Spanish Cedar
Cedrela odorata • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but can be shallowly interlocked; features a medium to coarse texture with a naturally high luster.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pinkish to reddish brown; color tends to darken with age. Sapwood is a pale pinkish white, clearly demarcated from heartwood.
Hardness Rating
600 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and termites; notable for its ability to repel tobacco beetles.
Common Uses
Cigar boxes, humidor linings, musical instruments (mostly classical guitar necks), boat building, and lightweight furniture.
Geographic Origin
Native to Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $15.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively young/Contemporary; the fresh milling marks and lack of oxidation suggest a manufactured item under 5 years old.
Sustainability Status
Listed on CITES Appendix II and classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to heavy exploitation.
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools; however, its softness can lead to fuzzy surfaces if tools are not sharp. Natural resins can occasionally gum up blades.
Notable Features
Distinctive, lingering cedar-like scent; high natural oil content; excellent dimensional stability; low weight/density.
Finish Recommendations
Often left unfinished in humidors to allow the scent to permeate; if finished, shellac or lacquer is recommended. Oil finishes may bleed due to natural resins.
Identification Confidence
High; the context of a cigar box (Habanitos label), the pinkish-tan hue, prominent open pores, and use of thin-milled stock are diagnostic of Cedrela odorata.