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Illustration—not a verified specimenCedro (Cedrela odorata) wood grain — Janka 600 lbf
Hardwood
CITES Appendix III

Cedro

Cedrela odorata

Genus: Cedrela · Family: Meliaceae

Also known as:
Spanish Cedar(Trade Name)
Millwork
Furniture
Marine

Quick Facts

Wood Type

Hardwood

Native Range

South America, Central America

Avg. Dried Weight

30 lb/ft³

Janka Hardness

600 lbf

Decay Resistance

Durable

Typical Color

Reddish Brown

Stability

Very High

Outdoor Suitability

Good

Workability

Easy

Availability

Commercially Available

CITES

Appendix III

IUCN

Not Evaluated

Limited data · 2/9

Did You Know?

  • •Cedro is harder than 21% of the 137 species in our database.
  • •Cedro is listed under CITES, which means international trade is regulated. Always verify legal sourcing and documentation before purchasing.

Janka Hardness Scale

600lbf

Soft

Cedro
100
690
1,010
1,360
1,450
1,820
3,510
4,570

Overview

Professional Summary

Cedro (Cedrela odorata), commonly marketed as Spanish Cedar, is the traditional cigar box and humidor wood. A member of the Mahogany family (Meliaceae), it shares Mahogany's excellent workability and stability but adds a distinctive aromatic scent that helps regulate humidity — making it irreplaceable for premium cigar storage.

In Plain English

Cedro — better known as Spanish Cedar — is the wood inside every quality cigar humidor. Its pleasant cedar-like scent and natural ability to regulate humidity make it perfect for cigar storage. It's also a beautiful, easy-to-work furniture and millwork wood similar to Mahogany.

Appearance

Heartwood ColorPinkish to reddish brown, darkening with age
SapwoodPale pinkish white
GrainStraight
TextureMedium to coarse
LusterModerate

Technical Properties

Avg. Dried Weight30 lb/ft³
Specific Gravity (basic)Not recorded
Specific Gravity (12% MC)Not recorded
Janka Hardness600 lbf
Modulus of RuptureNot recorded
Elastic ModulusNot recorded
Crushing StrengthNot recorded
Shrinkage (Radial)Not recorded
Shrinkage (Tangential)Not recorded
Shrinkage (Volumetric)Not recorded
T/R RatioNot recorded
Stability RatingVery High

Sources, Conditions & Safety

No documented references are attached to this profile yet. Its recorded values should not be treated as source-verified.

Wood dust & sensitivity

Species-specific safety information has not been documented here. Absence of a warning does not mean the wood is safe or non-allergenic.

Use dust extraction and appropriate protective equipment; consult occupational-safety guidance. This is not medical advice or food-contact approval.

Durability & Performance

Decay ResistanceDurable
Outdoor SuitabilityGood

Workability

Overall RatingEasy
MachiningWorks very easily — one of the best-working tropical species. Similar to Genuine Mahogany.
Blunting EffectLow
GluingGlues well
FinishingTakes all finishes well. Often left unfinished inside humidors to preserve aromatic properties.

Common Uses

Millwork
Furniture
Boatbuilding
Other

The standard for cigar humidors and boxes. Also excellent for furniture, millwork, boatbuilding, and exterior trim.

Sustainability & Trade

Listings are reference information, not proof of legal sourcing or certification. Verify current trade rules and supplier documentation before buying; absence of a note does not mean unrestricted trade.

CITES StatusAppendix III
IUCN StatusNot Evaluated
Sourcing NotesCITES Appendix III. Plantation-grown in many tropical countries. Widely available but verify sourcing.

CITES Appendix III — may require documentation for international trade. Susceptible to shoot borer moth in plantations.

Native Distribution

South AmericaCentral America

Find Substitutes

AI-powered alternative species matching

Look-Alike Species

Woods with a similar reddish brown color that are easily confused with Cedro. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.