A few different types of cedar are available, with the western red cedar being the most popular. This type of wood features a reddish color and is one of the softest woods available. It also is a straight grain wood that has a subtle aromatic smell. Western red cedars are easy to find at most home stores and usually come at a moderate price.
Some believe that the wood’s aromatic smell helps to ward off moths and other pests, so cedar is sometimes used to build storage chests and closets.
It’s even more popular for outdoor building projects, as the wood is rot-resistant and perfect for rugged outdoor applications. You’ll often see cedar used for fencing, siding, patio furniture and decks. Due to the natural oils and aromatic properties, this wood can be an irritant to some, meaning the wood shouldn’t be used to make kitchen utensils or other products that contact people’s skin for a long time.
