Spanish Cedar
Cedrela odorata · Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Native to Central and South America and the Caribbean; also grown in plantations in tropical Africa.
- Hardness
- 600 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and highly resistant to termite attack and other insects due to natural oils.
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Grain Pattern
Straight or shallowly interlocked, with a fine to medium texture and a characteristic vertical stripe when quarter-sawn.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from a pale pinkish-brown to a darker reddish-brown. Color tends to darken with age and exposure to light. Sapwood is typically a pale yellowish-white and is clearly demarcated from heartwood.
Hardness (Janka)
600 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and highly resistant to termite attack and other insects due to natural oils.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on thickness and quality.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern lumber; the rough-sawn surface and lack of significant oxidation or patina suggest it is recently processed or newly purchased.
- Sustainability Status
- Listed on CITES Appendix II and classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to over-exploitation.
Common Uses
Cigar humidors, boat building, musical instruments (classic guitar necks), high-end cabinetry, exterior joinery, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Native to Central and South America and the Caribbean; also grown in plantations in tropical Africa.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and finishes well, though its softness makes it prone to denting and fuzzy surfaces if tools are not sharp.
Finish Recommendations
Shellac is highly recommended as a sealer to prevent resin bleed; it finishes beautifully with oil, lacquer, or polyurethane. Often left unfinished inside humidors to utilize its aromatic properties.
Notable Features
Distinguished by a very strong, pleasant cedar-like scent. Contains natural oils and resins that can 'weep' or bleed through finishes if not properly sealed.
