Spanish Cedar Lumber

Spanish Cedar Lumber in Los Angeles

Spanish cedar is one of the most aromatic and storied hardwoods in the trade. Despite its name, it isn’t a true cedar - it’s a member of the mahogany family, native to Central and South America, prized for its warm pinkish-brown color, straight grain, and distinctive cedar-like fragrance. For centuries, Spanish cedar has been the go-to wood for humidors, cigar boxes, wardrobes, and decorative boat interiors thanks to its natural insect-repellent oils and excellent moisture-regulating properties. It’s also a favorite for classical guitar necks, millwork, exterior siding, and any project that benefits from a lightweight, dimensionally stable, decay-resistant tropical hardwood. At House of Hardwood, we carry Spanish cedar lumber to serve woodworkers, luthiers, furniture makers, designers, and craftspeople across Los Angeles.

Our Spanish Cedar Lumber Selection

Our Spanish cedar lumber is available in 4/4 through 8/4 thicknesses in both rough-sawn and surfaced (S4S) options. We stock select and better grades with the straight grain, warm color, and aromatic character the species is known for. Availability can vary with import cycles - ask our team about current stock, widths, and lengths.

Why Woodworkers Choose Spanish Cedar

• Classic humidor material - Its aromatic oils and exceptional ability to regulate moisture make Spanish cedar the traditional lining for humidors, cigar boxes, and wardrobes; the scent alone is a hallmark of quality craftsmanship
• Naturally insect-repellent - The same aromatic compounds that give Spanish cedar its character also deter moths and other pests, making it a favorite for chests, closets, and storage pieces; if termite resistance matters for your project, see our guide to termite-resistant hardwood species for Southern CA
• Lightweight and stable - With a Janka rating of around 600 lbf, Spanish cedar is soft for a hardwood but exceptionally stable, with very little seasonal movement - ideal for doors, drawer bottoms, and panel work
• Excellent workability - Machines, glues, sands, and finishes easily; its straight grain and consistent texture make it a pleasure to work by hand or machine
• Natural decay resistance - Performs well in exterior applications like siding, shutters, and outdoor projects without chemical treatment

Working with Spanish Cedar

Spanish cedar is one of the easier tropical hardwoods to machine - its softness and straight grain are forgiving, though sharp tooling still produces the cleanest results. Occasional resin pockets can gum up blades, so take care when working around them. The wood accepts stains well but looks stunning with a simple clear oil or shellac finish that preserves its natural warmth and aroma. For more on grain considerations when selecting boards, see our guide on end grain vs edge grain when buying hardwood boards.