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Windsor Plywood has been a trusted source for specialty lumber and hardwoods across western Canada for decades. Our specialty lumber selection goes well beyond standard framing grades, offering premium domestic and imported hardwood species suited for fine furniture making, custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, and decorative woodworking projects of all scales. Species available include hard maple, red oak, white oak, walnut, cherry, birch, alder, poplar, and a rotating selection of exotic and figured hardwoods depending on current inventory. In addition to solid hardwood lumber, we carry live edge slabs, figured wood for tabletops and accent pieces, and hardwood plywood in species to match. Windsor Plywood staff are knowledgeable about the properties and working characteristics of each species and can help you select the right material for your specific application. Visit your local Windsor Plywood to browse current specialty lumber stock and discuss your project with our team.
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.