Spanish Cedar (Cedro)
Cedrela odorata • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight or shallowly interlocked. The sample shows a medium-to-coarse texture with visible porous grain and some fuzzy surface fibers from rough sanding.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light pinkish to reddish brown; sapwood is pale pinkish-white. It typically darkens with age upon exposure to light. The sample displays a muted, brownish-red hue characteristic of raw Cedrela.
Hardness Rating
600 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable. Renowned for its natural resistance to decay and termites due to concentrated natural oils.
Common Uses
Humidors (cigar boxes), boat building, musical instruments (classical guitar necks), cabinetry, and outdoor millwork/shutter construction.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America and the Caribbean
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Recently processed (under 5 years) based on the lack of deep oxidation and the presence of fresh machining/sanding fuzz.
Sustainability Status
CITES Appendix II listed and on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable due to over-exploitation.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though its softness can lead to 'fuzzing' during sanding if tools are not sharp (visible in this sample). It glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive cedar-like scent that is long-lasting; low density; contains natural resins that can seep out (weeping) if not dried properly.
Finish Recommendations
Shellac is recommended to seal in natural resins. It takes oil and lacquer well, though open pores may requires a filler for a glass-smooth surface.
Identification Confidence
Medium. The color, texture, and 'fuzzy' machining characteristics strongly suggest Cedrela odorata, though visual similarity to African Mahogany (Khaya) is possible without a scent test.