Search

Cedar, Red

Red cedar is a large hardwood that grows in the coastal rainforest areas of eastern Australia and parts of Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. It is commonly used for decorative applications such as veneers and paneling.

Other Names

Cedar, Australian Red Cedar, Thitkado, Toon, Yom Hom, Calantas, Dolipega, Toona, Toona australis, Cedrela toona, Toona Sureni

Botanical Name

Toona ciliata

Common Form
Veneer
Species Type
Hardwood
a close up of a wood grain

Red cedar is a large hardwood that grows in the coastal rainforest areas of eastern Australia and parts of Papua New Guinea, South America, the Philippines and India. It is commonly used for internal decorative applications such as veneers and paneling.

The heartwood of red cedar ranges from a pale pinkish red through to a richer dark reddish brown. The sapwood is paler pink or yellow in colour and is distinctive from the heartwood. Red cedar has a rough, uneven texture with a grain that is usually straight but may be slightly interlocked. Growth rings are often visible. Red cedar also features a distinctive odour that is said to repel moths.

Red cedar is soft and has good workability. It nails and glues well. Red cedar can also be painted, stained and polished and it finishes well, however its rough texture may require extra work. Precautions should be taken when machining red cedar as the sawdust can cause irritation for some people.

Red cedar is scarce in Australian forests, however small quantities are being imported.