Bennie García
Jan 4, 2011, 2:04 PM
Post #9 of 18
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Re: [YucaLandia] Termite Resistant Wood for Home Construction Use.
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skier14,
The cedro (Cedrela odorata) of Yucatan, Mexico, and Central America is not cedar, and is not even a conifer, but instead it is a close cousin of Mahogany. Cedro is not related to European cedars (genus Cedrus), nor is it related to to American & Canadian cedars (genus-es like red cedar's Juniperus, or "white cedar" Thuja (arborvitae) or "white cedar" Chamaecyparis (Cypress) - where the US & Canadian "cedars" are not actually cedars either).
Mexican Cedro would fit Robert's needs (rot and termite resistant), but would not likely work for skier14's intentions, because even though cedro's heartwood can have a bit of cedar-like odor, it is only termite resistant and does not repel insects. Skier14 could consider using cedro heartwood to line his "cedar" chests, but then treat the cedro with actual cedar oil to give it the insect repelling odor of cedars, where cedro alone would not really protect clothes from insects.
steve
Cedro actually is a cedar but a different classification the than coniferous species. And the heartwood comes as close to termite proof as you will find in a low specific gravity, in other words, light and soft wood. It is an ideal wood for any interior millwork.
It also has plenty of the odor that is associated with the coniferous cedars. We are currently milling some in my shop and the air is filled with that distinctive smell.
Parota has several important qualities, the first being termite resistance. It is also attractive. But it is very soft and will dent and ding easily. It is also a very unstable wood prone to large amounts of swelling during the humid times of the year. Doors will stick shut, drawers won't open etc. It also has a tendency to twist and warp. It is also highly acidic and steel fasteners will quickly deteriorate.
Other common woods you can find throughout the country that are decent cabinet woods are primavera and rosamorada.
There are also many other varieties including the exotics but I wouldn't recommend them for architectural millwork and cabinets. TMany are just too hard and heavy and don't hold glue well.
The above knowledge was accrued not through the U. of Google but through many years both in the lumber industry in this country and manufacturing wood products with the above mentioned species.
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