Aromatic Cedar Lumber: Fragrant, Durable, and Naturally Beautiful

Aromatic Cedar: A Wood That Smells as Good as It Looks

Open a bundle of Aromatic Cedar, and you’ll instantly know why woodworkers love it. The unmistakable pleasant scent, paired with its vivid colour and natural resistance to pests. It has made it one of North America’s most beloved specialty woods for centuries.

But there’s far more to Aromatic Cedar than its fragrance. This lumber combines beauty, utility, and durability, making it a go-to choice for closet lining, furniture interiors, chests, and decorative panels. Whether you’re crafting heirloom pieces or simply want your workspace to smell incredible, Aromatic Cedar delivers both form and function.

At The Knotty Lumber Co., we love working with Aromatic Cedar lumber because of its deep colour, fine grain, and signature aroma. 

What Is Aromatic Cedar?

Aromatic Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), also known as Eastern Red Cedar, isn’t a true cedar at all. It’s actually a juniper species native to eastern North America. Despite the name confusion, it’s treasured for its distinct fragrance, fine texture, and natural insect resistance.

The scent comes from the wood’s essential oils, which repel moths and other insects. That’s why it’s been used for centuries to line closets, trunks, and chests, protecting textiles and keepsakes from damage.

Aromatic Cedar Appearance and Colour

Aromatic Cedar stands out instantly for its bold colour contrast and fine grain.

Here’s what to look for:

• Heartwood: Rich reddish-purple tones that deepen with age.
• Sapwood: Pale yellow or creamy white, creating dramatic colour contrast.
• Grain: Fine, uniform texture with tight knots and streaks of colour.
• Aroma: Distinct, sweet cedar scent that lasts for years in enclosed spaces.

Over time, the vivid purple-red heartwood naturally oxidizes into a warm, golden reddish-brown, while the aroma remains a signature feature.

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Working Properties and Hardness

Aromatic Cedar is prized not only for its fragrance and appearance but also for its workability. It’s considered a softwood, with a Janka hardness of around 900 lbf. This is actually similar to soft maple or cherry.

Workability Highlights:

• Milling: Cuts smoothly with hand or power tools; knots may require slower feed rates.
  
• Sanding: Easy to sand to a silky finish—fine grit enhances colour vibrancy.
  
• Turning: Ideal for small projects and decorative turning; produces clean shavings.
  
• Gluing: Bonds well but natural oils can sometimes reduce adhesion—wipe joints with solvent before gluing.
  
• Finishing: Finishes beautifully, but many woodworkers leave it unfinished to preserve the natural aroma.

Because it’s aromatic and naturally oily, some finishes may slightly mute the scent. Oil or wax finishes tend to complement it best.

Applications: Function Meets Fragrance

Few woods balance aesthetic appeal and practicality like Aromatic Cedar. Its beauty, aroma, and resistance to decay make it versatile for a range of interior applications.

Common Uses Include:

• Closet and wardrobe lining
  
• Cedar chests and blanket boxes
  
• Drawer bottoms and furniture interiors
  
• Decorative wall paneling and accent trim
  
• Turned items like pens, bowls, and ornaments
  
• Jewelry boxes, humidors, and keepsake containers

For outdoor use, Aromatic Cedar’s durability is moderate. While it holds up well in dry environments, it’s not as weather-resistant as Western Red Cedar, so it’s best reserved for interior or covered projects.

Advantages of Aromatic Cedar

• Natural Insect Repellent: Essential oils deter moths, ants, and silverfish. No chemicals needed!
• Fragrant & Long-Lasting: The scent can last decades in enclosed spaces.
• Visually Striking: Contrasting sapwood and heartwood add organic beauty to any project.
• Stable and Lightweight: Easy to machine, shape, and transport.
• Sustainably Harvested: A renewable domestic species with minimal environmental impact.
  

Aromatic Cedar moderate Janka rating along with its decorative appearance, combined with softwood ease of use makes it a shop favorite for both pros and hobbyists.

Challenges and Considerations

While it’s a pleasure to work with, Aromatic Cedar comes with a few quirks to keep in mind:

• Knot Content: Frequent knots can limit clear board lengths.
  
• Sapwood Softness: The pale outer wood can dent more easily than the dense heartwood.
  
• Finish Compatibility: Natural oils can affect certain film finishes
  
• Aroma Sensitivity: Although most find the scent pleasant, some individuals are sensitive to the oils and must use good ventilation when sanding.

Proper acclimatization and careful handling ensure the wood’s beauty and fragrance last for years.

Finishing Aromatic Cedar

The finishing approach for Aromatic Cedar depends on your goal:

• For Maximum Aroma: Leave it unfinished or use a natural wax to preserve scent.
• For Richer Colour: Apply a clear oil like tung or Danish oil to deepens red and purple tones.
• For Smooth Surfaces: Sand progressively up to 220 or 320 grit for a satin feel.
• For Protection: Apply shellac or lacquer in light coats but note that heavy film finishes reduce aroma intensity.

💡 Pro tip: Refresh faded scent by lightly sanding the surface. It reactivates the aromatic oils inside the grain.

Aromatic Cedar vs. Western Red Cedar

Aromatic Cedar brings colour and scent, while Western Red Cedar offers greater weather resistance.

Buying Aromatic Cedar Lumber

When sourcing Aromatic Cedar, look for:

• Fresh, vivid colour: Bright purple-red heartwood indicates quality.
  
• Tight grain: Prevents fuzziness and splintering during machining.
  
• Even moisture content: Kiln-dried boards ensure stable performance.
  
• Proper labeling: Sold as “Aromatic Cedar” or “Eastern Red Cedar.”

At The Knotty Lumber Co., our Aromatic Cedar boards and blanks are:

• Fully kiln-dried and surfaced for immediate use
  
• Hand-inspected for vibrant heartwood colour and aroma
  
• Offered in rough, S4S, and turning blank formats
  
• Sustainably harvested from North American sources
  
  

Fun Fact: Nature’s Built-In Pest Control

Long before chemical mothballs, people relied on Aromatic Cedar trunks and chests to protect valuable textiles. The wood’s oils such as cedrol and thujopsene naturally repel insects, mold, and even certain bacteria.

That’s why vintage cedar chests still smell fresh even after decades. It's just proof of nature’s remarkable chemistry.

FAQ: Aromatic Cedar Lumber

Q: Does the scent ever fade?
A: It can soften over time in open air, but sanding the surface reactivates the oils and renews the aroma.

Q: Is Aromatic Cedar safe for food contact?
A:It’s not recommended for direct food use due to its natural oils. For serving boards or containers, use a food-safe finish barrier.

Q: Can Aromatic Cedar be used outdoors?
A:Not ideal. While rot-resistant, it’s better suited for interior use where its aroma and colour can be appreciated.

Q: How do I maintain the scent in a cedar-lined closet?
A: Simply sand or wipe down the surface every few years to restore the aroma.

Q: What’s the price range of Aromatic Cedar?
A: It’s typically mid-range, often comparable to domestic cherry or soft maple, depending on grade and thickness.

Aromatic Cedar: Beauty You Can Smell

Aromatic Cedar is one of those rare woods that engages more than just the eyes. It awakens many senses. With its bold colour, natural fragrance, and practical benefits, it’s both a craftsman’s dream and a homeowner’s delight.

Whether you’re building custom furniture, turning decorative pieces, or lining a wardrobe, Aromatic Cedar adds a touch of warmth and personality that lasts for generations.

At The Knotty Lumber Co., we love this rich in colour, fragrant by nature, and ready to inspire lumber and make sure to include it in as many projects as we can!

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