Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight-grained with a fine, even texture. High frequency of small, sound knots which create a rustic appearance and some grain deviation around the knots.
Color Description
Heartwood is a distinctive reddish or violet-brown, while sapwood is pale yellow to white. The sharp contrast between the two is a signature trait. Colors tend to deepen and turn silvery or grey-brown with prolonged light exposure.
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and highly resistant to insect attack, particularly moths.
Common Uses
Closet linings, chests, fence posts, pencils, small novelty items, outdoor furniture, and birdhouses.
Geographic Origin
Eastern Northern America (from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $4.00 - $8.00 per board foot depending on thickness and quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh or well-maintained; the vibrant purplish-red hues suggest the wood has not undergone significant UV-induced oxidation/silvering.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List. It is considered very sustainable and is often an invasive species in some prairies.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and sands well, though knots can occasionally cause tearout. Glues and finishes easily.
Notable Features
Famous for its strong, pleasant, aromatic scent. Contains natural oils that repel moths. Low density and high stability with very little shrinkage.
Finish Recommendations
Often left unfinished to preserve the aromatic scent. If a finish is desired, clear lacquer, shellac, or polyurethane can be used, though oils may darken the wood significantly.
Identification Confidence
High; the specific combination of deep violet-red heartwood, pale sapwood, small dark knots, and fine softwood texture is diagnostic of Juniperus virginiana.