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Naturally beautiful and richly fragrant, aromatic cedar is prized for its distinctive scent, natural insect-repelling properties, and striking red and purple hues. We offer premium aromatic cedar products perfect for closets, chests, panelling, and accent projects that bring warmth, character, and function to your space. This durable, lightweight wood features a fine, straight grain and is easy to work with—ideal for DIYers, woodworkers, and contractors alike. Its natural resistance to moisture, decay, and pests makes it especially popular for closet liners, storage solutions, and other interior applications where freshness and preservation matter. Proudly serving Canadians since 1969, Windsor Plywood specializes in high-quality, hard-to-source wood products with expert, personalized service. Visit your local store to explore the unique charm of aromatic cedar—and discover how it can add beauty and utility to your next project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is aromatic cedar and what is it used for?
Aromatic cedar (Juniperus virginiana), also called eastern red cedar or pencil cedar, is a small-diameter tree native to eastern North America known for its distinctive spicy cedar fragrance. The heartwood contains natural aromatic oils that repel moths and other insects. It is used for closet lining, blanket chests, hope chests, drawer bottoms, and cedar chests — applications where moth-repelling fragrance is a functional requirement.
Does aromatic cedar actually repel moths?
Yes. The volatile oils in fresh aromatic cedar heartwood repel moths and other fabric pests. The effectiveness diminishes as the surface oils evaporate over time, typically several years. Lightly sanding the cedar surface periodically restores the fragrance and the moth-repelling properties by exposing fresh wood beneath the oxidized surface layer.
Is aromatic cedar the same as western red cedar?
No. Aromatic cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and western red cedar (Thuja plicata) are unrelated species used for very different purposes. Western red cedar is a large Pacific coast tree used for exterior siding, decking, and structural applications. Aromatic cedar is a small eastern tree used specifically for its insect-repelling fragrance in interior closet and chest applications.
What dimensions does Windsor Plywood carry aromatic cedar in?
Windsor Plywood carries aromatic cedar in closet lining tongue-and-groove panels and boards in standard narrow widths suited for interior panelling applications. Availability varies by location. Contact your local Windsor Plywood branch to confirm current aromatic cedar stock for your closet or chest project.
Can aromatic cedar be finished with stain or varnish?
Finishing aromatic cedar with stain, varnish, or polyurethane seals the surface and eliminates the moth-repelling fragrance. For closet lining applications, leave aromatic cedar unfinished or apply only a light coat of oil to preserve the active aromatic oils. If appearance uniformity is important, light sanding without finishing is the preferred approach.