Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine, even texture. Frequent small, sound knots are extremely common and characteristic of this species.
Color Description
Heartwood is a distinct reddish or rosy brown, while sapwood is a pale yellow to white. Colors tend to darken or fade to a silvery gray with age and UV exposure if left unfinished.
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable (Highly resistant to rot and insect attack, especially moths)
Common Uses
Fence posts, closet liners, chests, small wooden specialties, pencils, outdoor furniture, and birdhouses.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (Less than 20 years), based on the vibrant pink/red hues and lack of silvering or deep oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Extremely sustainable; classified as Least Concern by IUCN; widely available and not CITES listed.
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It glues and finishes well, though knots can occasionally cause tearout during planing.
Notable Features
Famed for its distinct, pungent, aromatic scent which acts as a natural moth repellent. Contains natural oils that can bleed through some finishes.
Finish Recommendations
Usually left unfinished in closets to preserve scent. For furniture, clear polyurethane or lacquer is recommended. Avoid heavy stains to preserve the natural red/white contrast.
Identification Confidence
High; the sharp contrast between the reddish heartwood and cream sapwood, combined with the scattered dark knots and fine texture, is diagnostic for Eastern Red Cedar.