Our timber and its uses - Red Cedar

It can be a real challenge getting easy to understand information about Australian rainforest timbers.  We  are going to try and fill that gap, by creating simple to understand blog posts on each of our timber species.

First up is (of course) Red Cedar!

Common name:    Red Cedar
Botanical name: Toona australis

Type of Timber: Hardwood

What does it look like?
Red cedar is a beautiful warm timber with heartwood that ranges from a pale pinkish red through to a rich dark reddish brown.

There is no way to tell how the timber will "cut up" before you fall the tree.  Part of the charm of Red Cedar is its  variable colour.

The sapwood is paler pink or yellow in colour and is distinctive from the heartwood. 

The grain that is usually straight but may be slightly interlocked - this fiddle back appearance is great for use as veneers and it looks really good in panels in cabinetry, and show off a beautiful 'shimmery' quality.


Australian Red Cedar



What is it used for?
 

Red cedar is used mainly for beautification such as decorative veneers, paneling and furniture.

Where would I have seen it before?
 



In use as a veneer, or in antique furniture.



Antique Sofa - Image Powerhouse Museum



What is it like to work with?
 

Red cedar is soft and has a good workability. It nails and glues well. Red cedar can also be painted, stained and polished and it finishes well.



Sculptural piece



Where does it come from?
 

Red Cedar is native to NSW, QLD, Asia, SE Asia, South America.

Red cedar is scarce in most Australian forests, but has been sustainably harvested in the Cedar Getters forest since the 1800’s.  It is where we get our name from!





Red Cedar tree (and new Growth)