Cedar is a wood that stands out from the rest due to its distinctive smell. Unlike other woods, cedar has a strong and recognizable scent that can be perceived even when it’s not being burned or cut. In fact, cedar was so revered in ancient times that it was mentioned in the Bible and associated with power and wealth. Kings David and Solomon used cedar to build palaces and the temple of Jerusalem. Even today, the cedar tree holds significant symbolic value and is depicted on the Lebanese flag.
Did you know that there are different types of cedar, including true cedar and false cedar? True cedar consists of four species found around the Mediterranean and the Himalayas. However, many of the trees we commonly refer to as cedars are actually false cedars. In North America, the two most common types of cedar are the Western Red Cedar, which is a variety of cypress, and the Eastern Red Cedar, also known as aromatic cedar, which is a type of juniper. Despite their differences, true cedars and false cedars share similar characteristics.
One of the key characteristics of cedar is its aromatic nature. It has a pleasant and distinctive smell that varies in intensity depending on the species. This aroma is due to the natural oils present in the wood. The Eastern Red Cedar specifically has the most intense and pleasant smell, making it an excellent choice for lining closets and hope chests. Insects also tend to avoid cedar due to its strong scent, adding to its appeal as a natural insect repellent.
In addition to its fragrance, cedar is highly resistant to rot and insect attacks. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor furniture, garden boxes, pergolas, decks, fences, and even shipbuilding. Most wooden canoes are constructed using cedar strips. It’s important to note that the heartwood, which refers to the center or oldest part of the tree, is the part that possesses these rot and insect-resistant qualities. The sapwood, on the other hand, lacks these characteristics. Cedar also has the advantage of being lightweight and soft, making it easy to work with and transport.
Cedar is also known for its dimensional stability. Unlike many other woods, cedar doesn’t undergo significant shrinkage or swelling with changes in humidity or moisture content. When it does move, it does so uniformly, making it an excellent choice for boat building and other applications where stability is crucial. Its remarkable properties make cedar an excellent material for various indoor and outdoor applications, including shingles, musical instruments, furniture, and even medicines.
Western red cedars, found mostly in the Pacific Northwest, have an impressive lifespan, capable of reaching over 1500 years. Although aggressive logging has diminished their numbers, some ancient cedar forests still exist, housing trees that were centuries old even during Charlemagne’s reign. Eastern red cedars, by comparison, have a lifespan of only a few hundred years. While the lumber from these trees is exquisite, they can often be considered a nuisance in certain areas, such as Texas, where they cause allergies or what is known as cedar fever. They also consume significant amounts of groundwater and can pose a fire hazard in low humidity conditions.
It’s important to take precautions when working with cedar due to its potential irritants. Woodworkers may experience mild skin irritation or eye irritation when exposed to cedar dust. To minimize any adverse effects, wearing gloves and a proper mask is essential.
In conclusion, cedar is an exceptional wood with incredible properties. Its beauty, rot resistance, insect repellent qualities, and dimensional stability make it a versatile choice for both indoor and outdoor applications. Whether it’s constructing furniture, building boats, or lining closets, cedar is truly one of the most versatile woods around.
What are your experiences with cedar? Have you worked with it before? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below. If you found this guide informative, don’t forget to like and subscribe to my channel for more insightful content. Until next time!
