Most people are aware of the different uses of cedar. It is commonly used as a building material in construction. Lap siding, roofing shingles, decks, handrails, furniture, and tree houses are just a few examples of its application in this field. Cedar hope chests and armoires, and even clothes hangers repel moths, protect clothes, and leave them smelling fresh. It's also found in the kitchen taking the form of salad bowls, utensils, and serving platters. But not everyone knows why cedar is so useful for making these various items. The purpose of this essay is to inform the reader of the attributes of cedar that make it so useful in so many ways.

King Solomon, well known for his wisdom in legal matters and 40 year reign over the kingdom of Israel, used the cedars of Lebanon in the construction of his temple in Jerusalem. Cedar is naturally decay resistant which makes it a wise choice to construct anything you want to last. In addition to it being decay resistant, it is also weather resistant. Cedar is able to endure the elements without cracking or warping making it a popular choice in construction of homes and furniture.

Cedar is light weight, easy to work with, and naturally durable. The natural oils it contains are capable of repelling water. The Native American took advantage of this by crafting canoes, cook ware and even clothing. They would weave clothing from the cedar fibres creating apparel ideal for the rugged environments they lived in. Cedar's ability to withstand extreme temperatures allowed Native Americans to make bowls they could put heated rocks into to cook their food. Kitchens today hold many items made of this highly functional material.

With so many beneficial applications, construction, bug repellent, and daily tools, cedar can truly be called a wonder wood.

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