Cedar of Lebanon Wood Guide

Wood species guide · Softwood lumber species

Cedar of Lebanon 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 libani
Janka hardness820 lbf
Average dried weight32 lb/ft³
Best fitAnd turned objects

Overview

Why choose Cedar of Lebanon?

Cedar of Lebanon is a softwood lumber species. Its natural range is Mediterranean mountain country. Used for and turned objects, chests, interior linings for boxes, building construction, cabinetry and veneer.

Scientific nameCedrus libani
DistributionMediterranean mountain country
ShrinkageRadial: 4.1%, Tangential: 6%, Volumetric: 10.4%, T/R Ratio: 1.5 More images | Identification
DurabilityRated very durable, with good resistance to insects and borers overall.

Cedar of Lebanon colour, grain, and figure

The heartwood is straw coloured to light reddish brown. The sapwood is narrow and a pale yellowish white.

The grain is generally straight, although knots or bark inclusions can disturb it. The texture is medium to coarse, and the natural luster is moderate to low.

Working notes

Hand and machine tools cut it easily, but knots and irregular grain can make machining difficult. Turning, gluing and finishing all go well.

Reports link cedar of Lebanon to skin and respiratory irritation, symptoms like a runny nose and asthma, though serious reactions are rare.

Cedar of Lebanon should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.

Best uses for Cedar of Lebanon

Best projects

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

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 of Lebanon 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.

View option
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 of Lebanon FAQ

What is Cedar of Lebanon best used for?

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

Is Cedar of Lebanon 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 of Lebanon?

The buying section on this page links to any Cedar of Lebanon 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.