Spanish Cedar (Cedro)
Cedrela odorata • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight or shallowly interlocked. The face grain shows a fine, uniform texture with visible pores that can appear as dark streaks. Some pieces exhibit a modest ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale pinkish-brown to a darker reddish-brown. The sapwood is typically a pale yellowish-white. The color tends to darken and become more uniform with age and light exposure. Features a natural medium luster.
Hardness Rating
600 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable. Highly resistant to termite and insect attack as well as rot and decay due to natural aromatic oils.
Common Uses
Humidors, boat building, musical instruments (specifically classical guitar necks), cabinetry, exterior siding, and window sashes.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America, Caribbean, and Mexico.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot, depending on width and kiln-drying quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled or surfaced. The bright, fresh color and lack of deep oxidation or patina suggest the sample is relatively new and has been kept in a controlled environment.
Sustainability Status
Listed on CITES Appendix II and classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to over-exploitation. FSC-certified sources are available but becoming more regulated.
Workability
Excellent with both hand and machine tools. It is easy to plane and sand, though its softness makes it prone to denting. It glues and finishes well, although natural resins can occasionally bloom on the surface as 'cedar bleed'.
Notable Features
Features a very distinct, pleasant, lingering cedar-like scent. The wood contains natural oils that repel insects. It is exceptionally lightweight yet stable in fluctuating humidity.
Finish Recommendations
Shellac or lacquer are recommended for instruments and humidor exteriors. Penetrating oils work well but may require a sealer if resin pockets are present. Avoid heavy film-forming finishes for interiors of humidors to preserve the scent.
Identification Confidence
High. The pinkish-tan hue, prominent open-pore structure visible in the side grain, and characteristic soft-looking end-grain fibers are classic indicators of Cedrela odorata.