The question of whether Red Cedar is a hardwood or a softwood is a common point of confusion for anyone interested in lumber. This misunderstanding stems from the difference between a tree’s scientific classification and the everyday perception of a wood’s physical characteristics, such as density or strength. The terms “hardwood” and “softwood” are not measures of physical hardness, but rather a simple botanical grouping that dictates the tree’s reproductive structure.
The Botanical Classification of Red Cedar
Red Cedar is definitively classified as a softwood, a designation based entirely on the way the tree reproduces. Softwoods originate from gymnosperm trees, meaning “naked seed,” which produce cones that release exposed seeds, such as pines, firs, and cedars. Hardwoods, by contrast, come from angiosperms, or flowering plants, which enclose their seeds, often in a fruit or nut.
This botanical difference translates directly to the wood’s microscopic structure. Softwoods like Red Cedar are composed primarily of long, thin cells called tracheids, which perform both water conduction and structural support.
Hardwoods possess a more complex structure that includes specialized vessel elements for water transport and separate, dedicated fibers for structural support. Because Red Cedar belongs to the Cupressaceae family, a group of conifers, it exclusively utilizes the simpler tracheid system, confirming its place as a softwood. Both the Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and the Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) are gymnosperms.
Why Red Cedar is Often Mistaken for a Hardwood
The confusion about Red Cedar’s classification arises because the terms “hardwood” and “softwood” are mistakenly associated with the wood’s physical resistance to denting or scratching. While the wood of most gymnosperms is softer than that of most angiosperms, this correlation is not absolute. Some softwoods can be physically harder than some woods botanically classified as hardwoods.
Red Cedar possesses durability and resistance to environmental factors that leads many to assume it must be a hardwood. The heartwood of Eastern Red Cedar, for instance, exhibits a Janka hardness rating of around 900 pounds-force, which is higher than some true hardwoods. Western Red Cedar is considerably softer, with a Janka rating around 320 pounds-force, yet its superior decay resistance contributes to the perception of it being a durable wood.
The perception of strength is influenced by the wood’s natural defense mechanisms. Red Cedar is highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage due to natural extractives within its heartwood. This natural longevity and resilience in exterior applications override the botanical classification, creating the persistent misconception.
Practical Applications and Desirable Qualities
Red Cedar is highly valued in construction and woodworking because of the unique qualities that contribute to its perceived durability. The wood contains natural oils, such as thujaplicins in Western Red Cedar, which act as powerful fungicides and insecticides. This natural preservation means the wood is protected without the need for chemical treatments.
The dimensional stability of Red Cedar is another desirable trait. Its low density and low shrinkage factor mean it resists warping, twisting, and cupping, even when exposed to moisture. This makes it a preferred choice for outdoor structures that must endure changing weather conditions.
Its lightweight nature and porous cellular structure give it excellent insulating properties, helping to keep structures cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The wood also releases a distinct, pleasing aroma, which has historically made it popular for lining closets and chests to naturally deter pests. These combined characteristics make Red Cedar an ideal material for applications like decking, exterior siding, shingles, and interior paneling.