Cedar, aspen and pine boards - we learn to distinguish between varieties and read the markings. How do spruce, pines and cedars differ from each other? How to distinguish a rounded pine log from a cedar
Cedar and pine are two trees that belong to the same Pine family. Despite their external similarity, both plants have a number of significant differences.
What are cedar and pine
Cedar is a genus of trees in the Pine family, which consists of only a few species.
Lebanese cedar
Pine is a genus of trees in the Pine family, numbering about 120 species. 
Scots pine 
Siberian cedar pine
Comparison of cedar and pine
What is the difference between cedar and pine?
Cedars are common within the subtropical climate zone– Mediterranean, mountainous Crimea, Himalayas. Therefore, there are only a few types of these plants - Lebanese, Himalayan and Atlas cedar.
Pines are common in temperate and subtropical climates in Eurasia and North America. Today there are about 200 species of pine trees on Earth. Pines are evergreens. Depending on living conditions, they look like large trees with a crown different shapes, and miniature shrubs.
Cedar is a monoecious plant reaching 50 meters in height. The tree is evergreen and has a characteristic, spreading crown. The needles are arranged spirally, collected in bunches of 30-40 pieces each. An individual needle resembles a needle. It can be triangular or tetrahedral, painted in a special emerald-steel color.
Pine is a monoecious plant with long or short needles. From two to five long needles are collected in a bunch, the number of which forms the basis of the taxonomy of pine trees. When damaged, rosettes form on the tree, from which short needles grow. The color of the green mass of pine depends on the climate and soil quality, and therefore varies from light silver to intense green.
Cedar cones are located singly, “stick out” like candles, and have a special barrel-shaped shape. Such a cone ripens in the second or third year of its formation. This seed incubation organ is characterized by the presence of numerous, spirally arranged scales, to which tiny ones are attached - only 15% of the total weight of the cone! - winged seeds. The embryo of the future cedar consists of 8-10 cotyledons. When a seed falls into the soil, a new cedar sprout is able to grow - “hatch” in just 3 weeks.
Pine cones have a characteristic oblong shape, do not “stick out”, but hang sadly from the branches. While the seed is ripening, the scales fit very tightly, but upon ripening they open, “releasing” the seeds. For each scale there are a pair of winged or wingless seeds. A very small pine embryo has from 4 to 15 cotyledons. Germination time depends on the type and geographical location of the plant.
Due to its greater distribution and number of species, pine is used more intensively by humans.
TheDifference.ru determined that the difference between cedar and pine is as follows:
The number of pine species is tens of times greater than the number of cedar species.
The distribution area of pine is much wider than that of cedar.
The morphology and size of pine are much more diverse than cedar.
There are more needles in a cedar bundle than in a pine bundle.
Pine trees have more economic importance for humanity.
Due to their excellent characteristics, building materials made from coniferous wood are actively used for the construction of houses, bathhouses, gazebos and other objects. They are also used for finishing premises, for example, in the form of lining. However coniferous trees are different, and now we will look at how to distinguish pine from cedar.
What's the difference?
To begin with, cedar materials are noticeably more expensive than pine analogues. And this gives some scope for fraud: under the guise of expensive cedar timber, they can sell you pine timber.
The differences between pine and cedar, which make the latter more expensive, are as follows:
- Less attractive appearance;
- High tendency to warping and shrinkage;
- Higher likelihood of cracks;
- Less durability;
- Different microclimate.
The last point should be given special attention, since it important factor that cedar is a “noble” wood. It contains a whole range of useful substances that are gradually released into the surrounding space, having a positive effect on humans.
Use in construction and decoration
The structural properties of cedar and pine are largely similar, with the exception of the above-mentioned nuances. This is not surprising, because what we call “ Siberian cedar"belongs to the genus of pines and is a cedar pine.
The use of cedar as a structural material (for the construction of load-bearing walls or a log house) is not widespread due to its high cost. However, as we have already noted, there are some advantages in building from cedar, plus an important one in Lately prestige factor.
But from the point of view of interior decoration positive properties cedar trees become more obvious, mainly due to their ability to maintain their appearance for a long time and have a beneficial effect on health.
If you don’t really want to understand the intricacies, but also don’t want to be deceived, take materials from trusted suppliers. For example, you can look here - FaneraMonolit.
Differences
The main difference between cedar and pine is their habitat. Pine grows almost everywhere, but cedar does not. Besides:
- The average cedar is five meters taller than the same pine.
- The lifespan of cedar is also longer.
- Cedar blooms a little later than pine.
- There are more deep grooves on the pine bark and they appear earlier.
- But here’s how to distinguish cedar from pine by its needles: in the former they grow in bunches of five, while in pine they grow in pairs. Thus, the cedar looks more “fluffy”.
- There are also differences in the shape of the cones. Plus, pine nuts can be eaten, but the same is not practiced with pine nuts.
What if there is already timber or clapboard in front of me?
The first option for distinguishing cedar from pine in a log house is color. Cedar has a pleasant pinkish tint that hardly fades over time. Pine is a little grayish and the color of its wood quickly fades. If we're talking about about logs, this will be especially noticeable at the ends.
The place where the knot was will be noticeably reddish on cedar material, but not on pine material.
Cedar wood has a different smell, which is due to differences in chemical composition resin Moreover, the smell of cedar lingers long time, even on processed material.
Cedar is also a little lighter than pine, and its wood has a more uniform and even structure.
Cedar and pine are two trees that belong to the same Pine family. Despite their external similarity, both plants have a number of significant differences.
Definition
Cedar is a genus of trees in the Pine family, which consists of only a few species.
Lebanese cedar
Pine is a genus of trees in the Pine family, numbering about 120 species.
Scots pine 
Siberian cedar pine Comparison
Cedars are common within the subtropical climate zone - the Mediterranean, mountainous Crimea, and the Himalayas. Therefore, there are only a few types of these plants - Lebanese, Himalayan and Atlas cedar.
Pines are common in temperate and subtropical climates in Eurasia and North America. Today there are about 200 species of pine trees on Earth. Pines are evergreens. Depending on living conditions, they look like both large trees with crowns of different shapes and miniature shrubs.
Cedar is a monoecious plant reaching 50 meters in height. The tree is evergreen and has a characteristic, spreading crown. The needles are arranged spirally, collected in bunches of 30-40 pieces each. An individual needle resembles a needle. It can be triangular or tetrahedral, painted in a special emerald-steel color.
Pine is a monoecious plant with long or short needles. From two to five long needles are collected in a bunch, the number of which forms the basis of the taxonomy of pine trees. When damaged, rosettes form on the tree, from which short needles grow. The color of the green mass of pine depends on the climate and soil quality, and therefore varies from light silver to intense green.
Cedar cones are located singly, “stick out” like candles, and have a special barrel-shaped shape. Such a cone ripens in the second or third year of its formation. This seed incubation organ is characterized by the presence of numerous, spirally arranged scales, to which tiny ones are attached - only 15% of the total weight of the cone! - winged seeds. The embryo of the future cedar consists of 8-10 cotyledons. When a seed falls into the soil, a new cedar sprout is able to grow - “hatch” in just 3 weeks.
Pine cones have a characteristic oblong shape, do not “stick out”, but hang sadly from the branches. While the seed is ripening, the scales fit very tightly, but upon ripening they open, “releasing” the seeds. For each scale there are a pair of winged or wingless seeds. A very small pine embryo has from 4 to 15 cotyledons. Germination time depends on the type and geographical location of the plant.
Due to its greater distribution and number of species, pine is used more intensively by humans.
Conclusions website
- The number of pine species is tens of times greater than the number of cedar species.
- The distribution area of pine is much wider than that of cedar.
- The morphology and size of pine are much more diverse than cedar.
- There are more needles in a cedar bundle than in a pine bundle.
- Pine forests are of greater economic importance for humanity.
How to distinguish a log house made of cedar from a log house made of pine?
Cedar like construction material, known to mankind since ancient times. We can find references to this in the Bible. Today, this wood is used when building luxury cedar houses, bathhouses, country buildings, etc.
Benefits of cedar wood
Cedar compares favorably with all other types of wood, including conifers. Its obvious advantages include:
- Durability. Houses made of cedar last a surprisingly long time. They easily tolerate the scorching sun and bitter frosts. Resistant to sudden temperature changes and moisture.
- Aesthetic qualities. Cedar is an excellent building material created by nature itself. Its wood has a beautiful texture and rich color scheme, from light amber to dark chocolate color. A cedar log house is valued for its unusual, attractive appearance.
- Environmental friendliness. Cedar wood, being a wonderful natural antiseptic, has a beneficial effect on health. Phytoncides secreted by cedar destroy pathogenic microbes and give the air in the room healing properties. The cedar aroma in the house lasts for many years.
- Air permeability and heat saving. The peculiarity of walls built from cedar is that they “breathe”. The air in such a room does not stagnate, and excess moisture is removed. I would also like to note that cedar has excellent thermal insulation properties. All this together creates a comfortable microclimate. It's nice to be in such a room.
- Practicality. Cedar is plastic, easy to process and at the same time has high strength. It is not subject to the decomposing effects of a humid atmosphere, and therefore is resistant to the formation of mold, rot and fungi. Bark beetles avoid it.
What is the difference between cedar and pine?
Recently, thanks to the above properties, cedar houses are gaining more and more popularity. However, their cost can be 1.5 - 2 times higher than similar pine buildings. And logs made from these materials, at first glance, are very similar, which some unscrupulous suppliers take advantage of by passing off pine wood as cedar.
To determine what the log house is actually made of, you need to pay attention to the smell. Cedar has a pronounced, characteristic balsamic aroma, while pine has a weaker, unobtrusive pine spirit. As for the color, the yellowish tint of the wood in pine logs is more pronounced and it darkens more slowly in the open air. Cedar logs can be identified by their pink core, which Pink colour, not like pine.
Cedar and pine are coniferous trees. At first glance, they are very similar, but in reality this is not the case at all. In order to distinguish trees, you should know not only them external features. They differ significantly in the specifics of their growth.
How to distinguish cedar from pine? This is what is presented short story in this article.
general information
Today the number is tens of times higher than the number of cedar species. And it grows in wider areas. In addition, the variability in size and generic characteristics of pine is much more diverse.
It is less capricious to the soil, since its powerful and long roots go deep into the ground, and therefore the tree feeds on nutrients and moisture from the deep layers of the earth.
Places of growth
Cedars grow in the subtropics mountain Crimea, Mediterranean and Himalayas. Depending on the name of the area where they grow, they are divided into types: Himalayan, Crimean, Lebanese, etc.
Pines grow more in temperate regions subtropical climate North America and Eurasia. In total, scientists identify 200 varieties of this coniferous plant. Both cedar and pine are evergreen trees. Various natural conditions They also create various forms of plants from bushes to trees with huge crowns.
Peculiarities
How do cedar and pine grow? Cedar - monoecious evergreen, and the height of the tree with an impressive spreading crown can reach up to 50 meters. The needles, collected in bunches, have a spiral arrangement. Each needle-like needle has a triangular shape and is painted in emerald-steel color. Cedar cones, arranged singly and shaped like a barrel, stand on the shoots like candles. They ripen in the second or third year of formation.
Pine, which also has long or shortened needles. Needles of two to five pieces are also collected in a bunch. When damage appears on a tree, rosettes form at this place, from which needles gradually grow. The color of the needles depends on climate conditions and soil composition. It can vary from rich green to light with a silver tint. Pine cones are oblong in shape and hang from the branches.
Wood
How does cedar differ from pine when using their wood as a building material?
Materials made from many coniferous woods, due to their characteristics, are widely used in the construction of bathhouses, houses, gazebos and other objects. The material is popular in interior decoration. But it should be noted that coniferous species are different and have differences in quality.
How to distinguish cedar from pine? How not to make a mistake in choosing material for construction? The properties of these two breeds are similar in many ways, and yet there are some differences. Pine is subject to severe shrinkage, so it is not a very durable material. In addition, after drying it appears deep furrows. Cedar in this regard is slightly different from pine, it also has others positive points, the main ones being the following: beneficial influence per person and maintaining the original appearance longer time.
A little about the benefits of pine cones
It should be noted the benefits of pine cones. Absolutely all parts of the plant are used in folk medicine. Its fruits are especially beneficial.
Pine cones are a treasure trove large quantity useful substances. Young buds, rich in valuable biologically active compounds, are very useful. They are used in folk medicine for the following purposes:
Finally
The main differences between cedar and pine:
- The plant is taller than a pine tree.
- It has a longer lifespan (up to approximately 800 years) compared to pine (up to 120 years).
- Flowering occurs later.
- Fewer grooves in the wood.
- Thermal conductivity is 30% less than that of pine, which is associated with greater porosity.
