Direct Answer: Cedar is a softwood — botanically classified because it comes from a coniferous (needle-bearing) tree. But this label doesn't mean cedar is physically soft. Eastern red cedar at 900 lbf Janka hardness is harder than several species officially classified as hardwoods.
The hardwood vs softwood question confuses beginners because the terms describe tree biology, not physical hardness. Cedar is a conifer, which makes it a softwood by definition — but the practical woodworking implications depend on which cedar species and what you're building.
The Hardwood vs Softwood Classification Explained
- Hardwoods come from deciduous trees — broad-leaved trees that shed leaves seasonally. Examples: oak, walnut, maple, cherry.
- Softwoods come from coniferous trees — needle-bearing, typically evergreen. Examples: pine, spruce, fir, cedar.
Cedar is a conifer. End of classification. It bears needles or scale-like leaves, produces cones, and stays green year-round. Softwood — regardless of how hard it feels in your hand.
Janka Hardness — Where Cedar Actually Sits
| Species | Classification | Janka Hardness |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Maple | Hardwood | 1,450 lbf |
| White Oak | Hardwood | 1,360 lbf |
| Red Oak | Hardwood | 1,290 lbf |
| Eastern Red Cedar | Softwood | 900 lbf |
| Poplar | Hardwood | 540 lbf |
| Western Red Cedar | Softwood | 350 lbf |
| Balsa | Hardwood | 70 lbf |
Poplar — a true hardwood — is softer than eastern red cedar — a softwood. Balsa is technically a hardwood. The classification tells you about the tree's biology, not how the wood behaves under a tool.
Cedar's Softwood Status and Outdoor Furniture
For outdoor furniture, cedar's softwood classification matters less than its natural rot resistance. Cedar contains aromatic oils that repel insects and resist fungal decay — properties that have nothing to do with whether it's botanically a hardwood or softwood.
Western red cedar lasts 10–20 years outdoors with proper maintenance. That puts it ahead of most hardwoods used outdoors (which typically have poor natural rot resistance) despite being a softer wood.
For outdoor furniture comparisons: See our teak vs cedar vs white oak durability guide — covering lifespan, maintenance, and cost for the three most common outdoor furniture woods.
When Cedar's Softness Is a Problem
- Indoor dining tables and desktops — western red cedar at 350 lbf dents from keys, cups, and everyday contact. Use oak or maple.
- Flooring — cedar is too soft for foot traffic. Will show wear quickly.
- Workbench tops — bench surfaces need to take abuse. Use hard maple or laminated construction lumber.