Find Your Store
Aromatic, lightweight, and naturally resistant to the elements, Spanish Cedar is a versatile hardwood prized for its workability and warm, reddish hue. We offer premium Spanish Cedar lumber and panels ideal for humid environments and specialty projects such as humidors, cabinetry, doors, window frames, and exterior millwork. Despite its name, Spanish Cedar is not a true cedar but shares many of the same properties—notably its resistance to moisture, insects, and decay. It features a fine, straight grain and a pleasant cedar-like scent, making it a popular choice for lining closets and cigar storage. Its low density and ease of machining make it excellent for both hand and power tools. As a proudly Canadian company, Windsor Plywood specializes in hard-to-find wood species and offers expert, one-on-one service. Whether you're building a humidor or enhancing a high-humidity space, Spanish Cedar provides natural protection and refined beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spanish cedar and what is it used for?
Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata) is a tropical American hardwood in the mahogany family, known for a pleasant cedar-like fragrance, reddish-brown colour, and light weight. Despite its name, it is neither a true cedar nor Spanish in origin. Spanish cedar is the traditional wood for cigar boxes and humidors due to its aromatic properties and ability to regulate humidity. It is also used for interior millwork, drawer linings, and light furniture.
Why is Spanish cedar used for cigar boxes and humidors?
Spanish cedar's aromatic oils complement tobacco flavour without overpowering it, while the wood's hygroscopic properties help regulate humidity inside the humidor — absorbing moisture when levels rise and releasing it when they fall. This makes it the traditional and preferred lining material for cigar humidors and storage boxes. The fragrance also helps repel tobacco beetles.
How does Spanish cedar compare to western red cedar?
Spanish cedar and western red cedar are botanically unrelated species that share a similar fragrant character and reddish colour. Western red cedar is a large softwood used primarily for exterior siding, decking, and structural applications. Spanish cedar is a tropical hardwood used for interior millwork, humidors, and light furniture. They are not interchangeable in most applications.
Is Spanish cedar sustainable?
Spanish cedar's range across tropical America has been affected by over-harvesting. FSC-certified Spanish cedar from managed plantations and forests is available. Windsor Plywood sources through established supply chains. Contact your local branch for current sourcing documentation when specifying Spanish cedar for certified projects.
Does Windsor Plywood carry Spanish cedar?
Windsor Plywood carries Spanish cedar in select lumber grades for interior millwork and specialty applications subject to current availability. Contact your local Windsor Plywood branch to confirm current stock and dimensions available for your project.