Oak wood, particularly red oak, tends to have a higher density compared to cedar. The average density of red oak is around 0.64 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³), while Western red cedar has a density of approximately 0.48 g/cm³. This difference in density is due to the varying composition of the wood, with oak containing a higher proportion of lignin, which contributes to its weight and strength. Additionally, oak trees are typically larger and older than cedar trees, which can also influence the overall weight of the wood. For instance, a 12-inch diameter red oak log can weigh anywhere from 400 to 600 pounds, whereas a similarly sized cedar log might weigh around 300 to 400 pounds. These figures highlight the general trend that oak wood is heavier than cedar wood.