Cedar’s notable durability often causes confusion about whether it is a softwood or a hardwood. However, the designation of wood as “soft” or “hard” has nothing to do with its actual physical strength or density. The classification is purely botanical, rooted in how the tree reproduces.
Defining Softwood and Hardwood
The fundamental distinction between softwoods and hardwoods lies in the type of tree from which the wood originates. Hardwoods come from angiosperms, which are flowering plants that typically produce seeds enclosed in a fruit or nut. These trees, such as oak and maple, are generally deciduous, shedding their leaves annually. Their wood structure is microscopically complex, featuring specialized cells called vessels or pores for water transport, alongside strong fibers that contribute to density.
Softwoods, by contrast, are derived from gymnosperms, which are non-flowering plants that produce “naked” seeds, usually in cones. Conifers like pine, spruce, and fir are the primary examples of softwoods, and they typically retain their needles year-round. Their cellular structure is simpler, consisting mostly of long, thin cells called tracheids that handle both water conduction and structural support. This difference in cellular makeup, not the wood’s density, is the basis for the botanical terms.
The Classification of Cedar
Cedar is definitively classified as a softwood, falling under the gymnosperm category. Trees belonging to the genus Cedrus, or other species commonly called cedar (such as Western Red Cedar), are conifers that reproduce through cones and bear needles or scale-like foliage. This conifer classification immediately places cedar in the softwood group, determined by the tree’s reproductive biology rather than its material properties.
Practical Characteristics Stemming from Cedar’s Classification
Cedar’s softwood structure, dominated by tracheids, results in a relatively uniform grain and lower density compared to most hardwoods. This cellular simplicity makes the wood noticeably lightweight and highly workable, allowing it to be cut and shaped with ease. The wood also exhibits a straight grain pattern, a common trait among softwoods, which contributes to its stability and reduced tendency to warp.
Despite its botanical classification, the practical durability of cedar is a result of unique chemical compounds embedded within its structure. The heartwood contains high concentrations of natural extractives, notably thujaplicins and lignans like plicatic acid, which act as potent natural fungicides and insect repellents. These extractives protect the wood from decay and pests, explaining why cedar often outlasts many physically denser woods. The presence of these aromatic oils also imparts the wood’s signature scent, which is particularly noticeable in species like Eastern Red Cedar.
Common Applications and Practical Differences
The unique combination of light weight, workability, and natural decay resistance makes cedar highly valued for specific outdoor and specialized indoor applications. It is a preferred material for exterior projects like decking, siding, and roofing shingles because it resists moisture damage without chemical treatment. The natural oils in cedar also make it suitable for constructing saunas and hot tub enclosures, where wood is constantly exposed to heat and humidity.
Indoors, cedar’s aromatic properties are utilized in lining closets, chests, and drawers, where the scent helps to deter moths and other insects from damaging stored clothing. This contrasts sharply with the applications of true hardwoods, such as oak and maple, which are selected for their physical hardness and density. Hardwoods are typically reserved for applications requiring high resistance to wear and impact, such as flooring, fine furniture, and heavy-duty cabinetry.