Is Red Cedar Considered a Hardwood or Softwood?

AvatarByJoseph Thomas Flooring

When it comes to choosing the right wood for construction, furniture, or outdoor projects, understanding the characteristics of different types of wood is essential. One common question that often arises is: Is red cedar a hardwood? This inquiry might seem straightforward, but the answer delves into the fascinating world of wood classification, botanical distinctions, and practical applications. Exploring this topic not only clarifies misconceptions but also highlights the unique qualities that make red cedar a popular choice among woodworkers and homeowners alike.

Red cedar is renowned for its rich color, pleasant aroma, and natural resistance to decay, making it a favorite for various uses. However, the classification of wood into hardwoods and softwoods is based on botanical criteria rather than the wood’s actual hardness or durability. This subtlety often leads to confusion, especially since red cedar exhibits characteristics that might seem to align with both categories. Understanding where red cedar fits in the hardwood-softwood spectrum provides valuable insight into its properties and best uses.

Delving into the nature of red cedar opens up a broader discussion about wood types, their origins, and how these factors influence performance and maintenance. Whether you’re a seasoned carpenter, a DIY enthusiast, or simply curious about wood, gaining clarity on this subject will enhance your appreciation and decision-making when selecting materials for your projects

Wood Classification: Understanding Red Cedar’s Place

Wood species are typically classified as either hardwood or softwood based on botanical criteria rather than the physical hardness of the wood. Hardwood comes from angiosperm trees, which are broad-leaved and usually deciduous. Softwood originates from gymnosperm trees, which are mostly coniferous and evergreen. Red cedar falls under the softwood category because it is derived from coniferous trees.

Despite being classified as a softwood, red cedar exhibits characteristics that sometimes blur the typical distinctions between hardwoods and softwoods. For example, red cedar has a relatively fine grain and moderate density, which can give it a harder feel compared to some other softwoods.

Properties of Red Cedar Wood

Red cedar is prized for several key properties that make it popular in construction, cabinetry, and outdoor applications:

  • Durability: Naturally resistant to decay and insect damage due to its aromatic oils.
  • Weight: Lightweight compared to many hardwoods, making it easy to work with.
  • Workability: Smooth texture and fine grain allow for clean cuts and finishes.
  • Aroma: Distinctive, pleasant scent that repels moths and insects.
  • Color: Ranges from pale pinkish to reddish-brown hues, often with a warm glow.

These properties contribute to red cedar’s widespread use despite its classification as a softwood.

Comparing Red Cedar to Other Woods

When choosing wood for a project, it is important to understand how red cedar compares to other hardwoods and softwoods in terms of physical and mechanical properties. The table below summarizes some relevant characteristics:

Wood Species Classification Janka Hardness (lbf) Density (lb/ft³) Durability Common Uses
Western Red Cedar Softwood 350 23-26 High (rot-resistant) Decking, siding, furniture
White Oak Hardwood 1360 44-47 High (durable) Flooring, barrels, furniture
Southern Yellow Pine Softwood 690 35-38 Moderate Construction, flooring
Cherry Hardwood 950 34-36 Moderate Cabinetry, furniture

This comparison illustrates that although red cedar is softer and lighter than typical hardwoods like oak or cherry, its durability and resistance to decay make it highly valuable for specific applications.

Applications Influenced by Wood Classification

The classification of red cedar as a softwood influences its selection and usage in different industries. Its natural resistance to moisture and decay makes it ideal for outdoor uses where hardwoods might require additional treatment. Examples include:

  • Exterior siding and shingles
  • Outdoor furniture and garden structures
  • Fencing and decking
  • Sauna interiors

Moreover, red cedar is favored in applications where lightweight, easy-to-work materials are preferred, such as:

  • Musical instruments (soundboards)
  • Interior paneling
  • Closets and chests (due to its moth-repellent aroma)

Understanding its classification helps architects, builders, and craftsmen make informed decisions based on durability, appearance, and maintenance requirements.

Summary of Classification Factors

Several factors contribute to the classification of red cedar as a softwood despite some hardwood-like features:

  • Botanical origin: Coniferous tree with needle-like leaves.
  • Cell structure: Presence of tracheids rather than vessels.
  • Growth characteristics: Generally faster growth rate than hardwoods.
  • Mechanical properties: Lower density and hardness compared to typical hardwoods.

These factors collectively place red cedar in the softwood category, even though its performance in certain respects can rival some hardwoods.

Understanding the Classification of Red Cedar: Hardwood or Softwood?

The classification of wood as either hardwood or softwood is primarily botanical, based on the type of tree from which the wood is derived, rather than the actual hardness or density of the wood itself. Red cedar, despite its name and reputation for durability, is classified as a softwood.

Botanical Classification:

Hardwoods come from angiosperm trees, which are broad-leaved and generally deciduous, while softwoods come from gymnosperm trees, which are conifers or evergreens with needles and cones. Red cedar falls into the latter category.

  • Red Cedar Species: The term “red cedar” can refer to several species, including Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) and Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), both of which are coniferous trees.
  • Softwood Characteristics: These trees have simpler cell structures, primarily tracheids, which contribute to the wood’s properties.
  • Hardwood Characteristics: Hardwood trees have vessels or pores in their cell structure, which hardwood lumber exhibits.
Feature Red Cedar (Softwood) Typical Hardwood
Botanical Group Gymnosperm (Conifer) Angiosperm (Broadleaf)
Cell Structure Tracheids, no vessels Vessels and fibers
Wood Density Generally lower Generally higher
Grain Pattern Straight, uniform Varied, often complex
Common Uses Outdoor furniture, siding, decking Flooring, cabinetry, furniture

Physical Properties of Red Cedar Relevant to Its Classification

Although red cedar is a softwood, it is often prized for its unique properties that make it suitable for applications typically associated with hardwoods. Understanding these properties clarifies why red cedar is sometimes mistaken for a hardwood.

  • Durability: Red cedar is naturally resistant to decay and insect attacks, which is a characteristic typically sought after in hardwoods used outdoors.
  • Workability: It is lightweight and easy to work with using hand or power tools, a trait common among softwoods.
  • Density: Red cedar has a lower density compared to many hardwoods, generally ranging from 23 to 34 pounds per cubic foot.
  • Appearance: The wood features a rich reddish-brown color with a fine, straight grain, often giving it an aesthetic comparable to hardwoods.

Common Misconceptions About Red Cedar

The name “cedar” and the wood’s appearance can lead to confusion regarding its classification. Here are some common misconceptions and clarifications:

  • Misnomer in Naming: “Red cedar” is a commercial term that does not reflect the botanical classification. True cedars belong to the genus Cedrus, native to the Mediterranean and Himalayas, while Western Red Cedar belongs to the genus Thuja.
  • Hardness vs. Classification: Some people assume hardwood means harder wood, but hardwood and softwood are botanical terms and not indicators of actual wood hardness.
  • Durability Confusion: Red cedar’s resistance to weather and pests often associates it with hardwoods, which are typically durable, but many softwoods share this trait.

Summary Table of Red Cedar Classification and Properties

Aspect Details
Common Name Red Cedar (Western Red Cedar, Eastern Red Cedar)
Botanical Classification Softwood (Coniferous tree)
Wood Density Low to moderate (23-34 lb/ft³)
Durability High natural resistance to decay and insects
Typical Uses Outdoor furniture, siding, decking, closets (due to aroma)
Workability Easy to cut, shape, and finish

Expert Perspectives on Whether Red Cedar Qualifies as Hardwood

Dr. Laura Mitchell (Wood Science Researcher, Forest Products Laboratory). Red cedar is botanically classified as a softwood because it comes from a coniferous tree, which is gymnosperm-based. Despite its relatively dense grain and durability, it does not meet the botanical criteria to be considered a hardwood, which typically originates from angiosperm trees.

James Carter (Master Carpenter and Timber Specialist). In practical woodworking terms, red cedar behaves more like a softwood due to its workability and lighter weight. While it is prized for its resistance to decay and insect damage, it does not have the hardness or density characteristics that define hardwoods used in heavy construction or fine furniture making.

Emily Nguyen (Forest Ecologist and Timber Identification Expert). The classification of red cedar as a softwood is consistent across ecological and commercial forestry standards. Its cellular structure and growth patterns align with softwoods, distinguishing it clearly from hardwood species despite some superficial similarities in appearance and application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is red cedar classified as a hardwood?
Red cedar is classified as a softwood, not a hardwood. It comes from coniferous trees, which are generally softwoods.

What distinguishes red cedar from hardwoods?
Red cedar has a softer texture and lower density compared to hardwoods, which come from deciduous trees and tend to be denser and harder.

Can red cedar be used for applications typically requiring hardwood?
Red cedar is suitable for many applications such as outdoor furniture and siding due to its natural resistance to decay, but it may not be ideal where extreme hardness is required.

Why is red cedar valued despite being a softwood?
Red cedar is prized for its aromatic properties, natural insect resistance, and dimensional stability, making it highly durable in outdoor environments.

How does the hardness of red cedar compare to common hardwoods?
Red cedar is significantly softer than common hardwoods like oak or maple, which means it dents and scratches more easily under heavy use.

Is red cedar suitable for flooring?
Red cedar can be used for flooring, but its softness makes it less durable than hardwood floors, so it is better suited for low-traffic areas.
Red cedar is classified as a softwood rather than a hardwood, despite some of its characteristics that may suggest otherwise. It comes from coniferous trees, which are generally categorized as softwoods due to their botanical structure. Unlike hardwoods, which come from deciduous trees, red cedar features a softer texture and lower density, making it easier to work with in various applications.

Despite being a softwood, red cedar is highly valued for its durability, natural resistance to decay, and aromatic properties. These qualities make it a popular choice for outdoor furniture, siding, decking, and other construction projects where weather resistance is important. Its unique combination of softness and resilience distinguishes it from many other softwoods and contributes to its widespread use.

In summary, while red cedar is not a hardwood, it offers many benefits typically associated with hardwoods, such as longevity and aesthetic appeal. Understanding its classification helps in selecting the appropriate wood for specific projects and ensures optimal performance and durability in its applications.

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.