Aromatic Cedar Wood: Best Indoor and Outdoor Uses for Your Next Woodworking Project

By California Exotic Hardwoods

Aromatic cedar is a distinctive wood known for its warm reddish-brown color, natural fragrance, and practical uses in woodworking. From closet linings and storage chests to decorative panels and select outdoor projects, this versatile wood offers a combination of visual appeal and useful natural characteristics.

Whether you are a DIY enthusiast, furniture maker, cabinetmaker, or professional woodworker, understanding the properties of aromatic cedar can help you choose the right material for your next project.

In this guide, we explore what makes aromatic cedar unique, its most popular indoor applications, where it can be used outdoors, and how to get the best results when working with it.

What Is Aromatic Cedar?

Aromatic cedar, commonly known as Eastern red cedar, has the botanical name Juniperus virginiana. Despite its common name, it is a juniper rather than a true cedar in the genus Cedrus.

The wood is recognized for its characteristic cedar scent, attractive color variations, and distinctive grain. Its heartwood typically ranges from reddish-brown to purplish-brown, while the sapwood may appear pale yellow or cream. Knots, mineral streaks, and contrasting colors can give individual boards a rustic, natural appearance.

One of the most notable characteristics of aromatic cedar is its naturally occurring aromatic compounds. These compounds contribute to its recognizable scent and can help deter certain insects, making the wood particularly popular for enclosed clothing storage.

Key Characteristics of Aromatic Cedar

• Distinctive fragrance: Releases a recognizable cedar aroma, especially when freshly cut or sanded.

• Natural insect-deterrent properties: Commonly used in enclosed storage spaces to help discourage clothes moths.

• Attractive appearance: Features reddish-brown heartwood, lighter sapwood, and naturally occurring knots.

• Lightweight and workable: Suitable for a variety of smaller woodworking and interior projects.

• Rustic character: Its natural color variation and grain can add warmth to traditional and contemporary designs.

Best Indoor Uses for Aromatic Cedar Wood

Aromatic cedar is especially popular for indoor applications where its scent, appearance, and natural characteristics can be appreciated. Here are some of the most practical ways to use it around your home.

1. Closet Linings and Wardrobe Interiors

One of the best-known uses for aromatic cedar is lining closets and wardrobe interiors. Cedar boards or suitable cedar panels can add a warm, natural finish while releasing their characteristic fragrance into an enclosed space.

The aroma may help discourage clothes moths, which can damage wool, silk, and other natural-fiber garments. However, cedar is not a guaranteed pest-control solution and should not replace appropriate treatment if an infestation is already present.

Woodworking tip: Leave the cedar surface unfinished when preserving its natural fragrance is a priority. Periodic light sanding may help refresh the scent as it fades over time.

2. Cedar Storage Chests and Blanket Boxes

Aromatic cedar is a popular choice for storage chests designed to hold seasonal clothing, blankets, linens, and other household textiles.

A cedar-lined chest combines practical storage with the wood's distinctive fragrance. Its natural color also works well with traditional furniture styles, rustic interiors, and handcrafted wooden pieces.

For the best results, use properly dried stock and allow enough room for the lid and panels to move with normal seasonal changes in humidity.

3. Drawer Liners and Storage Organizers

Small pieces of aromatic cedar can be used to line drawers, storage boxes, and compartments for clothing and accessories.

This is a useful project for woodworkers who want to make the most of shorter boards and smaller offcuts. Cedar drawer liners can also be incorporated into custom wardrobes, built-in storage, and handmade organizers.

Make sure the surfaces are smooth and free from splinters before placing clothing or delicate fabrics inside.

4. Decorative Wall Panels and Interior Accents

The warm colors and rustic grain of aromatic cedar make it suitable for selected interior design projects, including accent panels, feature walls, and decorative cabinetry.

Cedar paneling can introduce natural texture into bedrooms, cabins, workshops, and other spaces where a wood-focused aesthetic is desired.

Before installing cedar on a large wall, consider the desired appearance, the strength of the fragrance in the room, and whether the wood will be exposed to significant temperature or humidity changes.

5. Cabinets, Shelving, and Custom Furniture

Aromatic cedar can be used for selected cabinet components, shelves, small furniture pieces, and specialty storage projects.

Its relatively light weight makes it convenient for many smaller applications, while its natural color gives finished pieces a distinctive look.

Because aromatic cedar can contain knots and irregular grain, carefully inspect each board before cutting. Choose clear, stable sections for components that require clean edges or a more uniform appearance.

6. Decorative Boxes and Small Woodworking Projects

For hobbyists and professional woodworkers, aromatic cedar is an interesting material for keepsake boxes, jewelry boxes, small organizers, gift boxes, and handcrafted decorative items.

These projects allow you to highlight the natural grain and fragrance without requiring large quantities of lumber.

Small projects are also a practical way to use attractive offcuts that may be unsuitable for larger furniture components.

Can Aromatic Cedar Be Used Outdoors?

Yes, aromatic cedar can be used for certain outdoor projects, but the application and environmental conditions matter.

Its natural characteristics make it worth considering for selected exterior uses. However, aromatic cedar should not automatically be treated as interchangeable with every other cedar species or as suitable for every outdoor structure.

Exposure to rain, prolonged moisture, ground contact, sunlight, and changing temperatures can affect its service life. Proper material selection, construction details, and maintenance remain important.

1. Fence Posts and Small Garden Projects

Aromatic cedar may be suitable for certain fence components and small garden projects, depending on the quality of the lumber and the level of exposure.

For fence posts, check the intended ground-contact rating and local construction requirements. Not every aromatic cedar board is suitable for direct soil contact.

For longer service life, keep wood away from standing water where possible and design joints so that moisture can drain rather than collect.

2. Birdhouses and Decorative Garden Structures

Small decorative projects, such as birdhouses, garden signs, and selected garden structures, can make use of aromatic cedar's natural appearance and workability.

When building birdhouses, avoid finishes or treatments that could be unsuitable for wildlife, and follow the requirements for the bird species you intend to accommodate.

Choose stable, appropriately sized stock and design the structure to shed rain and dry efficiently.

3. Outdoor Decorative Panels and Small Furniture

Aromatic cedar may also be considered for small outdoor furniture pieces and decorative features when the lumber is appropriate for exterior exposure.

Use sound boards, weather-resistant construction methods, and a suitable exterior finish if the project requires one. Remember that finishes will need maintenance and may reduce the amount of natural fragrance released by the wood.

For large decks, structural applications, or projects exposed to persistent moisture, compare species specifically rated for the intended use before making a decision.

4. Outdoor Trim and Accent Details

Selected exterior trim, decorative elements, and accent pieces may be suitable applications for aromatic cedar.

Good detailing matters: protect exposed end grain where appropriate, prevent water from becoming trapped behind boards, and allow the assembly to dry between periods of wet weather.

Important: Aromatic cedar is not a universal solution for rot, termites, or weather exposure. Select the species, grade, and treatment according to the project's actual requirements.

Should You Stain or Seal Aromatic Cedar?

The best finishing method depends on what you want from the finished project.

For cedar-lined closets, drawers, and storage chests, many woodworkers prefer to leave the interior surfaces unfinished so that the natural fragrance remains noticeable. Paints, sealers, and other coatings can reduce the release of aromatic compounds.

For decorative furniture or exterior applications, a compatible finish may be appropriate. Always test the finish on a sample piece first, as natural oils, grain variation, and knots can influence the final result.

Keep these considerations in mind:

• For cedar storage interiors: An unfinished surface is often preferred when fragrance is the primary goal.

• For decorative furniture: Sand the surface evenly and test any stain or clear coat before applying it to the entire piece.

• For exterior projects: Use a finish designed for the exposure conditions and follow the manufacturer's preparation and maintenance instructions.

• For all applications: Allow freshly cut or finished wood to dry and ventilate adequately before placing clothing or household items inside.

Tips for Working With Aromatic Cedar

Aromatic cedar is generally workable with common woodworking tools, but the natural characteristics of individual boards can affect the finished result.

Choose your boards carefully. Inspect for knots, splits, irregular grain, and other defects that could affect the dimensions or strength required by your project.

Use sharp cutting tools. Sharp blades and cutters help produce cleaner cuts and reduce tear-out, especially around knots and irregular grain.

Allow for wood movement. Like other solid wood species, aromatic cedar responds to changes in moisture content. Use properly dried lumber and appropriate joinery.

Sand progressively. Work through suitable abrasive grits to achieve a smooth surface, especially on drawer liners, storage boxes, and furniture interiors.

Work safely. Use dust extraction and appropriate respiratory protection when cutting or sanding wood, and maintain adequate ventilation in your workspace.

Aromatic Cedar vs. Other Cedar Woods

The name "cedar" refers to several different woods, and their properties are not identical. Understanding the distinction is important when choosing material for a specific project.

Wood type	Common characteristics	Typical applications
Aromatic cedar (Juniperus virginiana)	Distinctive fragrance, reddish-brown heartwood, often knotty	Closet linings, chests, drawer liners, small woodworking projects
Western red cedar (Thuja plicata)	Lightweight, commonly used for exterior applications when appropriately selected	Siding, outdoor structures, trim, selected decking applications
Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata)	Generally workable, with uses in cabinetry and specialty woodworking	Cabinetry, cigar boxes, specialty furniture and musical applications

These are general comparisons rather than guarantees of performance. Lumber grade, moisture content, board selection, and the project's exposure conditions all influence suitability.

Is Aromatic Cedar the Right Wood for Your Project?

Aromatic cedar is an excellent material to consider when you want a distinctive fragrance, warm natural colors, and a wood that works well for many smaller woodworking projects.

It is particularly well suited to enclosed storage applications, including closet linings, drawer interiors, and clothing chests. For outdoor projects, evaluate the specific cedar material and its intended exposure before deciding.

Whether you are making custom furniture, organizing your workshop, building a storage chest, or adding natural wood details to your home, selecting the right species from the beginning helps you achieve a better result.

At California Exotic Hardwoods, we appreciate the character and versatility that natural wood brings to woodworking. Explore our wood products and discover materials for your next project.

Ready to start your next woodworking project? Visit California Exotic Hardwoods to explore our selection of specialty woods, lumber, and woodworking materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is aromatic cedar wood commonly used for?

Aromatic cedar is commonly used for closet linings, clothing chests, drawer liners, storage boxes, decorative panels, and selected small woodworking projects.

2. Does aromatic cedar help repel moths?

Its natural aromatic compounds may help deter clothes moths in enclosed storage spaces. However, it does not guarantee protection and will not eliminate an existing infestation.

3. Can aromatic cedar be used outdoors?

It can be suitable for some outdoor applications, depending on the lumber and exposure conditions. For decks, structural components, or prolonged ground contact, choose material specifically suited to that use.

4. Should aromatic cedar be finished?

For closet linings and storage interiors, many people leave the wood unfinished to preserve its fragrance. Decorative and exterior projects may benefit from a compatible finish.

5. Does aromatic cedar have a strong smell?

Yes. Its characteristic fragrance is one of its defining features. The intensity varies with the wood, its freshness, surface condition, and the surrounding environment.

6. Is aromatic cedar the same as Spanish cedar?

No. Aromatic cedar is commonly identified as Juniperus virginiana, while Spanish cedar is Cedrela odorata. They have different properties and are used for different woodworking applications.

7. How can I get the best results when working with aromatic cedar?

Choose properly dried lumber, inspect knots and grain, use sharp tools, sand carefully, and select a finish based on the intended application.

Editorial note: Wood performance varies with species, grade, moisture content, and exposure. Verify suitability before using any lumber for structural or ground-contact applications.