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.
Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata) is a tropical American hardwood in the mahogany family, known for a pleasant cedar-like fragrance, reddish-brown colour, and light weight. Despite its name, it is neither a true cedar nor Spanish in origin. Spanish cedar is the traditional wood for cigar boxes and humidors due to its aromatic properties and ability to regulate humidity. It is also used for interior millwork, drawer linings, and light furniture.
Spanish cedar's aromatic oils complement tobacco flavour without overpowering it, while the wood's hygroscopic properties help regulate humidity inside the humidor — absorbing moisture when levels rise and releasing it when they fall. This makes it the traditional and preferred lining material for cigar humidors and storage boxes. The fragrance also helps repel tobacco beetles.
Spanish cedar and western red cedar are botanically unrelated species that share a similar fragrant character and reddish colour. Western red cedar is a large softwood used primarily for exterior siding, decking, and structural applications. Spanish cedar is a tropical hardwood used for interior millwork, humidors, and light furniture. They are not interchangeable in most applications.
Spanish cedar's range across tropical America has been affected by over-harvesting. FSC-certified Spanish cedar from managed plantations and forests is available. Windsor Plywood sources through established supply chains. Contact your local branch for current sourcing documentation when specifying Spanish cedar for certified projects.
Windsor Plywood carries Spanish cedar in select lumber grades for interior millwork and specialty applications subject to current availability. Contact your local Windsor Plywood branch to confirm current stock and dimensions available for your project.