Naturally beautiful and richly fragrant, aromatic cedar is prized for its distinctive scent, natural insect-repelling properties, and striking red and purple hues. We offer premium aromatic cedar products perfect for closets, chests, panelling, and accent projects that bring warmth, character, and function to your space. This durable, lightweight wood features a fine, straight grain and is easy to work with—ideal for DIYers, woodworkers, and contractors alike. Its natural resistance to moisture, decay, and pests makes it especially popular for closet liners, storage solutions, and other interior applications where freshness and preservation matter. Proudly serving Canadians since 1969, Windsor Plywood specializes in high-quality, hard-to-source wood products with expert, personalized service. Visit your local store to explore the unique charm of aromatic cedar—and discover how it can add beauty and utility to your next project.
Pine, fir, cedar, and spruce are the most commonly available live edge softwood species at Windsor Plywood. Each has distinct grain character and colour. Cedar has natural decay resistance making it suitable for outdoor applications; pine and fir are well-suited for indoor furniture and shelving.
Softwoods like pine and fir are softer than hardwood species and will show dents and scratches more readily under daily dining use. They are better suited for coffee tables, shelving, decorative pieces, and lower-traffic surfaces. If hardwood-level durability is needed for a dining table, consider maple or walnut slabs instead.
Live edge softwood is generally less expensive than comparable hardwood species due to faster growth cycles and wider availability. Pine and fir slabs offer the natural edge aesthetic at a more accessible price point, making them practical for larger surface areas like countertops and bar tops.
Cedar is the primary softwood with the natural oils and decay resistance for outdoor use in Canadian conditions. Pine, fir, and spruce require proper sealing and are better suited for covered outdoor areas where they will not be directly exposed to rain. Even sealed softwood will require maintenance over time outdoors.
Douglas fir has a pronounced, tight straight grain with reddish-brown tones that become richer over time. Pine shows more variation, with wider grain rings, knots, and a warmer, lighter amber tone. Fir tends to be harder and denser than most pine species, making it slightly more durable as a furniture material.