Cedar (Atlas Cedar) Wood Guide

Wood species guide · Softwood lumber species

Cedar (Atlas Cedar) is best understood by how it looks, how it works, and where it should be used. This guide explains the practical buying details before sending you to the right Kingma products.

Scientific nameCedrus atlantica
Janka hardness660 lbf
Average dried weight33.0 lb/ft³
Best fitVeneer

Overview

Why choose Cedar (Atlas Cedar)?

Cedar (Atlas Cedar) is a softwood lumber species. Grows in the mountains of Morocco and Algeria (the Atlas and Rif ranges). Used for veneer, cabinetry, building construction, interior linings for boxes and chests, and turned objects.

Scientific nameCedrus atlantica
DistributionGrows in the mountains of Morocco and Algeria (the Atlas and Rif ranges)
ShrinkageRadial: 4.4%, Tangential: 6.2%, Volumetric: 10.8%, T/R Ratio: 1.4 More images | Identification
DurabilityThe wood is rated very durable and resists insects and borers well overall.

Cedar (Atlas Cedar) colour, grain, and figure

Heartwood ranges from straw colour to light reddish brown, with a narrow band of pale yellowish white sapwood.

Grain is mostly straight, although knots or bark pockets can disturb it. The texture is medium to coarse, and the natural shine is moderate to low.

Working notes

It cuts easily with either hand or machine tools, but knots and irregular grain can cause trouble when machining. It turns cleanly and takes glue and finish well.

Serious reactions are uncommon, but cedar of Lebanon has caused reports of skin and airway irritation, an asthma-like reaction and a runny nose.

Cedar (Atlas Cedar) should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.

Best uses for Cedar (Atlas Cedar)

Best projects

Used for veneer, cabinetry, building construction, interior linings for boxes and chests, and turned objects.

Use caution

Avoid specifying it by name alone; confirm board size, moisture, colour, figure, and the project environment before buying.

Finish strategy

Test finishes on offcuts first, especially when colour, blotching, outdoor exposure, or grain filling matters.

Buying note

Choose boards, slabs, plywood, blanks, or posts based on the project rather than species name alone.

Shop path

Buying Cedar (Atlas Cedar) from Kingma

Start with the direct species match when Kingma sells it. If stock rotates, use the closest live collection or a clearly explained alternative.

Kingma option

Cedar lumber collection

Closest Kingma softwood/outdoor path when an exact listing is not available.

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Kingma option

White Oak lumber collection

A harder outdoor-aware hardwood alternative when the project calls for durability rather than softwood character.

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Similar woods and alternatives

If Kingma does not have an exact match online, use the buying links below as practical alternatives only when the colour, grain, hardness, or project environment makes sense.

Cedar (Atlas Cedar) FAQ

What is Cedar best used for?

Used for veneer, cabinetry, building construction, interior linings for boxes and chests, and turned objects. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.

Is Cedar beginner friendly?

It depends on density, grain direction, and tooling. Test cuts on offcuts first, and choose Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Poplar when easier machining is the priority.

Does Kingma sell Cedar?

The buying section on this page links to any Cedar (Atlas Cedar) Kingma has in stock and to the closest alternatives. Stock changes often, so call (780) 229-7681 or visit the yard at 4607 91 Ave NW, Edmonton to check what is in today.