Cedar is a softwood valued for its distinctive aroma, natural durability, and long historical association with fine craftsmanship. True cedars belong to the genus Cedrus within the pine family and are native to the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean and the western Himalayas. Other woods commonly known as cedar share similar characteristics but are botanically distinct.

Cedar of Lebanon, Cedrus libani, has a light to medium brown heartwood and a medium fine grain that is generally straight, though it may feature gentle waves or prominent natural knots. Long regarded as a symbol of strength and longevity, this timber has been revered since antiquity and was widely used in monumental building and interior joinery. It is naturally durable with moderate strength and relatively low movement, though its resin content can make machining and finishing more difficult.

Western Red Cedar, Thuja plicata, though not a true cedar botanically, is widely used for its rich reddish brown heartwood, fine straight grain, and excellent resistance to moisture, insects, and decay. When freshly cut it may show pinkish tones, which gradually fade to a pale silvery hue with age. For centuries it held deep cultural significance for the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, where it was known as the Tree of Life and used for canoes, longhouses, tools, and ceremonial objects.

Eastern Red Cedar is darker in colour, often showing deep reddish brown tones with a subtle violet cast. Like other cedars, it is highly aromatic and naturally resistant to insects and fungal growth due to its oil content.

Spanish Cedar, Cedrela odorata, is another important wood commonly associated with cedar despite belonging to the chinaberry family. Native to the Neotropics, it is known commercially as Spanish cedar or Cuban cedar. The wood is moderately lightweight yet durable, with strong resistance to termites and rot. Its heartwood contains aromatic, insect repelling resins, giving it a scent similar to true cedars. Spanish cedar has long been used for household storage furniture, particularly cupboards and chests for clothing, as well as humidor construction and the lining of cigar boxes. It works easily, produces excellent veneer and plywood, and has traditionally been used in musical instrument making, especially for flamenco and classical guitar necks, as well as decorative veneers where its chatoyance is highly valued.

Across all varieties, cedar wood is prized for its fragrance, stability, and natural protective qualities. It has been widely used in furniture, cabinetry, panelling, musical instruments, boat building, and fine storage boxes. Its enduring appeal lies in the combination of practical performance and refined character, making cedar a consistent choice for both functional and decorative objects.