Wood Species Guide
Spanish Cedar
Cedrela odorata
Also called: Cedro, Cedro Rojo, Cedro Amargo, Cedro Hembra, West Indian Cedar, Cigar box cedar, Cedrela
About the name “Spanish Cedar”
Spanish cedar isn't a true cedar (Cedrus) at all. It's a relative of mahogany that happens to smell like cedar.
What Spanish Cedar looks like
Light pinkish brown to medium reddish brown, darkening with age. The color is fairly even.
Grain and texture
Straight grain, sometimes slightly interlocked, with a medium texture and moderate luster. It has a distinct spicy cedar smell that lasts for years.
Working Spanish Cedar: planing, cutting and gluing
Soft and light, so it's easy to cut, plane and shape. Keep tools sharp or the surface will fuzz. It glues well. Some boards have resin pockets that can gum up blades and sandpaper.
Finishing Spanish Cedar: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Finishes well with most products, but resin can bleed through some finishes, especially in heat. Wipe resinous areas with acetone and use a shellac seal coat before film finishes or epoxy. Many people leave humidor linings unfinished to keep the aroma.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Rated durable to moderately durable against rot and has good insect resistance. It's stable for its weight. It handles Florida humidity well, which is part of why it's used for humidors, closets and boat parts.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
We carry Spanish cedar lumber. It's the go-to for humidors, cigar boxes, closet linings and drawer bottoms where you want a nice smell and some bug resistance. In a hot Florida garage the resin can weep out of a board, so store it inside and seal it before finishing. It's too soft for tabletops but great for light trim and doors.
Common uses for Spanish Cedar
Humidors and cigar boxes, closet and chest linings, guitar necks, boat building, trim, doors and veneer.
Sustainability and CITES status
Neotropical populations of Cedrela odorata have been listed in CITES Appendix II since 2020 (logs, sawn wood, veneer and plywood). It's listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Plantation-grown stock is widely available.
Safety and toxicity
- Respiratory / asthma
- Skin irritation
Spanish cedar dust is an irritant for the nose, lungs and skin, and some people react strongly. Its spicy scent and bitter oils also make it a poor match for food.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + respirator when sanding; ventilate; gloves for sensitive skin
- Food contact
- Not recommended for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
The dust has been reported as a respiratory irritant. Wear a dust mask and ventilate, especially when sanding.
Spanish Cedar in stock now
Want to see them in person? Book a slab & lumber visit.
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4/4 Spanish CedarRough Sawn Lumber
Regular price $13.42 USDRegular price
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