How to Identify Cedar Lumber
Cedar lumber is a highly sought-after wood for many people doing projects in their home. It's durability and pleasant scent are perfect for cabinets, closets, and doors. When working with cedar, it is important to be able to identify cedar wood from other types of wood.
- When you go to the lumber yard, go to the section marked for cedar. Most lumber yards will have the cedar together in one area. However, it is still important to identify each board as cedar wood. It is not unusual for boards that look like cedar to get mixed in the cedar section.
- Sniff the board from about a foot away. Cedar wood has a unique aroma that other woods do not have. Each board should have this scent, although not every board will have a strong odor.
- Look at the markings on the cedar boards. Cedar will have characteristic knots in the wood. Although these knots do not detract from the strength of the board, they may take away from the decorative value. The more knots that the board has, the less value the board has and the board will cost less.
- Check the different grades of cedar lumber. Most lumber yards will have cedar boards graded and identified for you. Cedar boards are ranked from highest to lowest: #2 Better Clear, A Better Clear, B Better Clear, C Better Clear, D Better Clear, Select Tight Knot and Knotty Achitectural.
- Check the boards for warping or splintering. Any cedar board that is warped or splintered is not desireable for use.