The Truth About Cedar: Why Your Closet Wood Isn't Your Deck Wood

Welcome back to Grain of Truth, where we explore the true character of the woods that build our world. When most of us think of Cedar, we think of one thing: that unmistakable, fresh, aromatic small. It’s the scent of heirloom chests and moth-free closets. But you’ve also seen "Cedar" used for siding, decks, and shingles that last for decades in the rain.

So, what's the truth? At The Honest Chisel, we know that "Cedar" is a term for two very different, though equally amazing, woods. Confusing them can lead to a project that fails, and knowing the difference is key to true craftsmanship.

The "Closet Cedar": Aromatic Eastern Red Cedar

Here's the first truth: the wood you associate with closet liners and hope chests (Juniperus virginiana) isn't a true cedar at all. It’s actually a species of Juniper.

• Appearance: This is the wood you picture in your mind's eye: vibrant reddish-purple heartwood, creamy yellow sapwood, and a rustic, knotty grain.

• The Key Trait: Its power is in its aromatic oils. These oils contain a natural compound that repels and kills moth larvae, making it the perfect (and non-toxic) choice for protecting clothes.

• Uses: Closet linings, hope chests, shoe trees, and decorative items.

The "Outdoor Cedar": Western Red Cedar

The wood used for siding, decks, and outdoor furniture is most often Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata). This is a true cedar and a giant of the Pacific Northwest.

• Appearance: It's much more uniform than its aromatic cousin, with a fine, straight grain and a color range from light tan and amber to a rich, reddish-brown.

• The Key Trait: Its superpower isn't its smell (though it's pleasant), but a natural, oil-based preservative called thujaplicin. This compound makes the wood exceptionally resistant to rot, decay, and insects.

• Uses: Siding, decking, outdoor furniture, shingles, and saunas.

The Grain of Truth: Key Facts

Pro-Tip: How to Revive Your Cedar

Is your cedar closet or chest losing its famous scent? Don't worry, the oils are just trapped. The secret is to simply give the wood a light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper (around 220 grit). This removes the oxidized top layer and exposes fresh fibers, releasing those protective aromatic oils and making it smell brand new. Never apply a film finish (like polyurethane) to Aromatic Cedar, as this will seal in the scent permanently.

The Right Wood for the Right Job

Knowing your materials is the foundation of quality craftsmanship. Both of these woods are fantastic, but as you can see, the Aromatic "Cedar" that protects your heirlooms inside would quickly fail as a deck, and the Western Red Cedar that makes a great deck doesn't have the scent to protect your wool sweaters.

– Mike & Steve, The Honest Chisel