Is Cedar Good for Flooring: Pros, Cons, and Care
Cedar flooring offers a warm, natural appearance with distinctive grain and a subtle aroma. In American homes, cedar is valued for its beauty, lightweight feel, and the natural oils that can deter insects and help resist moisture to some degree. Yet cedar is a softwood and behaves differently from traditional hardwoods such as oak or maple. Homeowners should weigh cedar’s unique character and maintenance needs against potential denting, color changes, and price. This article examines whether cedar is a good choice for flooring, covering species, finishes, durability, care, and installation considerations to help readers decide if cedar belongs in their space.
Overview Of Cedar Flooring
Cedar flooring refers to boards harvested from cedar species commonly used for interior wood floors, with Western Red Cedar and Incense or Alaska cedar being among the most frequent options in U.S. homes. Western Red Cedar typically exhibits rich reddish-brown tones that fade to honey over time, while Incense Cedar leans toward a lighter, amber hue. Cedar’s fine, straight grain and pleasant aroma contribute to a cabin-inspired or coastal aesthetic that many homeowners find appealing. The wood’s natural oils can provide some resistance to moisture and pests, though they do not replace proper sealing and maintenance.
Because cedar is a softwood, it behaves differently under foot traffic and climate conditions. It expands and contracts with humidity, and its softer surface can dent more easily than oak or maple. Acclimation before installation, appropriate finishing, and mindful maintenance are key to achieving a durable, long-lasting floor. In environments with high humidity or standing moisture, cedar may require additional care or alternative flooring choices.
Natural Advantages Of Cedar For Floors
- Aromatic appeal: Cedar releases a pleasant scent that many find inviting and restorative, enriching living spaces without additional fragrances.
- Insect deterrence: Natural oils in cedar can deter moths and some wood-boring insects, which is a benefit in closets and sunrooms but not a sole pest-control solution for floors.
- Lightweight and workable: Cedar is easy to cut, nail, and install, making it attractive for DIY projects and precise installations.
- Moisture resilience in small doses: The wood’s oils provide some moisture resistance, helping to slow minor swelling and staining when properly sealed.
- Aesthetic versatility: The color range—from pale sands to rich reddish-browns—pairs well with many interior styles, and aging develops a softer patina that some homeowners prefer.
Cedar Flooring Types And Grades
Popular Cedar Species Used For Flooring
Western Red Cedar is by far the most common species for flooring in the United States. It features a warm, reddish hue and a smooth texture that accepts finishes well. Alaska or Incense Cedar offers a lighter, more uniform color and a slightly crisper grain, often yielding a contemporary or coastal vibe. Each species has unique characteristics in hardness, width stability, and aging behavior, so choosing the right one depends on the space, traffic, and desired look.
Another factor is aroma longevity. Some buyers appreciate the lasting scent, while others prefer a milder or absent odor, especially in bedrooms or spaces with sensitive occupants. Both Western Red Cedar and Incense Cedar age gracefully when protected with suitable finishes and humidity control.
Understanding Flooring Grades
Flooring grades indicate the amount of character versus defect in each board. Select and #1 Common typically offer fewer knots and more uniform grain, producing a cleaner look. #2 Common may display more character like knots and variations but can still yield a beautiful floor when installed with a consistent design plan. For cedar, color variation is common, and some buyers embrace it as part of the flooring’s natural charm. When shopping, verify shop grade definitions with the supplier and consider the room’s lighting and furniture to guide your choice.
Aesthetic And Finish Options
The beauty of cedar flooring often comes from how it’s finished and aged. Unfinished cedar gains color with time and exposure, while prefinished planks provide immediate protection and consistent color. Finishes range from penetrating oils and waxes to hybrid and polyurethane coatings. Oil-based finishes can deepen the wood’s warm tones but may amber over time, whereas water-based finishes preserve lighter hues and reduce odor during application. Matte and satin sheens are popular for cedar, as they showcase the grain without high reflectivity.
Color aging is a natural process. Cedar can darken subtly with sunlight, developing a richer patina that many homeowners find desirable. To preserve a specific look, it’s important to select a finish that minimizes yellowing and to use UV-protective coatings in sunny spaces. For those who prefer minimal maintenance, prefinished cedar floors with durable coatings offer consistent results and easier upkeep, though refinishing later can be more involved than with site-finished boards.
Durability, Maintenance And Longevity
Cedar is softer than most traditional hardwoods. Its Janka hardness is generally lower than oak or maple, making it more prone to denting from heavy foot traffic, furniture legs, or dropped objects. However, cedar’s natural oils can help resist moisture and staining to a degree, particularly when the wood is properly sealed. In dry climates or well-controlled interiors, cedar floors can wear gracefully for decades with the right care, but in busy entryways or kitchens, homeowners should expect more frequent maintenance or protective measures.
Proper acclimation before installation is essential to minimize movement after installation. Maintain stable indoor humidity—ideally around 40–60%—to reduce gaps and warping. Regular cleaning with a soft broom or vacuum designed for hard floors, followed by a damp microfiber wipe, helps preserve finish. Avoid harsh detergents, waxes, or abrasive tools that can dull the finish or strip oils. Refinish intervals depend on traffic, finish type, and wear, but many cedar floors may need refinishing every 7–15 years in high-traffic areas.
| Characteristic | Cedar (Western Red) | Traditional Hardwoods |
|---|---|---|
| Janka Hardness | Approximately 900 | Oak: 1200–1350 |
| Dent Resilience | Lower; dent-prone under heavy impact | Higher; more resistant to dents |
| Moisture Resistance | Moderate; natural oils help | Higher with engineered options |
| Stability | Good with acclimation; movement with humidity | Very stable (depends on species and construction) |
| Maintenance | Refinishing every 7–15 years typical | Varies; often longer between refinishes |
Pros And Cons
- Pros: Distinctive warmth and grain, pleasant aroma, natural insect deterrence, easier installation for DIY projects, and a look that ages gracefully with character.
- Cons: Softer surface that dents more easily, color and patina shift with light exposure, higher cost than some common woods, and maintenance requirements to protect the finish and integrity.
Environmental And Health Considerations
For eco-conscious buyers, select cedar sourced from responsibly managed forests with certifications such as FSC or PEFC. Finishes with low VOCs are preferable to minimize indoor air exposure, especially in spaces used by children or individuals with sensitivities. Cedar’s natural oils reduce the need for some chemical treatments, but finishes and cleaners still contribute to indoor air quality. Proper ventilation during installation and curing is essential to ensure a healthy indoor environment while the floor adapts to a new finish.
In addition to sustainability, consider the long-term environmental impact of refinishing. Choosing durable finishes and maintenance practices can reduce waste and prolong the life of the floor, aligning with broader goals to minimize replacements and resource use.
Cost And Installation Considerations
Costs for cedar flooring vary by species, grade, finish, and regional labor rates. Material costs typically exceed many standard softwoods but can be competitive with certain hardwoods, depending on local supply. Installation expenses depend on square footage, subfloor condition, and whether the work is DIY or professional. On average, homeowners may expect total installed costs to range broadly, with higher-end finishes and premium species pushing price higher. Acclimation time is crucial, often requiring a week or two on-site to stabilize moisture content before installation.
Other considerations include underlayment choice, potential need for subfloor repair, and transitions to adjacent flooring. If the space has radiant heat or high humidity, confirm compatibility with cedar flooring and the selected finish. A well-planned budget should account for potential refinishing cycles and the cost of maintenance supplies over the floor’s lifespan.
Care And Maintenance Routine
- Daily/Weekly: Sweep or vacuum with a floor-friendly attachment to remove abrasive grit that can wear the finish. Use a microfiber dusting pad for light cleaning.
- Spills: Wipe promptly with a dry or slightly damp cloth to prevent water staining, especially on unfinished edges or seams.
- Humidity Control: Maintain 40–60% relative humidity to minimize expansion and contraction.
- Finishes And Cleaners: Use pH-neutral, non-abrasive cleaners recommended by the finish manufacturer. Avoid waxes and silicone-based products that can leave residues or hinder refinishing.
- Preventive Measures: Use furniture pads, area rugs at entryways, and avoid standing water. Protect high-traffic areas with runners and avoid direct sunlight when possible to slow color change.
- refinishing: When the finish shows wear or the color fades, sand lightly and refinish following the manufacturer’s guidelines and local code requirements, typically every 7–15 years depending on use.