Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine even texture; frequently features knots throughout including small bird's eye knots and cathedral figure in flat-sawn sections
Color Description
Heartwood is a reddish or violet-brown; sapwood is a pale yellow to white. Significant color contrast is common. Color tends to darken to a deeper reddish-brown over time and with light exposure
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, and highly resistant to insect attack, especially moths
Common Uses
Closet lining, chests, fence posts, small wooden specialty items, carvings, and outdoor furniture
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot depending on width and quality
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears modern (10-30 years) with minimal oxidation of the sapwood and crisp mechanical edges
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools; however, knots can cause tearout during planing. Gluing and finishing are generally easy, though natural oils can occasionally interfere with some finishes
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic scent that persists for years; natural oils act as a moth repellent; high tannin content
Finish Recommendations
Often left unfinished to preserve the scent, especially for chest interiors. For exteriors, polyurethane, lacquer, or clear oils work well to highlight the contrast
Identification Confidence
High; the vivid reddish-purple heartwood contrasted with creamy sapwood and the characteristic knot patterns are definitive for aromatic cedar