Spanish Cedar — Identification, Uses and Properties
Cedrela odorata Meliaceae
Strength class D18 (French standard NF B 52-001-1)
Especially favored for cigar boxes and wardrobe linings due to its aromatic, insect-repellent scent.
HARDWOOD CENTRAL AMERICA, SOUTH AMERICA, CARIBBEAN VENEER
Taxonomy & Nomenclature
Botanical Name(s)
Cedrela odorata
Family
Meliaceae
Wood type
Hardwood
Local Names
Spanish Cedar (International), Cedro (Central and South America), Cedro americano (Spain), Acajou rouge (French West Indies), Cedre rouge (French Guiana), Ceder (Suriname), Cigar-box Cedar (International)
Origin Region
Central America, South America, Caribbean
Main End Uses
Veneer · Plywood · Cabinetry · Musical instruments (guitars) · Humidors · Boatbuilding · Cigar boxes · Interior joinery · Mouldings · Furniture · Cladding
Wood Identification Guide
Reference Colour
Light pinkish to reddish brown
Texture
Medium to coarse
Grain
Straight or slightly interlocked
Sapwood
Clearly demarcated, pinkish to white or creamy yellow
Interlocked Grain
Slightly interlocked
Notes
Features a distinctive cedar-like scent and sometimes resin stains. Colors tend to darken with age. Endgrain varies from ring-porous to diffuse-porous with visible pores and terminal parenchyma.
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Log Description
Tree height
65 – 100 ft
Tree height
20 – 30 m
Diameter
60-120 (up to 300) cm
Sapwood Thickness
3-5 cm
Buoyancy
Floats
Log Conservation
Moderate (treatment recommended)
Diameter
23.6 to 47.2 in
Sapwood Thickness
1.2-2 in
Physical & Mechanical Properties
Density
470 g/cm³ @ 12% MC
Density
29.3 lb/ft³
Monnin Hardness
1.6
Janka Hardness
480 lbf
Janka Hardness
2,135 N
Volumetric Shrinkage Coefficient
0.38 % / %
Tangential Shrinkage
6.2 %
Radial Shrinkage
4.1 %
T/R Anisotropy Ratio
1.5
Fibre Saturation Point
29 %
Thermal Conductivity
0.16 W/m·K
Thermal Conductivity
0.092 BTU/(h·ft·°F)
Lower Heating Value
19.4 MJ/kg
Lower Heating Value
8,346 BTU/lb
Crushing Strength
40.4 MPa
Crushing Strength
5,860 psi
Bending Strength (MOR)
70.8 MPa
Bending Strength (MOR)
10,269 psi
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)
9,120 MPa
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)
1,322,744 psi
Durability & Treatment
Resistance to Decay
Durable to moderately durableDry Wood Borers
Durable (heartwood)Termites
Resistant to moderately durableTreatability
Extremely difficult (heartwood)Use Class
Class 3 - not in ground contact, outsidePreservation Requirements
Against Dry Wood Borers
Not required (heartwood)Temporary Humidification
Not permeablePermanent Humidification
Not permeableNotes
Excellent weathering characteristics. Heartwood is very resistant to impregnation. Sapwood is susceptible to staining and powder-post beetles.Drying Schedule & Risks
Drying Rate
Rapid
Risk Distortion
Slight risk
Risk Case Hardening
No
Risk Checking
Slight risk
Risk Collapse
Yes
Suggested Schedule
T10-C4 or T10-D4S
Sawing & Machining
Blunting Effect
Normal
Tooth For Sawing
Ordinary or alloy steel
Machining Tools
Hand and machine tools
Suitability Peeling
Good
Suitability Slicing
Good
Notes
Surface can be fuzzy if tools are not sharp; extra sanding may be required. Resin can clog saw blades.Assembling & Finishing
Nailing Screwing
Nails easily but holding power is low
Fire Safety & Ratings
French Grading Thick Gt14mm
D-s2, d0 (Euroclass)
French Grading Thick Lt14mm
D-s2, d0 (Euroclass)
Euroclass
D-s2, d0
CITES & Trade Restrictions
CITES Status
Appendix II
Trade Notes
Populations in the Neotropics are listed in CITES Appendix II. Previously included in Appendix III for Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala, and Peru.
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