Aromatic Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight with fine, even texture; displaying frequent small knots and a clear distinction between the heartwood and sapwood. Flat-sawn board showing some cathedral features and visible saw marks from initial milling.
Color Description
Heartwood is a reddish-pinkish brown, sometimes with purple streaks. Sapwood is a pale yellow to nearly white. The color tends to darken to a deeper reddish-brown with age and UV exposure. Moderate luster.
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium/Soft for a softwood)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack. Known specifically for its ability to repel moths and other insects due to natural oils.
Common Uses
Lining of closets and chests, fence posts, birdhouses, outdoor furniture, pencils, small novelty items, and essential oil production.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, ranging from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.50 - $6.00 per board foot depending on width and knot density.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to recently seasoned; the bright pink/red tones and visible rough saw marks suggest it hasn't been exposed to light long enough to grey or significantly oxidize.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered highly sustainable/invasive in some regions.
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and sands well, though knots can be brittle and prone to chip-out. Glues and finishes well, although its natural oils can occasionally interfere with some surface coatings.
Notable Features
Fragrant, distinct cedar scent; contains natural cedrol oil which acts as a moth repellent. Low toxicity but dust can be a respiratory irritant. Very dimensionally stable with low shrinkage.
Finish Recommendations
Often left unfinished to maintain scent; if finishing is required, clear coats like lacquer or polyurethane are recommended. Avoid heavy oils that may bleed or mask the natural fragrance if used indoors.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic sharp contrast between the light sapwood and reddish-purple heartwood, combined with the fine grain and typical knotty appearance, is diagnostic of Eastern Red Cedar.