Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight with a fine, even texture. Frequently contains small, sound knots forming a rustic appearance. Occasional swirls or cathedral patterns on flat-sawn surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood is a distinct reddish-pink to violet-brown color. Sapwood is a pale yellow-to-white. Over time, the vibrant red hues will mellow to a more subdued silvery-gray if left unfinished and exposed to UV.
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack (especially moths) due to high natural oil and aromatic content.
Common Uses
Closet linings, chests, fence posts, birdhouses, pencils, small specialty wood items, outdoor furniture, and essential oil production.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and west to the Great Plains).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on grade and location.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears freshly milled or planed, showing vibrant coloration and no significant oxidation or UV damage. The growth rings suggest a relatively young, fast-growing tree.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is considered a prolific and sustainable species with high availability.
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and sands well, though knots can occasionally cause tearout. It glues and finishes well, but the natural oils can interfere with some solvent-based finishes if not wiped with acetone.
Notable Features
Famous for its distinct, pleasant, and long-lasting aroma. It contains natural oils that act as a moth repellent. Low density and high dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Often left unfinished in closet interiors to preserve scent. For decorative items, clear film finishes like polyurethane or lacquer help preserve color, though a simple oil/wax finish enhances the natural warmth.
Identification Confidence
High. The sharp contrast between the violet-red heartwood and the creamy white sapwood, combined with the fine texture and specific knot patterns, is diagnostic for Eastern Red Cedar.