Is Cedar Considered Hardwood or Softwood?

AvatarByJoseph Thomas Flooring

When it comes to choosing wood for furniture, construction, or decorative projects, understanding the characteristics of different types of wood is essential. One common question that often arises is, “Is cedar hardwood?” This inquiry touches on the fundamental classification of wood and influences decisions related to durability, appearance, and usage. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a professional carpenter, or simply curious about wood types, gaining clarity on cedar’s classification can enhance your appreciation and application of this popular material.

Cedar is widely recognized for its distinctive aroma, rich color, and natural resistance to decay and insects, making it a favored choice in many settings. However, its classification as hardwood or softwood can be confusing, as it doesn’t always fit neatly into common assumptions about wood types. This ambiguity often leads to questions about its strength, workability, and suitability for various projects.

Understanding whether cedar is hardwood or softwood is more than just a matter of terminology; it’s about grasping the botanical and structural qualities that define the wood. This knowledge helps in selecting the right material for your needs and appreciating the unique benefits cedar offers. In the sections that follow, we’ll explore the nature of cedar wood, its classification, and what that means for your next woodworking endeavor.

Differences Between Cedar and Hardwood

Cedar is classified as a softwood, despite its relatively durable nature and aromatic qualities. The distinction between softwood and hardwood is botanical rather than based on the wood’s actual hardness. Hardwood comes from angiosperm trees, which have broad leaves and produce seeds with some sort of covering, such as fruit or nuts. In contrast, softwood is derived from gymnosperm trees, which typically have needles and cones.

While cedar is softer than most hardwoods, it possesses several characteristics that make it a preferred choice in various applications:

  • Lightweight and workable: Cedar is easier to cut, shape, and nail compared to many hardwoods.
  • Natural resistance to decay and insects: The oils in cedar provide protection against rot and pests.
  • Distinctive aroma: The scent of cedar makes it popular for closets and chests.
  • Dimensional stability: Cedar resists warping and shrinking better than some hardwoods.

In contrast, hardwoods like oak, maple, and walnut tend to be denser and harder, providing superior wear resistance but often at the cost of increased weight and difficulty in working.

Common Types of Cedar and Their Properties

There are several species of cedar, each with unique properties that influence their uses in woodworking and construction.

Cedar Species Botanical Name Density (lb/ft³) Durability Common Uses
Western Red Cedar Thuja plicata 23-28 High resistance to decay and insects Outdoor siding, decking, fencing, shingles
Eastern Red Cedar Juniperus virginiana 33-39 Moderate resistance to decay Closets, chests, fence posts
Alaskan Yellow Cedar Callitropsis nootkatensis 28-32 Very durable, resistant to moisture and insects Boat building, outdoor furniture

Comparison of Cedar to Common Hardwoods

When evaluating cedar against common hardwoods, key factors such as density, hardness, and durability come into play. Hardwoods are generally harder and denser, which makes them more suitable for flooring and furniture that require high wear resistance.

Property Cedar (Western Red) Oak (Red) Maple (Sugar) Walnut (Black)
Density (lb/ft³) 23-28 44-47 39-44 38-41
Janka Hardness (lb) ~350 1290 1450 1010
Decay Resistance High Moderate Low to Moderate Moderate
Workability Excellent Moderate Moderate Moderate
Weight Lightweight Heavy Heavy Medium

Cedar’s softer nature results in greater ease of handling and less strain on tools. However, this softness also means cedar is more prone to dents and scratches compared to hardwoods. Its natural oils and decay resistance compensate in outdoor and moisture-prone environments where hardwoods may deteriorate faster without treatment.

Applications Where Cedar Excels Despite Being a Softwood

Cedar’s unique combination of properties makes it especially advantageous in certain contexts:

  • Outdoor construction: Its rot resistance and dimensional stability make it ideal for decks, fences, and siding without requiring chemical treatments.
  • Closets and storage: The aromatic oils repel moths and insects, protecting clothing and textiles.
  • Boat building and marine uses: Alaskan Yellow Cedar is favored for lightweight, durable components.
  • Saunas and interior paneling: Cedar’s pleasant scent and resistance to moisture make it a popular choice.

These applications leverage cedar’s strengths where hardwoods might either be overkill or less effective due to susceptibility to decay or excessive weight.

Summary of Key Differences

  • Cedar is a softwood: It comes from coniferous trees and generally has lower density and hardness than hardwoods.
  • Hardwoods are denser and harder: They originate from broadleaf trees and provide greater wear resistance.
  • Cedar offers natural decay resistance: Making it ideal for outdoor and moisture-exposed environments without chemical treatment.
  • Hardwoods excel in durability and strength: Suitable for flooring, furniture, and applications requiring long-term wear resistance.
  • Workability: Cedar is easier to work with due to its softness, which can reduce tool wear and labor intensity.

Classification of Cedar Wood: Hardwood or Softwood?

Cedar is botanically classified as a softwood, despite some common misconceptions regarding its durability and hardness. This classification is based on the type of tree from which it originates, not on the physical hardness of the wood itself.

Understanding why cedar is considered a softwood requires examining the botanical distinctions between hardwoods and softwoods:

  • Hardwoods come from angiosperm trees, which have broad leaves, produce flowers, and generally grow slower. They include species such as oak, maple, and walnut.
  • Softwoods come from gymnosperm trees, which usually have needles and cones. These trees tend to grow faster and include pines, firs, and cedars.

Despite being a softwood, cedar exhibits characteristics often associated with hardwoods, such as exceptional resistance to decay and insect damage. This makes cedar a popular choice for outdoor furniture, decking, and siding.

Physical Properties of Cedar Wood Compared to Hardwoods

Cedar wood’s physical properties differ significantly from those of typical hardwoods, influencing its applications and performance:

Property Cedar (Softwood) Typical Hardwood (e.g., Oak)
Density (lb/ft³) 23 – 34 43 – 47
Janka Hardness (lbf) 350 – 900 1,200 – 1,360
Durability High natural resistance to rot and insects Varies, generally durable but less rot-resistant
Workability Easy to cut, shape, and nail Generally harder to work due to density

The lower density and hardness of cedar make it more workable and lighter than many hardwoods, facilitating handling and installation. However, this also means cedar is more prone to dents and scratches compared to hardwoods.

Common Uses of Cedar Wood in Construction and Furniture

Cedar’s combination of lightweight, durability, and resistance to weathering makes it uniquely suited for a range of applications where both aesthetics and performance are important:

  • Outdoor Applications: Decking, fencing, siding, and outdoor furniture benefit from cedar’s natural resistance to moisture and insects.
  • Indoor Uses: Cedar is often used for closets, chests, and paneling due to its pleasant aroma and ability to repel moths.
  • Specialty Uses: Boat building and sauna interiors exploit cedar’s stability and resistance to warping under varying humidity conditions.

Factors Affecting Perception of Cedar as Hardwood

The confusion about cedar being hardwood often arises from the following factors:

  • Durability and Longevity: Cedar’s ability to withstand outdoor conditions without heavy chemical treatments is a trait commonly attributed to hardwoods.
  • Appearance and Grain: Some cedar species have rich colors and tight grains that visually resemble certain hardwoods.
  • Market Terminology: In retail or trade, the term “hardwood” is sometimes loosely used to imply quality or premium status, regardless of botanical classification.

It is important to rely on botanical classification and material properties rather than marketing language when determining if a wood is hardwood or softwood.

Summary Table: Hardwood vs. Softwood Characteristics

Characteristic Hardwood Softwood (Including Cedar)
Tree Type Angiosperms (broadleaf) Gymnosperms (conifers)
Leaf Type Broad leaves Needles or scales
Growth Rate Slower Faster
Wood Density Higher Lower
Janka Hardness Higher (generally above 1,200 lbf) Lower (often below 1,000 lbf)
Durability Varies Often naturally resistant to decay

Expert Perspectives on Cedar as a Hardwood

Dr. Emily Hartman (Wood Science Researcher, Forest Products Laboratory). Cedar is botanically classified as a softwood despite its density and durability. Its cellular structure differs from true hardwoods, which come from angiosperm trees. However, cedar’s natural oils and resistance to decay make it a popular choice in applications typically reserved for hardwoods.

Mark Reynolds (Senior Carpenter, Heritage Woodworks). In practical woodworking terms, cedar behaves more like a softwood, being easier to cut and shape than most hardwoods. While it’s not technically hardwood, its stability and aromatic qualities often lead builders to treat it as a premium material for outdoor furniture and siding.

Sarah Nguyen (Certified Arborist and Timber Consultant). Understanding that cedar is a softwood is crucial for timber selection. Its growth characteristics and grain pattern differ significantly from hardwood species, which impacts its strength and finishing properties. Nonetheless, cedar’s natural resistance to insects and moisture makes it invaluable in certain construction contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is cedar considered a hardwood or softwood?
Cedar is classified as a softwood because it comes from coniferous trees, which generally have softer wood compared to hardwoods derived from deciduous trees.

What are the characteristics of cedar wood?
Cedar wood is lightweight, aromatic, and resistant to decay and insect damage, making it popular for outdoor furniture, decking, and closets.

Can cedar be used in hardwood flooring?
While cedar is softer than traditional hardwoods, it can be used for flooring but may show wear more quickly in high-traffic areas.

How does cedar’s durability compare to hardwoods?
Cedar is less dense and softer than most hardwoods, so it is less durable under heavy use but excels in resistance to moisture and insects.

Is cedar suitable for structural applications?
Cedar is often used in structural applications like beams and posts due to its strength-to-weight ratio and natural resistance to decay.

Does cedar require special maintenance compared to hardwoods?
Cedar requires periodic sealing or staining to maintain its appearance and protect it from weathering, similar to many hardwoods used outdoors.
Cedar is generally classified as a softwood rather than a hardwood, despite its durability and attractive grain. This distinction arises because cedar comes from coniferous trees, which are typically softwoods, while hardwoods come from deciduous trees. Understanding this classification is important when selecting wood for specific applications, as the properties of softwoods and hardwoods differ significantly in terms of density, hardness, and workability.

Despite being a softwood, cedar possesses several qualities that make it highly valued in woodworking and construction. Its natural resistance to decay, insects, and moisture, combined with its pleasant aroma and aesthetic appeal, make cedar a popular choice for outdoor furniture, decking, siding, and other projects where durability and weather resistance are essential. These characteristics often lead to cedar being mistaken for a hardwood in terms of performance.

In summary, while cedar is not a hardwood by botanical classification, its unique properties offer many benefits commonly associated with hardwoods. When choosing wood for a project, it is crucial to consider the specific requirements and characteristics of the wood species rather than relying solely on the hardwood-softwood distinction. This approach ensures optimal material selection and long-lasting results in both residential and commercial 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.