Black Locust Lumber
3 posts
May 05, 2026
6:02 AM
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Cedar is very common in building construction, outdoor furniture and siding yet many individuals frequently question: is cedar a hard wood? The simple response is no. Cedar is in fact a softwood although it is reputed to be durable and strong.
Hardwood and softwood are not actually described in terms of how the wood feels; hard or soft. They instead specify the kind of tree that the wood is of. Hardwoods are trees of the deciduous type that lose their leaves every year and softwoods are trees of the coniferous type that bear cones and are generally evergreen. Cedar trees belong to the conifer category hence cedar is a soft wood.
Although cedar is a softwood, it possesses quite a number of characteristics that make it very valuable in the building projects. The oils in the wood provide the wood with a natural resistance to moisture, insects, and decay. Cedar has this natural resistance that has enhanced its popularity as a building material, fencing, decking, and siding to be used in the outdoors. Cedar is also light and readily workable, in that the builders and craftsmen can cut, shape, and install it easily.
Nonetheless, cedar is softer than real hardwoods and can easily dent or scratch when placed under extensive use. Hardwoods (oak, maple, or black locust), tend to be stronger and to be put into use where a high level of structural maintenance is needed.
Firms such as Black Locust Lumber tend to emphasize the use of hardwoods like black locust in situations where durability and additional strength are a prerequisite in the project. Although cedar has been effective in most outdoor uses, hardwood species may offer more hardness, structural stability.
To conclude, cedar is technically softwood, however, it has natural resistance, and it is very versatile, which is why it is still a popular material in the construction and woodworking industry.
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