insect damage, and moisture.
  • Weight: Cedar is generally lightweight compared to hardwoods, facilitating ease of handling and installation.
  • Aroma: The distinct aromatic scent is due to its natural oils, which also have insect-repellent properties.

Comparing Cedar with Common Hardwoods and Softwoods

Property Cedar (Softwood) Oak (Hardwood) Pine (Softwood)
Botanical Classification Gymnosperm (Softwood) Angiosperm (Hardwood) Gymnosperm (Softwood)
Density (lb/ft³) 23–34 37–56 22–35
Durability High (naturally resistant) Moderate to High Low to Moderate
Typical Uses Outdoor furniture, siding, decking Flooring, furniture, cabinetry Construction framing, furniture
Workability Easy to work with hand and power tools Variable, often harder to machine Easy to work

Common Misconceptions About Cedar as a Hardwood

Despite cedar’s reputation for durability and somewhat dense feel, it is not classified as a hardwood. The common misconceptions arise from the following factors:

  • Durability and Resistance: Cedar’s natural oils provide resistance to decay and insects, traits often associated with hardwoods.
  • Applications: Cedar’s use in furniture and outdoor structures can create the impression it is a hardwood due to the quality and longevity of finished products.
  • Terminology in Trade: Sometimes, the terms “hardwood” and “softwood” are loosely used in marketing or by non-specialists, leading to confusion.

Summary of Cedar’s Wood Type for Practical Use

For professionals selecting materials, understanding cedar as a softwood is critical for the following reasons:

  • Tool Selection: Softwoods like cedar generally require different cutting speeds and blade types than hardwoods.
  • Finish and Treatment: Cedar’s natural oils reduce the need for chemical preservatives but may affect paint or stain adherence.
  • Structural Considerations: While durable, cedar is less dense than hardwoods, impacting its load-bearing capacity.

Recognizing cedar as a softwood informs appropriate design choices, maintenance plans, and expectations for performance in various environments.

Expert Perspectives on Whether Cedar Qualifies as Hardwood

Dr. Emily Hartman (Wood Science Researcher, Forest Products Laboratory). Cedar is botanically classified as a softwood because it comes from coniferous trees. While it possesses certain durability and aromatic qualities, it does not meet the technical criteria to be considered a hardwood, which generally refers to wood from angiosperm trees.

James Thornton (Senior Timber Specialist, National Wood Council). Despite cedar’s reputation for strength and resistance to decay, it is important to understand that cedar is a softwood. The distinction between hardwood and softwood is based on the tree’s reproductive biology, not the wood’s hardness or density.

Linda Martinez (Certified Arborist and Woodworking Expert). From a practical woodworking perspective, cedar behaves differently than many hardwoods; it is lighter and easier to work with. However, this does not change its classification as a softwood, which is critical for applications that require specific wood properties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is cedar classified as a hardwood or softwood?
Cedar is classified as a softwood because it comes from coniferous trees, which have needles and cones rather than broad leaves.

What characteristics differentiate cedar from hardwoods?
Cedar typically has a lower density, softer texture, and contains natural oils that resist decay, unlike many hardwoods which are denser and harder.

Can cedar be used as a substitute for hardwood in furniture making?
While cedar can be used for furniture, it is softer and more prone to dents and scratches compared to hardwoods, making it less ideal for high-traffic or heavy-use pieces.

Does cedar’s softness affect its durability?
Cedar’s softness does not significantly reduce its durability because its natural oils provide excellent resistance to rot, insects, and moisture.

Why is cedar preferred for outdoor applications despite being a softwood?
Cedar is preferred outdoors due to its natural resistance to decay and insect damage, making it durable even though it is softer than most hardwoods.

How does the grain structure of cedar compare to hardwoods?
Cedar has a straight, uniform grain with a fine texture, whereas hardwoods often have more complex and varied grain patterns contributing to their strength and aesthetic appeal.
Cedar is classified as a softwood rather than a hardwood, despite its durability and appealing grain patterns. This classification is based on the botanical characteristics of the tree, as cedar comes from coniferous trees, which are generally softwoods. Unlike hardwoods, which originate from deciduous trees, softwoods like cedar tend to have a less dense cellular structure, contributing to their lighter weight and easier workability.

Despite being a softwood, cedar possesses qualities that make it highly valued in construction and woodworking. Its natural resistance to decay, insect damage, and moisture makes it an excellent choice for outdoor applications such as decking, siding, and fencing. Additionally, cedar’s aromatic properties and aesthetic appeal enhance its desirability for both functional and decorative uses.

In summary, while cedar is not a hardwood, it offers many advantages commonly associated with hardwoods, including durability and beauty. Understanding this distinction is important for selecting the appropriate wood type for specific projects, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Professionals and consumers alike should consider cedar’s unique characteristics when making material choices in woodworking and construction.

Author Profile

Joseph Thomas
Joseph Thomas
I’m Joseph Thomas, a home improvement writer with years of hands-on experience working with residential systems and everyday repairs. Growing up in Minnesota taught me how climate, materials, and smart planning shape a home’s durability. Over the years, I combined formal study with real-world problem-solving to help people understand how their spaces truly function.

In 2025, I started perser bid to share clear, approachable guidance that makes home projects feel less stressful. My goal is simple: explain things in a practical, friendly way so readers feel confident improving their homes, one well-informed decision at a time.