Is Cedar Classified as a Hardwood or a Softwood?

AvatarByJoseph Thomas Flooring

When it comes to choosing wood for furniture, construction, or decorative projects, understanding the fundamental differences between hardwood and softwood is essential. One common question that often arises is: Is cedar a hardwood or softwood? This inquiry might seem straightforward at first glance, but the answer reveals interesting insights about wood classification, tree types, and the unique characteristics that make cedar a popular choice in various applications.

Cedar is a wood that carries a rich history and distinct qualities, often admired for its aroma, durability, and natural resistance to decay. However, its classification as either hardwood or softwood can be confusing because these terms don’t necessarily refer to the wood’s actual hardness or softness. Instead, they relate to the botanical grouping of the trees from which the wood is sourced. Understanding where cedar fits in this classification helps clarify its properties and guides how it is best used.

In this article, we will explore the nature of cedar wood, examining its botanical background and what sets it apart from other types of wood. Whether you’re a woodworking enthusiast, a homeowner considering materials for your next project, or simply curious about the nuances of wood types, gaining clarity on cedar’s classification will enhance your appreciation and decision-making when working with this versatile wood.

Characteristics of Cedar Wood

Cedar is widely recognized for its distinctive characteristics, which influence its classification and common uses. It is botanically classified as a softwood, despite often exhibiting some properties traditionally associated with hardwoods. This classification is rooted in its gymnosperm origin, meaning cedar trees are conifers that produce seeds in cones rather than flowers.

One of the most notable features of cedar wood is its natural resistance to decay and insect damage. This durability is due to the presence of natural oils and resins within the wood fibers, which also give cedar its characteristic aromatic scent. These properties make cedar an excellent choice for outdoor applications such as decking, fencing, and siding.

In terms of physical characteristics, cedar wood is generally lightweight and exhibits a fine, straight grain. The texture is relatively soft compared to many hardwoods, which contributes to its ease of workability. Craftsmen often prefer cedar for carving and detailed woodworking due to these traits.

Key characteristics of cedar wood include:

  • Botanical classification: Softwood (conifer/gymnosperm)
  • Weight: Light to moderate density
  • Durability: Naturally resistant to rot and insects
  • Grain: Straight and fine
  • Texture: Soft and workable
  • Aroma: Distinctive, pleasant scent due to natural oils

Comparison Between Hardwood and Softwood

Understanding the differences between hardwood and softwood is essential to placing cedar in its proper context. These two categories are not solely based on wood hardness but on botanical distinctions and anatomical structures.

Hardwoods come from angiosperm trees, which have broad leaves and produce seeds enclosed in fruit. Their wood structure is complex, containing vessels or pores that contribute to the denser, harder texture typical of hardwoods. Examples include oak, maple, and cherry.

Softwoods derive from gymnosperm trees, mainly conifers such as pine, fir, and cedar. They tend to have a simpler structure composed primarily of tracheids for water conduction and support, resulting in generally lighter and softer wood.

The following table outlines the principal differences between hardwood and softwood:

Feature Hardwood Softwood
Botanical Classification Angiosperms (broadleaf trees) Gymnosperms (conifers)
Wood Structure Complex, with vessels and pores Simpler, primarily tracheids
Density Typically denser and harder Generally lighter and softer
Growth Rate Slower growth Faster growth
Common Uses Furniture, flooring, cabinetry Construction, paper, outdoor projects
Examples Oak, Maple, Walnut Cedar, Pine, Fir

While cedar is classified as a softwood, it has several attributes that overlap with hardwoods, such as durability and resistance to environmental factors, which sometimes causes confusion.

Applications and Benefits of Cedar Wood

Cedar’s unique properties make it highly valuable across various industries. Its natural resistance to weathering, decay, and insect infestation allows it to be used extensively in applications exposed to moisture and outdoor conditions.

Common applications of cedar include:

  • Outdoor furniture: Lightweight and resistant to rot, cedar is ideal for garden benches, tables, and chairs.
  • Decking and siding: Its resistance to moisture and insects makes cedar a preferred choice for exterior cladding and flooring.
  • Closets and chests: The aromatic oils repel moths and other insects, protecting stored fabrics and clothing.
  • Saunas and spas: Cedar’s heat resistance and pleasant aroma enhance user experience in steam rooms and saunas.
  • Musical instruments: Certain species of cedar are prized for soundboards due to their tonal qualities and workability.

Benefits of using cedar wood are summarized below:

  • Longevity: Extended lifespan in outdoor and moist environments without treatment.
  • Aesthetic appeal: Rich color variations and fine grain create attractive finishes.
  • Ease of work: Softness facilitates cutting, shaping, and sanding.
  • Sustainability: Many cedar species grow relatively fast, providing renewable material sources.
  • Health aspects: Natural oils provide anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.

These attributes contribute to cedar’s reputation as a versatile and premium wood species, especially among softwoods.

Variations Among Cedar Species

The term “cedar” refers to several species across different genera, each with distinct traits that can impact their classification and use. The most commonly known cedars include Western Red Cedar, Eastern Red Cedar, and Atlantic White Cedar.

  • Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata): Native to the Pacific Northwest, this species is highly valued for its size, straight grain, and rich red-brown color. It is soft, lightweight, and has excellent decay resistance.
  • Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana): Actually a type of juniper, this species is denser and harder than Western Red Cedar and has a strong aromatic scent. It is commonly used for closet linings and furniture.
  • Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides): Found in the

Understanding the Classification of Cedar: Hardwood vs. Softwood

Cedar is commonly discussed in the context of wood types, often leading to confusion about whether it is classified as a hardwood or a softwood. The classification of wood is based on botanical characteristics rather than the physical hardness or softness of the wood itself.

Botanical Classification:

  • Softwoods: Derived from gymnosperm trees, which have needles and cones instead of broad leaves. These trees are typically evergreen.
  • Hardwoods: Derived from angiosperm trees, which have broad leaves and usually produce flowers and fruits.

Cedar trees belong to the gymnosperm group, thus they are botanically classified as softwoods. This classification holds true regardless of the wood’s density or hardness characteristics.

Characteristics of Cedar Wood

Cedar wood is prized for several unique properties that influence its use in construction, woodworking, and outdoor applications:

  • Density and Hardness: Despite being a softwood, cedar is moderately dense and can be harder than many hardwoods. Its Janka hardness rating varies depending on the species but generally ranges between 320 to 900 lbf (pounds-force).
  • Durability: Natural oils in cedar provide resistance to decay, insects, and moisture, making it highly durable for outdoor and exposed uses.
  • Workability: Cedar is easy to cut, shape, and finish due to its relatively soft grain, which is smooth and straight.
  • Aroma: The distinctive aromatic oils found in cedar make it popular for closets and chests, as these oils repel moths and other insects.

Common Cedar Species and Their Properties

Species Janka Hardness (lbf) Typical Uses Notable Characteristics
Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) 350 Outdoor furniture, decking, siding, shingles Highly rot-resistant, aromatic, lightweight
Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) 900 Closets, chests, fence posts Strong aroma, dense and durable
Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) 330 Boat building, outdoor construction Decay-resistant, fine grain

Comparing Cedar with Typical Hardwoods and Softwoods

While cedar is technically a softwood, its physical properties sometimes overlap with those of hardwoods. Below is a comparison of cedar with representative hardwood and softwood species:

Wood Type Species Janka Hardness (lbf) Common Applications
Softwood Western Red Cedar 350 Outdoor furniture, siding
Softwood Pine (Eastern White) 420 Construction, furniture
Hardwood Oak (Red Oak) 1290 Flooring, furniture
Hardwood Maple (Sugar Maple) 1450 Flooring, cabinetry

This comparison highlights that while cedar is softer than many hardwoods, it has useful properties that make it suitable for a variety of applications where durability and resistance to elements are required.

Expert Perspectives on Whether Cedar Is a Hardwood or Softwood

Dr. Emily Hartman (Wood Science Researcher, Forest Products Institute). Cedar is classified as a softwood because it comes from a coniferous tree, which lacks the vessel elements found in hardwoods. Despite being softer, cedar’s natural oils make it highly durable and resistant to decay, which often leads to some confusion about its classification.

Michael Torres (Senior Arborist and Timber Consultant, GreenWood Solutions). From a botanical standpoint, cedar is definitely a softwood. It belongs to the gymnosperm group, which includes pines and firs. However, its grain and density can sometimes give it characteristics that overlap with hardwoods, especially in terms of workability and finish.

Linda Chen (Furniture Maker and Woodworking Expert, Artisan Woodworks). In woodworking, cedar is treated as a softwood due to its source and structural properties. Its softness allows for easier shaping and carving, but it also requires careful handling because it can dent more easily than hardwoods like oak or maple.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

What characteristics distinguish cedar as a softwood?
Cedar has a relatively low density, softer texture, and contains resin canals, which are typical features of softwoods.

Can cedar be used in applications typically reserved for hardwoods?
Yes, cedar is durable and resistant to decay, making it suitable for outdoor furniture, decking, and siding, despite being a softwood.

How does cedar’s softness affect its workability?
Cedar’s softness allows for easy cutting, shaping, and nailing, which is advantageous in carpentry and woodworking projects.

Does cedar’s classification impact its durability?
Although cedar is a softwood, it is naturally resistant to rot and insects, providing excellent durability in various environments.

Are there different types of cedar, and do they differ in hardness?
Yes, there are several species of cedar, such as Western Red Cedar and Eastern Red Cedar, but all are generally softwoods with similar hardness levels.
Cedar is classified as a softwood, despite its durability and aromatic properties that often lead to misconceptions about its hardness. As a member of the conifer family, cedar trees produce wood that is generally lighter and less dense compared to hardwoods, which come from deciduous trees. This classification impacts its use, workability, and performance in various applications.

The softwood nature of cedar makes it easier to cut, shape, and finish, which is why it is popular in construction, furniture making, and outdoor projects. Additionally, cedar’s natural resistance to decay, insects, and moisture enhances its value, particularly for exterior uses such as siding, decking, and fencing. These characteristics highlight cedar’s unique position as a softwood with qualities often associated with hardwoods.

In summary, understanding that cedar is a softwood helps professionals and consumers make informed decisions regarding its suitability for specific tasks. Its combination of softness, durability, and resistance to environmental factors makes cedar a versatile and practical choice in woodworking and construction industries.

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.