Spanish cedar
Cedrela spp. · Hardwood · Central and South America
Properties
| Janka hardness | 600 lbf (2,669 N) |
|---|---|
| Average dried weight (est.) | 26 lb/ft³ (410 kg/m³) |
| Specific gravity | 0.41 |
| Modulus of rupture | 11,500 psi (79.3 MPa) |
| Modulus of elasticity | 1.44 million psi (9.93 GPa) |
| Crushing strength | 6,210 psi (42.8 MPa) |
| Shrinkage — radial | 4.2% |
| Shrinkage — tangential | 6.3% |
| Shrinkage — volumetric | 10.3% |
| Shrinkage T/R ratio | 1.5 |
Values at 12% moisture content, clear-wood averages. Source: USDA Forest Products Laboratory, Wood Handbook FPL-GTR-282 (2021), Table 5-5b p. 5-25; shrinkage Table 4-4 p. 4-9.
Spanish cedar (Cedrela spp.) is a light, easily worked tropical hardwood (specific gravity 0.41, Janka hardness 600 lbf) long favored for cigar boxes, humidors, and boat work. Neotropical Cedrela species are listed in CITES Appendix II, and Cedrela odorata is assessed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Appearance & grain
The heartwood runs from light to dark reddish brown. The sapwood is pinkish to white. The texture ranges from rather fine and uniform to coarse and uneven, the grain is generally not interlocked, and the heartwood carries a distinctive odor.
Durability
The Handbook considers Spanish cedar a decay-resistant wood, part of why it is specified for boats, cigar boxes, and humidors.
Workability
The Handbook states plainly that Spanish cedar dries easily and works and glues well — one of the most cooperative of the tropical cabinet woods. Locally in its range it is used for nearly any purpose needing a light, durable, easily worked wood.
Common uses
- Millwork
- Cabinets
- Fine furniture
- Boat building
- Cigar boxes and wrappers
- Humidors
- Decorative and utility plywood
Conservation: listed in CITES Appendix II · IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (checked 2026-10-24).
Work with Spanish cedar
Similar woods
Photo: Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (France). Programme Bois. Producteur d'un fonds d'archives · Public domain (source)
Property data: USDA Forest Products Laboratory, Wood Handbook — Wood as an Engineering Material, FPL-GTR-282 (2021).