Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 900 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Very Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine, even texture, featuring characteristic tight knots (often alive or pin knots) and gentle growth rings visible on the flat-sawn faces.
Color & Appearance
Distinct contrast between the pale yellowish-white sapwood and the rich, reddish-pink to purplish-brown heartwood. Colors tend to darken and mellow to a warm brown or grayish-brown over time when exposed to UV light.
Hardness (Janka)
900 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recently milled or dried lumber, likely ranging from a few months to a few years old, showing fresh pinkish heartwood tones with minimal surface oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Species of least concern, widely abundant throughout its native range, not listed on CITES appendices, and readily available.
Common Uses
Lining closets and chests (due to aromatic insect-repellent properties), outdoor furniture, fencing, posts, small wooden specialty items, and rustic construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though knots can present challenges for smooth planing; glues, finishes, and nails well, but high natural oil content can sometimes interfere with certain finishes.
Finish Recommendations
Often left unfinished to preserve its natural aroma, but compatible with shellac, water-based finishes, and wipe-on oils; polyurethane can sometimes react with the natural oils if not applied carefully.
Notable Features
Distinct, strong, and pleasant aromatic scent that repels moths and insects; high natural decay and rot resistance due to natural oils.
