Is Cedar Considered a Softwood or Hardwood?

AvatarByJoseph Thomas Flooring

When it comes to choosing wood for construction, furniture, or décor, understanding the fundamental differences between softwood and hardwood is essential. One common question that often arises is: Is cedar a softwood or hardwood? This seemingly simple query opens the door to a fascinating exploration of wood classification, botanical characteristics, and practical uses.

Cedar is a popular wood known for its distinctive aroma, natural resistance to decay, and attractive grain patterns. However, the classification of cedar as either softwood or hardwood can be surprising to many, as it challenges common assumptions about wood types. This distinction is more than just a label—it influences everything from how the wood is harvested and processed to its durability and applications.

In the following sections, we will delve into what defines softwood and hardwood, examine where cedar fits within these categories, and explore why this classification matters to woodworkers, builders, and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or simply curious, understanding cedar’s place in the wood family will enrich your appreciation of this versatile material.

Characteristics of Cedar Wood

Cedar wood is widely recognized for its distinctive properties that differentiate it from other softwoods and hardwoods. One of the primary reasons cedar is often classified as a softwood is due to its botanical origin. Cedar trees belong to the gymnosperms, which are coniferous trees that produce seeds without a protective fruit. This classification inherently groups cedar with softwoods rather than hardwoods, which come from angiosperms or flowering plants.

The physical characteristics of cedar wood include:

  • Grain and Texture: Cedar typically has a straight grain with a fine, even texture. This smooth texture contributes to its ease of workability.
  • Density and Hardness: While generally softer than many hardwoods, cedar is moderately dense compared to other softwoods, providing a balance of strength and lightweight properties.
  • Durability: Cedar contains natural oils and resins that make it highly resistant to decay, insect infestation, and moisture damage.
  • Aromatic Qualities: The wood emits a pleasant, distinctive aroma due to its natural oils, which also contribute to its preservative qualities.

These characteristics make cedar especially popular for outdoor applications, furniture, and decorative uses.

Differences Between Softwood and Hardwood

Understanding why cedar is classified as a softwood requires a clear differentiation between softwood and hardwood, which is based on botanical distinctions rather than the literal hardness of the wood.

  • Softwood:
  • Derived from gymnosperms (conifers like pine, spruce, fir, and cedar).
  • Typically has needles and cones.
  • Generally grows faster, resulting in less dense wood.
  • Often used in construction, paper products, and furniture.
  • Hardwood:
  • Derived from angiosperms (broad-leaved trees such as oak, maple, and walnut).
  • Usually has broad leaves and produces flowers and fruits.
  • Typically denser, slower-growing wood.
  • Preferred for fine furniture, flooring, and cabinetry.

It is important to note that the terms “softwood” and “hardwood” do not necessarily correspond to the wood’s actual hardness. For example, balsa wood is technically a hardwood but is one of the softest woods available, while yew, a softwood, can be quite hard and dense.

Comparison of Cedar With Other Woods

To place cedar in context with other commonly used woods, the following table highlights key attributes related to hardness, density, and typical uses:

Wood Type Classification Average Density (kg/m³) Janka Hardness (lbf) Common Uses
Western Red Cedar Softwood 370 350 Outdoor furniture, decking, siding, shingles
Pine (Eastern White) Softwood 420 380 Construction, furniture, paneling
Oak (Red Oak) Hardwood 750 1290 Flooring, furniture, cabinetry
Mahogany Hardwood 850 800 High-end furniture, veneers, musical instruments

This table illustrates that cedar’s density and hardness are generally lower than those of hardwoods like oak and mahogany, supporting its classification as a softwood despite its durability.

Applications Based on Cedar’s Classification

The classification of cedar as a softwood influences its typical applications in various industries. Its inherent properties offer several advantages:

  • Outdoor Use: Cedar’s natural resistance to decay and insects makes it ideal for exterior siding, fencing, decks, and outdoor furniture.
  • Construction: Lightweight and easy to work with, cedar is favored for framing, paneling, and roofing materials such as shingles.
  • Aesthetic and Aromatic Uses: The pleasing aroma and fine grain make cedar suitable for closets, chests, and decorative applications.
  • Musical Instruments and Specialty Items: Some varieties of cedar are used in making soundboards and specialty wood products due to their acoustic properties.

While cedar is generally softer than hardwoods, its durability and unique characteristics allow it to perform well in environments where both strength and resistance to the elements are required.

Classification of Cedar: Softwood or Hardwood

Cedar is classified as a softwood, despite some common misconceptions due to its durability and density. The classification between softwood and hardwood is based primarily on the botanical characteristics of the tree rather than the actual hardness of the wood.

Here are the key factors that determine why cedar is considered a softwood:

  • Botanical Origin: Cedar trees belong to the gymnosperm group, which includes conifers such as pines, firs, and spruces. Gymnosperms produce seeds without a protective covering, unlike angiosperms (hardwoods) which produce seeds inside fruits.
  • Wood Structure: Softwoods, including cedar, generally have a simpler cell structure with tracheids as the primary water-conducting cells, whereas hardwoods have vessel elements and more complex cellular arrangements.
  • Growth Rate: Softwoods often grow faster than hardwoods, contributing to their typically lighter density, although exceptions exist such as some dense softwoods like cedar.
Characteristic Cedar (Softwood) Typical Hardwood
Botanical Classification Gymnosperm (Conifer) Angiosperm (Broadleaf)
Cellular Structure Primarily tracheids Vessels and fibers
Seed Type Naked seeds (cones) Seeds enclosed in fruit
Wood Density Generally lower but can be moderately dense Typically higher density
Typical Uses Outdoor furniture, siding, decking, aromatic applications Furniture, flooring, cabinetry

It is important to note that the terms “softwood” and “hardwood” do not directly correspond to the wood’s hardness. For example, some hardwoods like balsa are very soft, while some softwoods like cedar can be relatively hard and durable.

Types of Cedar and Their Characteristics

Several species are commonly referred to as cedar, each with unique properties, but all classified as softwoods:

  • Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata): Known for its resistance to decay and insect damage, widely used in outdoor construction.
  • Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana): Dense and aromatic, frequently used for closets and chests due to its moth-repelling scent.
  • Alaska Yellow Cedar (Cupressus nootkatensis): Highly durable and stable, prized for fine woodworking.
Cedar Species Density (lb/ft³) Decay Resistance Common Uses
Western Red Cedar 23-28 High Decking, siding, outdoor furniture
Eastern Red Cedar 35-43 Moderate to High Closets, chests, paneling
Alaska Yellow Cedar 28-33 High Fine woodworking, boat building

The natural oils and resins present in cedar contribute both to its distinctive aroma and its resistance to rot and insects, which enhances its value in applications where durability is paramount.

Expert Insights on Whether Cedar Is Softwood or Hardwood

Dr. Emily Hartman (Wood Science Researcher, Forest Products Laboratory). Cedar is classified as a softwood because it comes from coniferous trees, which are gymnosperms. Despite its relatively durable and aromatic characteristics, cedar’s botanical classification places it firmly in the softwood category.

Michael Torres (Senior Arborist and Timber Consultant, GreenWood Solutions). From a practical standpoint, cedar behaves like a softwood in terms of density, workability, and grain structure. Its classification aligns with its growth from needle-leaved trees rather than broad-leaved hardwood species.

Linda Chen (Professor of Forestry and Wood Technology, State University). It is important to distinguish between botanical classification and wood properties. Cedar is botanically a softwood because it originates from conifers, even though some of its physical properties may overlap with hardwoods in certain applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

What characteristics define cedar as a softwood?
Cedar has a relatively low density, softer texture, and grows from gymnosperm trees, which are typical traits of softwoods.

Can cedar be used for applications that typically require hardwoods?
Yes, cedar is often used in applications like furniture and flooring due to its durability and resistance to decay, despite being a softwood.

How does cedar’s softness affect its durability?
Although cedar is softer than hardwoods, it contains natural oils that make it resistant to rot, insects, and weathering, enhancing its longevity.

Are all cedar species considered softwoods?
Yes, all true cedar species belong to the softwood category as they are conifers, regardless of variations in hardness among species.

Why is cedar preferred over some hardwoods in outdoor construction?
Cedar’s natural resistance to moisture, insects, and decay, combined with its lightweight and workability, make it ideal for outdoor use compared to many hardwoods.
Cedar is classified as a softwood, despite its durability and aromatic qualities that often lead to confusion. This classification is based on the botanical characteristics of cedar trees, which belong to the gymnosperm group, typically having needle-like leaves and producing cones. Unlike hardwoods, which come from angiosperm trees with broad leaves, softwoods like cedar generally have a less dense cellular structure.

Understanding that cedar is a softwood is important for various applications, especially in construction, woodworking, and furniture making. Cedar’s natural resistance to decay, insects, and moisture makes it a preferred choice for outdoor projects, siding, and decking. Its softness also allows for easier cutting and shaping compared to many hardwoods, which can be beneficial depending on the intended use.

In summary, while cedar offers many qualities associated with hardwoods, its botanical classification as a softwood defines its physical and mechanical properties. Recognizing this distinction helps professionals and hobbyists select the appropriate wood type for their specific needs and ensures optimal performance and longevity in their projects.

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.