Wood Species Guide
Cedar of Lebanon
Cedrus libani
Also called: Lebanon Cedar, Lebanese Cedar, Cedrus
About the name “Cedar of Lebanon”
Cedar of Lebanon is one of the few true cedars (genus Cedrus), along with Atlas and deodar cedar. Most American woods called cedar, like aromatic red cedar and Western red cedar, belong to other families.
What Cedar of Lebanon looks like
Heartwood is light brown to warm tan, sometimes with a pinkish or reddish cast, and the sapwood is paler. It has a strong, sweet, resinous scent.
Grain and texture
Straight grain with distinct growth rings and a medium texture. Open-grown ornamental trees can be quite knotty.
Working Cedar of Lebanon: planing, cutting and gluing
Works easily with hand and power tools and turns well. Resin can build up on blades. Knots in ornamental-grown wood may tear out, so take light cuts. It glues and finishes well.
Finishing Cedar of Lebanon: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Takes oils and clear finishes well, and the scent lingers under a light finish. Wipe resinous areas with acetone before a film finish. For epoxy work, seal first and check that resin pockets are dry.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Heartwood is rated very durable and resists insects and borers well. It is reasonably stable. In Florida, it would hold up outdoors under cover, but most pieces are small and better suited to indoor boxes and turnings.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Cedar of Lebanon rarely shows up as lumber in the US. When it does, it usually comes from a storm-felled park or estate tree as turning blanks, bowl stock or small boards. The scent makes it a great chest or box lining. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Cedar of Lebanon
Chests and box lining, cabinetry, veneer, turned objects, and historic building and boat timbers.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Rated Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List because its wild range is small and fragmented. Wood in the US trade generally comes from planted ornamental trees.
Safety and toxicity
- Skin irritation
- Respiratory / asthma
Skin and airway irritation and asthma-like symptoms have been reported. The strong aroma also bothers some people.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + mask or respirator when sanding; ventilate
- Food contact
- Not recommended for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
Skin and airway irritation, runny nose and asthma-like symptoms have been reported. Use dust collection and a mask or respirator.
Cedar of Lebanon in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Cedar of Lebanon listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
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