Direct Answer: Cedar is a softwood — botanically classified because it comes from a coniferous tree. But eastern red cedar at 900 lbf Janka is physically harder than several species officially classified as hardwoods, including poplar at 540 lbf.
Why Cedar Is Classified as a Softwood
- Hardwoods come from deciduous trees — broad-leaved, shed leaves seasonally: oak, walnut, maple.
- Softwoods come from coniferous trees — needle-bearing, typically evergreen: pine, spruce, fir, cedar.
Cedar is a conifer. It bears needles or scale-like leaves, produces cones, and stays green year-round — softwood by botanical definition.
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. Balsa is technically a hardwood. The classification tells you about the tree's biology, not how the wood behaves under a tool.
Cedar and Outdoor Use
For outdoor furniture and construction, cedar's softwood classification matters far less than its natural rot resistance. Cedar contains aromatic oils that repel insects and resist fungal decay. Western red cedar lasts 10–20 years outdoors with proper maintenance — ahead of most hardwoods used outdoors despite being a physically softer wood.
For the full outdoor wood comparison: Teak vs Cedar vs White Oak — outdoor durability guide.
When Cedar's Softness Is a Problem
- Indoor dining tables — western red cedar at 350 lbf dents from keys and cups; use oak or maple
- Flooring — too soft for foot traffic at any meaningful scale
- Workbench tops — bench surfaces need to absorb abuse; use hard maple