Spanish Cedar (Cedro)
Cedrela odorata · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central and South America and the Caribbean
- Hardness
- 600 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable. Renowned for its natural resistance to decay and termites due to concentrated natural oils.
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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 & Appearance
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 (Janka)
600 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable. Renowned for its natural resistance to decay and termites due to concentrated natural oils.
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.
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
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.
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.
Notable Features
Distinctive cedar-like scent that is long-lasting; low density; contains natural resins that can seep out (weeping) if not dried properly.
