Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America, ranging from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
- Hardness
- 900 lbf (Medium); slightly harder than most softwoods but still relatively easy to dent.
- Durability
- Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay. Heartwood is highly resistant to insect attack, including termites.
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Grain Pattern
Usually straight-grained but contains many knots and irregularities which create a wavy, swirly, or cathedral appearance in flat-sawn boards. This specific slab shows significant knot figure and irregular cathedral grain.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a reddish or violet-brown; sapwood is a pale yellow to white. This sample shows a sharp, distinct demarcation between the reddish-pink heartwood and the creamy-white sapwood. It typically fades to a dull brown over time.
Hardness (Janka)
900 lbf (Medium); slightly harder than most softwoods but still relatively easy to dent.
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay. Heartwood is highly resistant to insect attack, including termites.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 - $8.00 per board foot depending on width and slab quality.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly cut to 1 year; the vibrant pinks/purples in the heartwood indicate it has not yet undergone significant oxidation or UV exposure common in older pieces.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and considered highly sustainable.
Common Uses
Fence posts, closet liners, chests, small novelties, exterior siding, pencils, and furniture components.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, ranging from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
Workability
Easy to work with hand and machine tools, though knots can cause tearout during planing. It glues and finishes well, but sanding dust can be a respiratory irritant.
Finish Recommendations
Clear oils or shellac are recommended to highlight the color. Avoid heavy stains which muffle the natural figure. If used for scent purposes, the wood should be left unfinished.
Notable Features
Distinctive, pleasant aromatic scent that lasts for years. Naturally oily. Often used in closets and chests for its moth-repellent properties.
