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The best types of wood used to make a humidor

Humidors serve as specialized storage units designed to maintain cigars in an optimal environment, carefully regulating temperature and humidity levels to preserve their quality. What makes a good humidor, you might ask? For some it’s strictly how well can it preserve a cigar for an extended period of time, for others it’s effectiveness and price point, and for others, the storage capacity becomes a factor as well. The ideal choice is going to depend on your needs 

Some contain a digital hygrometer inside so that you can achieve the optimum relative humidity level. They’re crafted from exotic woods, each with distinct properties and visual appeal. Cigar aficionados and cigar lovers take their cigars seriously, so naturally they take their humidors seriously as well. A high-quality humidor is almost always made from solid wood, there is good reason for this as a quality lining made from Spanish cedar enhances the flavor of the cigar and does an excellent job of maintaining the perfect level of humidity. The best cigar humidors can preserve a cigar for a long time, they achieve this by having a tight seal on the lid and utilizing either a Spanish Cedar construction or a Spanish Cedar lining. Spanish Cedar is know as the best type of wood to use on the inside of a humidor. Many humidors come equipped with a humidification system such as humidifiers or humidification beads. These devices require water to create moisture and maintain humidity levels within the humidor. Distilled water is added to these devices to ensure that only pure water vapor is released into the air, preventing any contamination or residue buildup. Sometimes cigar boxes are confused with cigar humidors, but here are some key differences.

  • Cigar Box: Cigar boxes typically do not have humidity control mechanisms. While some may include a small humidification device or a humidipak to maintain humidity during transportation, they are not designed for long-term storage.

  • Cigar Humidor: Humidors are equipped with humidification systems that ensure the humidity level remains within the ideal range (usually around 65-70% relative humidity) to keep cigars fresh. This is crucial for preventing cigars from drying out or becoming too moist, which can affect their flavor and burn.

As for the outside of the humidor, exotic wood is used for decorative elements. Different types of wood can all be used together provided the design of the humidor works well with contrasting colors. Let’s delve into some common choices of wood that make the best humidor. 

Spanish Cedar, African mahogany, Honduran mahogany, walnut, American Red Cedar, Cherry and Oak. 

Spanish Cedar: Widely regarded as the best wood for the inside of a humidor, Spanish cedar boasts aromatic qualities that enrich the flavor of stored cigars. If you were to make a humidor and you could only use one wood, this would be you r best option. This wood, though not a true cedar, belongs to the mahogany family. Originating from Central and South America, it naturally repels insects and mold, crucial for humid environments. Spanish cedar’s ability to absorb and release moisture aids in humidity control, vital for cigar preservation. It’s prized for its durability and ease of crafting, offering an ideal environment without overpowering cigar flavors.

Spanish Cedar Pro’s:

  • Aromatic Qualities: Spanish cedar emits a pleasant aroma that can enhance the flavor of stored cigars, contributing to a more enjoyable smoking experience.

  • Natural Resistance to Insects: Spanish cedar contains natural oils and compounds that repel insects, particularly tobacco insects, helping to protect cigars from damage.

  • Moisture Regulation: Spanish cedar has the ability to absorb and release moisture, aiding in the maintenance of optimal humidity levels within the humidor, crucial for preserving cigar quality.

  • Durability: Despite being relatively lightweight, Spanish cedar is durable and resistant to decay, ensuring the longevity of humidors constructed from this wood.

  • Workability: Spanish cedar is easy to work with, allowing for intricate designs and details in humidor construction. It can be shaped and carved with precision, facilitating the creation of custom humidors.

Drawbacks of Spanish Cedar:

  • Cost: Spanish cedar can be relatively expensive compared to other woods used in humidors, which may impact the overall cost of constructing a humidor.

  • Availability: While Spanish cedar is widely used in humidors, it may not be as readily available as other woods in certain regions, potentially limiting access for some consumers. If it’s your first time making a humidor it’s a good idea to search online for Spanish Cedar as often there are good deals to be found.

  • Sensitivity to Staining: Spanish cedar is prone to staining when it comes into contact with certain materials, which may require extra care during the construction process to avoid unwanted discoloration.

  • Moderate Hardness: While Spanish cedar is durable, it is not as hard as some other woods, which may result in surface scratches or dents over time with regular use.

  • Aesthetic Preference: While many appreciate the appearance of Spanish cedar, high-end humidors typically feature different types of wood on the outside.

Mahogany: Another favored option, mahogany, admired for its durability and visual allure, offers a suitable habitat for cigar storage. Though lacking the aromatic charm of Spanish cedar, mahogany provides a dependable setting. It’s often imported from regions like Central and South America, Africa, or Asia. However, some species face protection measures due to sustainability concerns, potentially impacting availability. For instance at my local hardwood supplier, they only carry Sapele which is often mistaken for real Mahogany.

Mahogany Pros:

  • Durability: Mahogany is known for its exceptional durability, making it a long-lasting choice for humidors. It can withstand the rigors of daily use and maintain its structural integrity over time.

  • Attractive Appearance: Mahogany boasts a rich, reddish-brown color with a beautiful, straight grain pattern. Its elegant appearance adds sophistication to humidors and complements various interior designs.

  • Workability: Mahogany is relatively easy to work with, allowing for intricate designs and detailing in humidor construction. It can be carved, shaped, and finished with precision, facilitating the creation of custom humidors.

  • Stability: Mahogany is resistant to warping, shrinking, and swelling, making it an ideal wood choice for humidors that need to maintain a stable environment for cigar storage.

  • Availability: While some species of mahogany are protected due to sustainability concerns, other varieties are readily available, making it accessible for humidors and other woodworking projects.

Drawbacks of Mahogany:

  • Cost: High-quality mahogany can be expensive, which may increase the overall cost of constructing a humidor. However, there are various grades and species of mahogany available, offering options to fit different budgets.

  • Sustainability Concerns: Some species of mahogany are endangered or threatened due to overharvesting and habitat destruction. It’s essential to source mahogany from sustainable and responsibly managed forests to mitigate environmental impacts.

  • Heavy Weight: Mahogany is denser and heavier than some other woods used in humidors, which may affect portability and shipping costs, particularly for larger humidors.

  • Staining Potential: Mahogany can be prone to staining if not properly sealed or finished, requiring extra care during construction to prevent discoloration from contact with other materials.

  • Aesthetic Preference: While mahogany’s rich color and grain pattern are appealing to many, it may not suit everyone’s aesthetic preferences. Some individuals may prefer lighter or darker woods for their humidors, making mahogany a subjective choice.

American Red Cedar vs. Spanish Cedar: These woods diverge despite their shared name. American red cedar, native to North America, showcases a reddish-brown to deep purple hue and emits a strong, distinctive scent. Often employed outdoors due to its resistance to decay and insects, it’s less suitable for humidors. In contrast, Spanish cedar features a lighter color and emits a milder, sweeter aroma. It’s favored for its insect-repelling properties and ability to thrive in humid conditions, making it an optimal choice for humidors.

American Red Cedar Pros:

  • Aromatic Qualities: American red cedar emits a strong, distinctive aroma that is often described as spicy, woody, and pleasant. This aroma can add to the overall sensory experience of using a humidor.

  • Natural Resistance to Decay: American red cedar contains natural oils that make it highly resistant to decay and rot, making it an excellent choice for outdoor applications and humid environments like humidors.

  • Insect Repellent Properties: The natural oils and compounds found in American red cedar act as insect repellents, helping to protect stored cigars from pests such as tobacco beetles.

  • Stability: American red cedar is known for its stability and resistance to warping, shrinking, and swelling, making it a reliable choice for constructing humidors that need to maintain a consistent environment.

  • Availability: American red cedar is native to North America and is often readily available in many regions, making it accessible for humidors and other woodworking projects.

Drawbacks of American Red Cedar:

  • Aesthetic Considerations: While some people appreciate the distinctive aroma of American red cedar, others may find it overpowering or undesirable, especially if it interferes with the aroma of the stored cigars.

  • Softness: American red cedar is relatively soft compared to other woods used in humidors, which can make it more prone to scratches, dents, and other damage over time.

  • Color Fading: The vibrant reddish-brown color of American red cedar may fade over time when exposed to sunlight, leading to a less attractive appearance for the humidor.

  • Limited Versatility: While American red cedar is well-suited for humidors and outdoor applications, its strong aroma and softness may limit its use in other woodworking projects where these characteristics are less desirable.

  • Sensitivity to Moisture: Despite its resistance to decay, American red cedar can be sensitive to excessive moisture, which may lead to mold growth or other issues if not properly maintained in a humid environment like a humidor.

 

Decorative Woods Typically found on the outside of a humidor

Walnut, Cherry, and Oak: While less common in humidors compared to Spanish cedar and mahogany, these woods offer distinctive aesthetics. Walnut is often used as a decorative element on boxes as it is more prized for its aesthetic appeal vs its aromatic properties. Walnut’s rich tones and prominent grain lend elegance.

Cherry wood is also used as an accent wood and brings warm charm, often used for decorative elements as it too is not particularly known for its scent. 

Oak, prized for its durability, provides sturdy construction but lacks the aromatic allure of Spanish cedar. Rift sawn and quarter sawn oak can add beautiful elements as that species and cut of oak contains distinctive flakes that give lots of character.

Ultimately, the choice of wood depends on personal preferences, budget considerations, and desired aesthetic appeal. One such place to gather inspiration is from the company LINLEY.

 

David Linley, the 2nd Earl of Snowdon, wasn’t your run-of-the-mill nobleman. No, he was a woodworking virtuoso, crafting timber into masterpieces that left aristocrats in awe.

Before hobnobbing with royalty, Linley honed his craft at Bedales School and Parnham House School for Craftsmen in Wood, akin to a woodworking prodigy. In 1985, LINLEY emerged, birthing a legendary furniture brand synonymous with elegance.

Linley’s creations weren’t mere furnishings; they were craftsmanship incarnate, seamlessly blending tradition with modern allure. Think writing desks fit for literary giants and jewelry boxes igniting envy in Cleopatra herself.

Beyond furniture, LINLEY ventured into home accessories and bespoke commissions. Whether a cigar smoker seeking a snug humidor or a wordsmith craving a writing desk, LINLEY delivered.

Yet, Linley’s pursuits transcended profit. He championed charitable causes, embodying generosity. And amidst woodworking, he found solace in classic cars, embracing vintage rallies.

David Linley epitomizes the power of passion, shaping a legacy resonating in furniture. Here’s to Sir Linley – a luminary of woodcraft, crafting elegance for the long run.

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