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Cedar (Softwood)

Overview

Cedar is a durable, lightweight softwood commonly used in outdoor products, cladding, furniture, and storage items. It comes from several species within the Cedrus and Thuja genera (e.g. Western Red Cedar). In A Level Product Design, cedar is valued for its natural resistance to decay, pleasant aroma, and dimensional stability, especially in outdoor contexts.

Source

  • Grown mainly in:
  • North America (Western Red Cedar)
  • Parts of Europe
  • Coniferous evergreen tree
  • Slow to medium growth rate
  • Supplied as:
  • Planed boards
  • Cladding profiles
  • Shingles

Physical Properties

  • Colour: Reddish‑brown to pinkish tones, silvers with age outdoors
  • Grain: Straight, even grain
  • Texture: Fine to medium
  • Density: Low (approx. 350–400 kg/m³)
  • Weight: Lightweight
  • Aroma: Distinctive smell due to natural oils

Mechanical Properties

Property Description
Strength Low to medium
Hardness Soft – dents easily
Toughness Fair
Durability Very good natural resistance to rot, insects, and moisture

Working Properties

Advantages

  • Easy to cut, plane, and shape
  • Does not blunt tools easily
  • Naturally resistant to decay without chemical treatment
  • Stable – resists warping and twisting
  • Accepts oils and stains well

Disadvantages

  • Soft surface marks easily
  • Lower strength than many other softwoods
  • More expensive than pine
  • Strong smell may be undesirable in some indoor uses

Manufacturing Processes

  • Seasoning: Kiln‑dried or air‑dried
  • Cutting & Shaping: Sawing, planing, routing
  • Machining: CNC machining for cladding systems
  • Joining: Screws, nails (stainless steel recommended)
  • Finishing: Exterior oils, stains, or left unfinished

Typical Uses

  • Exterior cladding
  • Garden furniture
  • Decking (light‑duty)
  • Fencing
  • Storage chests and wardrobes (repels insects)
  • Shingles and roof tiles

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

  • Often sourced from managed forests
  • Long lifespan reduces need for replacement
  • Can be used untreated, reducing chemical use
  • Look for:
  • FSC® certification
  • PEFC certification
  • Lightweight timber reduces transport energy

Health and Safety

  • Cedar dust can be irritating to skin and lungs
  • Some people may experience allergic reactions
  • Safe practice includes:
  • Dust extraction
  • Masks and eye protection
  • Gloves when handling rough boards

Cost

  • Medium cost
  • More expensive than pine
  • Cheaper than most hardwoods
  • Cost justified by durability and low maintenance

Suitability for Product Design

Cedar is suitable for: - Outdoor products - Weather‑exposed furniture - Cladding and architectural features - Storage items where insect resistance is beneficial

Cedar is less suitable for: - Heavy structural components - High‑wear surfaces - Fine indoor furniture requiring a hard surface

Exam Tips (A Level Product Design)

  • Identify cedar as a softwood
  • Link:
  • Natural oils → durability
  • Low density → lightweight products
  • Mention:
  • Outdoor suitability without treatment
  • Sustainability benefits
  • Compare with:
  • Pine (cheaper, less durable)
  • Larch (stronger, more resinous)
  • Use key terms: naturally durable, lightweight, aromatic

Summary

Cedar is a lightweight, naturally durable softwood ideal for outdoor and weather‑resistant products. Its resistance to rot and insects makes it a sustainable alternative to treated softwoods, although its softness and lower strength limit its use in high‑wear or structural applications. Cedar is an excellent example of material choice based on environmental performance rather than strength in A Level Product Design.