Cedar wood: Origin, type and uses

Wood has been used to make furniture, build homes and other products for centuries. They are hard, long-lasting and sturdy, all the elements needed to manufacture wooden goods. Among the many types of wood available, Cedar wood is one of the most famous woods used for construction and furniture-making. They are famously known to be durable and easy to work with. 

 

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Cedar wood: Origin 

Cedar wood is cultivated from the tree called ‘Cedrus’, which is part of the Pinaceae family. In India, they can be easily found growing in the western ghats of the Himalayas and along the Mediterranean region. In the U.S., they grow on both the western and eastern coasts. 

Since cedar wood comes in different types and colours, a single type of wood is grown in a particular area. Red cedar wood is found along the west coast; meanwhile, white cedar trees are located on the eastern coast. Alaska is the home to yellow cedar wood, and Spanish cedar wood can be located in the South of America. 

 

Cedar wood: Wood type and quality of cedar

Cedar wood is known to be very durable and has a long life span and is naturally resistant to decay. Some preservatives are found in the wood which makes them extra sturdy, and hence are very commonly used in construction work as they can also tolerate extreme weather conditions. 

Cedar wood has an open cell formation that makes them more opaque than other softwood. Since Cedar wood is low in density, it is also easier to carry the wood from the forest to the construction site or factory. The lumber wood is knotty, evenly grained and coarse. They also do not swell up or shrink easily, hence, are also preferred due to their weather tolerance. The main colour of the wood is red with a pink or purple undertone to it. 

Other softwoods are laced with resin or pitch, but that problem does not arise in cedar wood. This is one of the main reasons why cedar woods are a better wood option if you want a particular finish in your products. Cedar wood also helps trap heat and warmth in its cells, and thus houses built from it are warmer during harsh winters. It is known to be a better insulator than even concrete and brick walls. cedar wood is also less flammable. They can hold in any kind of paint job and are also easy and fun to be experimented upon. 

Many kinds of wood are known to change their texture and colour with time due to many chemical reactions that occur when they are exposed to moisture or sunlight. Cedar wood does not act like other woods; its colour does not fade away or develop an oxidised layer on the top. Instead, the colour of the wood changes from red to grey or light silver. The colour change happens very rapidly as well. 

 

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Ways to use cedar wood

Cedar wood furniture

With durability as their prime quality, Cedar Wood furniture is sought after by many.

Aromatic cedar closet

A closet made of cedar wood looks classy and is durable.

Cedar wood crafts

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Decor items carved out of cedar wood is a good choice for people who love wood decor.

Cedar wood siding

If you are looking at creating siding at your home, you should consider cedar wood.

Cedar wood essential oil

Cedar wood essential oil is a medicated oil that is used to treat a few ailments. This also helps keep bugs away.

Cedar wood decking

Cedar wood is a suitable wood for creating home decks as they are sturdy in nature.

Cedar wood: Types that are available

Many varieties of cedar wood are cultivated all around the world for various purposes. The most commonly used cedar wood are:

Eastern red cedar wood

These cedars are both male and female. One can easily differentiate between the genders, as the female cedar wood will bear blue-ish white cones, whereas the male plants will produce brown and pollinated cones. The wood is reddish brown.

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Western red cedar wood

They are reddish-brown to pinkish brown and red. They grow up to 60 m tall. They are ornamental trees. 

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Spanish cedar wood

This red-brown coloured wood also has a slight purple tint to it. The texture is smooth and fine. Spanish cedar wood is on the verge of extinction and hence, is vulnerable. They are notorious for leaving behind a huge carbon footprint, so their cultivation is banned. 

   

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Yellow Alaskan cedar wood

The colour of the Alaskan cedar wood is pale yellow. These medium-sized trees are also evergreen. The foliage is blue-green, and the branches are spread out. The cedar has a distinct bad smell.

 

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White northern cedar wood

The wood has a pale brown shade to it. The tree grows very tall (almost 70 m). The wood is durable and soft in nature. It has a pleasant earthy smell. 

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Cedar wood: Different uses 

Cedar wood comes in multiple textures and wood colours which makes it easy to work with and paint over or when you need your pieces of furniture to have a particular shine or colour. Some famous uses of cedar wood are-

• Cedar woods, being resistant to decay and water-resistant, make for great outdoor furniture, walls and beams. They can easily withstand rain and winter. 

 

• The soil that cedar wood is grown on is insect and moth repellent. Therefore the wood also makes for a good item of durable closet furniture to store clothes and keep them safe from insects.

 

• Musical instruments made from cedar wood last long as they also do not shrink or swell easily. The instruments last a long time without cracking. 

 

• The wood is lightweight and sturdy and also can be used to make shingles, which can be later used as roof tiles and outer walls of homes. 

 

• The white and red cedar wood gives off a pleasant woody fragrance, along with red or brown colour. They are used to make indoor tables, chests or side tables to elevate the interior decor of your home. 

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FAQs

Are cedars hardwood or softwood?

Cedars are softwood (gymnosperm trees) that are durable, aromatic and versatile to work with.

Are products and furniture made from Cedar wood durable?

The density of cedars is low, and their wood quality is solid and water resistant, which makes for great furniture such as tables, chests, or boats and instruments.

Do cedars get decayed easily?

No, cedar woods are known for insect and termite repellent. The wood can last a long time without any extra treatment for these bugs.

What is cedar wood essential oil good for?

Cedar wood essential oil is used for all muscle related problems.

What is cedar wood used for?

Cedar wood is used for making decks, stairs and furniture etc.

Why is Cedar wood preferred for furniture?

It is preferred for furniture because it is natural rot resistant and insect resistant.

What are the disadvantages of cedar?

Hardwood cedar breaks easily and an also have dents on them.