Uses of Cedar Lumber

Uses of Cedar Lumber
Types, Properties, and Uses of Cedar Lumber (2 nd Title)
(Summary: Cedar Lumber is one of the most popular and premium options for building
furniture, as well as many other popular tools and instruments. Let’s examine the
inherent properties that make it the best choice and the types of cedar lumber to select
from based on their specific characteristics.)
Cedar wood is widely known for its scent, but it has several other properties that are equally
appealing and useful. These characteristics have expanded its usage in multiple industries.
Some of the major benefits of this cedar wood include its utility in everything from roof
shingles to guitars. However, the versatility is heavily dependent on the type of cedar
lumber used, as not all are designed equally. In other words, a specific type of cedar lumber
could be ideal for certain uses while not appropriate for others.
General Qualities
Cedar usually contains three basic features: It is softwood and matches pinewood in terms
of hardness; it is not prone to changing its shape due to moisture; and its completely
moisture-resistant. These qualities render it the most reliable for building furniture and
other wood articles. It is also known for its aromatic characteristics.
Types of Cedar
Cedar lumber is an excellent option for indoor and outdoor projects, as its multiple
variations are adaptable for use in different formats based on their respective
characteristics. Ascertaining what types of wood will work best for your project is essential
to maximizing the utility for all types of cedar lumber. Overall, cedar can be classified into
two major categories:
1. Northern White Cedar
This type of cedar is mostly harvested in its native environment of the Northeast portion of
the United States. It is known for its natural bug-and-rot-resistant features. Its color
gradually changes to silver-gray with aging. Due to its soft wood characteristics, it adapts in
uniform fashion to the paint and stain utilized on it. It is not prone to any splits, cracks or
other water-related damage. It is highly durable and known for its utility in making shingles
that last well over 100 years.
Applications of White Cedar
Its durability and long-lasting features makes Northern White Cedar an optimal choice for a
wide variety of applications. It is widely used in siding, decking, shingles, garden material, or
even as fence panels. Additionally, due to its proficiency in resisting wood bugs and rot, it
has developed into an excellent option for the creation of all types of outdoor and indoor

furniture. It is also a common material used in aquatic equipment, including in the
construction of saunas, ships, boats, canoe ribs, etc.
2. Western Red Cedar
Western Red Cedar is native to the region of the Pacific Northwest that ranges from South
Alaska to Oregon. Because of its decay-resistant features, it is considered one of the most
durable and popular lumbers of the area. It darkens as it ages, which results in a beautiful
dark brown-red shade. It has a naturally straight grain and is extremely lightweight. It also
emits a subtle aroma that serves to enhance its appeal even further.
Western Red Cedar is specifically known for its resonant qualities, that, when combined
with its stability and relative lightness, render it an excellent option for crafting musical
instruments. Due to its resistance against warping and cracking – as well as its ability to
enhance acoustic qualities -- this wood is mostly used in manufacturing guitars, violins and
other similar wood-stringed instruments. These same properties also make it a popular
choice for interior paneling in rooms and corridors.
Uses for Red Cedar
Similar to White Cedar, Red Cedar is also well known for its durability and resistance to the
elements, making it an optimal choice for a variety of outdoor projects, including siding,
roofing and fencing work. Red Cedar is equally effective for indoor construction, especially
in humid climates, as it never warps or swells in such weather. Due to its natural aromatic
properties, it is also a popular choice in furniture fabrication. One common example of the
latter is cedar chests, which are often used to store valuable and/or personally meaningful
items. These are frequently crafted from Red Cedar, as its properties are essential in
preventing bug and termite infestations.
Whether you are planning to use White Cedar or Red Cedar in Miami, one thing is clear --
this type of lumber is one of the most durable and robust wood options on the market due
to its insulating and decay-resistant properties.