Cherry vs. Cedar for Closet Lining - What is The Difference?

Last Updated May 21, 2025

Cherry wood offers a rich, warm finish with natural resistance to moisture and odors, making it ideal for closet lining. Cedar provides excellent aromatic properties and insect-repellent qualities, ensuring clothing stays fresh and protected.

Table of Comparison

Feature Cherry Wood Cedar Wood
Appearance Reddish-brown, smooth grain, darkens with age Light reddish hue, straight grain, rustic look
Aroma Light, subtle scent Distinct, strong natural aroma that repels moths
Durability Hard, resistant to dents and scratches Soft to medium hardness, prone to surface wear
Moisture Resistance Moderate, can warp if exposed to moisture High natural resistance to moisture and decay
Cost Higher price, premium wood More affordable, cost-effective
Common Uses Fine furniture, closets, cabinetry Closet linings, chests, outdoor furniture

Introduction to Closet Lining Materials

Cherry and cedar are popular closet lining materials known for their unique properties and benefits. Cherry wood offers a smooth finish, rich color, and natural resistance to decay, making it ideal for elegant closet interiors. Cedar excels in moisture absorption and repels moths and insects, providing excellent protection for clothing and stored items.

Overview of Cherry Wood

Cherry wood offers a rich, warm reddish-brown hue that deepens with age, creating an elegant and inviting atmosphere for closet lining. Known for its fine, straight grain and smooth texture, cherry is durable yet easy to work with, making it ideal for custom closet interiors. Its natural resistance to warping and ability to absorb finishes well enhance both the aesthetic appeal and longevity of closet linings.

Overview of Cedar Wood

Cedar wood is highly valued for closet lining due to its natural aromatic properties that repel moths and insects, protecting stored clothing. Its moisture-wicking ability helps regulate humidity, preventing mold and mildew buildup in enclosed spaces. The soft, durable grain of cedar also absorbs odors and offers a warm, reddish hue that enhances closet aesthetics.

Aesthetic Appeal: Cherry vs Cedar

Cherry wood showcases a rich, warm reddish-brown hue that deepens with age, offering a luxurious and elegant aesthetic for closet lining. Cedar provides a natural, rustic charm with its soft reddish tones and distinctive aromatic qualities, enhancing both the look and smell of storage spaces. The choice between cherry and cedar depends on the desired visual ambiance--cherry for sophistication and cedar for a cozy, natural vibe.

Natural Aroma and Scent Benefits

Cherry wood offers a rich, warm aroma with subtle fruity and almond undertones that gently enhance closet freshness over time. Cedar provides a stronger, more distinct resinous scent known for repelling moths and insects naturally, maintaining garment protection. Both hardwoods contribute unique natural fragrances that improve closet ambiance and preserve clothing quality.

Moisture and Pest Resistance Comparison

Cherry wood offers moderate moisture resistance but is more susceptible to pest damage compared to cedar, which naturally contains oils that repel insects and inhibit mold growth. Cedar's superior moisture resistance helps maintain a dry environment, reducing the risk of warping and mildew inside closets. Choosing cedar for closet lining ensures enhanced protection against pests and moisture-related issues while providing a pleasant aroma.

Durability and Longevity

Cherry wood offers moderate durability with a smooth finish that ages gracefully, developing a rich patina over time, making it a stylish choice for closet lining. Cedar provides superior durability and natural resistance to moisture, insects, and decay, ensuring long-lasting protection and maintaining closet freshness. The longevity of cedar surpasses cherry, especially in environments prone to humidity or pests.

Installation and Maintenance

Cherry wood offers a smooth, fine grain that is easier to cut and shape during closet lining installation, reducing labor time and ensuring precise fitting. Cedar, known for its natural resistance to moisture and pests, requires minimal maintenance and benefits from occasional light sanding to maintain its aromatic properties. Both woods demand sealing or finishing to prevent warping, but cherry's dense structure generally provides greater durability with routine upkeep.

Cost Comparison

Cherry wood typically costs between $8 and $12 per board foot, making it a more expensive choice for closet lining compared to cedar, which ranges from $5 to $9 per board foot. The higher price of cherry is attributed to its rich color, durability, and fine grain, while cedar offers cost advantages alongside natural resistance to moisture and insects. Budget-conscious homeowners often prefer cedar for its affordability, while those seeking a luxurious finish may invest in cherry despite the increased cost.

Which Wood is Best for Closet Lining?

Cherry wood offers a smooth texture and rich, reddish-brown hue that darkens over time, providing an elegant and warm aesthetic for closet lining. Cedar is renowned for its natural resistance to moisture, insects, and its distinctive aromatic scent, which helps protect clothing and deter moths. For closet lining, cedar's durability and odor-repellent properties typically make it the superior choice, while cherry wood is favored for decorative appeal.

Cherry vs. Cedar for Closet Lining - What is The Difference?

Infographic: Cherry vs Cedar for Closet Lining



About the author. Kakani is a respected author and expert in materials for industrial and manufacturing applications. With years of experience in both research and industry.

Disclaimer.
The information provided in this document is for general informational purposes only and is not guaranteed to be complete. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, we cannot guarantee that the details mentioned are up-to-date or applicable to all scenarios. Topics about Cherry vs Cedar for Closet Lining are subject to change from time to time.

Comments

No comment yet