Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 900 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, decay, and subterranean termites.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a fine, even texture.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is typically a bright reddish or violet-brown, while the sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. The wood darkens to a brown or purplish-brown over time when exposed to UV light.
Hardness (Janka)
900 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, decay, and subterranean termites.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- The log appears to have been felled or down for several months to a few years, evidenced by weathered bark and surrounding ground debris.
- Sustainability Status
- Species of least concern according to the IUCN, widely abundant across its native range.
Common Uses
Fence posts, lining chests and closets, outdoor furniture, small wooden specialty items, bows, and pencil manufacturing.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though knots can occasionally tear out. Glues and finishes well, but high natural oil content can sometimes interfere with certain finishes.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils, shellac, or lacquers work well. Polyurethane can be used, but surface prep is needed to counteract natural oils.
Notable Features
Distinctive, pleasant aromatic scent that repels moths and insects. Contains natural oils and high dimensional stability.
