Habitat: North and Central America, West Indies, Bermuda, and the Old World.
Janka Hardness Rating: 900
The Tree: The Western Red cedar tree is what most people (at least in the Northwestern United States) refer to when they use the term "cedar". Many other conifers known as cedars resemble true cedars in being evergreen and in having aromatic, often red or red-tinged wood. Nonetheless, "true" cedars are the Atlas cedar, the Cyprus cedar, the deodar, and the Lebanese Cedar.
The Wood: Cedar wood is light, soft, resinous, and durable, even when in contact with soil or moisture. Its distinct cell structure discourages moisture rot by allowing it to dry faster than outdoor furniture made from tropical hardwoods.
Uses: Cedar is extensively used in chest making, closet lining, shingles, posts, decks, novelties and Venetian blinds. Oil from the wood (cedrol) is used in the making of medicines and perfumes. It is the natural evaporation of the oils that creates its very aromatic scent.
