Which Wood Should I Choose For My Humidor?

The essence of using a humidor is to protect the cigars. And of course, you will need to have a controlled environment within the humidor to ensure that the cigars are properly stored. That’s a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity level of about 70%. But that is just a tip of the iceberg. To ensure that you have the right temperature and humidity at all times, you will need a hygrometer and the right type of wood.

 

 

So, which is the best wood to choose?

I’m sure you’ve been searching for the best wood for a humidor. And if this is not your first rodeo, then chances are that you’ve come across the word Spanish cedar. It’s actually the most widely used wood for humidor. And it’s popular because it’s the best choice.

Contrary to what people actually think when they see the word Spanish cedar, the wood is imported from Brazil and parts of Central and South America. So, what is all the fuss about Spanish cedar?

Why is Spanish cedar the Top Choice in best wood for a humidor?

There are several reasons why most manufacturers prefer using Spanish cedar:
The wood is able to withstand high humidity without compromising its integrity. It also works well when the temperatures are regulated.

On top of that, Spanish cedar is also a good choice when you want to protect your cigars from tobacco beetles. It has a very strong scent that deters tobacco beetles hence preventing damage.

More importantly, Spanish cedar gives off a pleasant scent that helps to improve the aroma of your cigars. It also helps preserve the natural smell of cigars and maintain their quality over time.

But for you to enjoy all these perks, you might have to dig deep into your pocket. The Spanish cedar is pricey and with good reason. So, don’t expect that you will get a budget humidor that is made out of Spanish cedar. Regardless, there are also other alternatives that you could go for.

Alternatives to Spanish cedar

American Red Cedar: as much as this type of wood might not do a better job than the Spanish cedar, it’s still a good alternative to it. It’s incredibly good at fending off tobacco beetles due to its scent. However, it gives your cigar a woody type of smell which most people do not like. All the same, it’s a cheaper alternative.

Honduran Mahogany:

Mahogany is a good choice when it comes to maintaining the temperature and humidity of your humidor. And it also doesn’t give your cigars a woody smell. However, it might not fight off tobacco beetles effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

• What is the best wood to use for a humidor?

  • Spanish cedar is widely considered the best wood for lining a humidor due to its ability to regulate moisture, repel tobacco beetles, and enhance the flavor of cigars with its aroma.
    
    

• Why is Spanish cedar preferred over other woods for humidors?

  • Spanish cedar has unique properties that make it ideal: it’s highly resistant to humidity changes, prevents mold growth, repels pests, and enhances the aging process of cigars by releasing a subtle fragrance.
    
    

• Are there alternatives to Spanish cedar for humidor construction?

  • Yes, other woods like Honduran mahogany and American red cedar are sometimes used. Honduran mahogany is stable and offers similar moisture-regulating properties, while American red cedar has a pleasant aroma but can be too strong for cigars and less effective at controlling humidity.
    
    

• Can I use any wood for a humidor?

  • Not all woods are suitable for humidors. Woods like oak or pine are not recommended because they can release harmful resins, absorb too much moisture, or negatively impact the cigars' flavor.
    
    

• How thick should the wood lining be for optimal humidity control?

  • The wood lining, especially for Spanish cedar, should be around ¼ to ½ inch thick. This thickness helps to properly absorb and release moisture, creating a stable environment inside the humidor.
    
    

• What wood should I avoid when building a humidor?

  • Avoid woods like pine, birch, oak, and maple, as they can release strong odors, harmful chemicals, or resins that could affect the cigars. These woods are not effective at maintaining proper humidity levels.

 

Bottom line…

Most of the modern humidor will likely be constructed with different types of wood. That means you will need to observe the type of humidor you decide to buy. These woods include walnut, oak, mahogany, and of course, cedar. Without a doubt, cedar is by far the best type of wood for humidor. It can also last a while when properly maintained. But it comes at a price. Spanish cedar is quite expensive.

No matter which wood choice you go for, just make sure it can easily maintain the quality of your cigar in the humidor. It’s the only way you can be sure of enjoying the freshness and quality of your cigars in the long run.