The Woodworkers Favourite, Australian Red cedar

flickr photo by denisbin shared under a Creative Commons (BY-ND) license

Australian Red Cedar (Toona ciliata) is one of the few Australian timbers known as much for its history of overuse as for how easily it works. Lighter than most native hardwoods, it has a straight grain, a deep red tone that darkens with age, and a consistency that makes it predictable in the workshop.

For woodworkers, its appeal has always been practical. It cuts cleanly, finishes well, and behaves predictably across most workshop applications, which is why it was widely used in early Australian joinery and furniture making.

What Makes It Distinct

The timber is relatively soft compared to many Australian hardwoods, which makes it easy to shape and refine. That workability allows for clean edges, smooth surfaces, and efficient hand or machine work without excessive resistance.

Its grain is typically straight to slightly interlocked, giving finished pieces a uniform appearance without heavy figuring. In smaller objects, that consistency becomes more noticeable, where the surface and finish are handled and seen up close.

How It Was Used

Early use was driven by access. Trees grew along river systems, which made transport straightforward. Once cut, the timber could be moved by water, processed, and exported without complex infrastructure.

That combination of accessibility and workability led to sustained, heavy logging. By the early 20th century, large and easily accessible stands had been largely removed.

What Changed

Logging is now controlled, and the species is protected in many areas. Supply no longer comes from widespread harvesting, and large sections of old-growth material are no longer available in the way they once were.

Much of the Red Cedar used in smaller woodwork today comes from reclaimed sources, old structures, or limited and regulated harvesting. That shift has changed how the timber is used, it is no longer treated as a bulk material.

How It Is Used Now

Red Cedar now appears more often in smaller, finished objects rather than structural or large-scale applications. This reflects both availability and suitability, it is often used in shorter lengths and reclaimed material where the timber’s colour and grain can be appreciated without requiring large sections.

Items such as jewellery boxes, storage pieces, and fireplace accessories make practical use of this material. These are objects that are handled regularly, where the weight, surface, and finish of the timber are part of the experience.

Browse our range of Australian Red Cedar pieces, including small boxes and functional homewares made from reclaimed material.

Its role has changed, but not its appeal. Australian Red Cedar is no longer used at scale, but in smaller pieces, its colour, grain, and workability remain evident in everyday use.