Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 900 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Very Durable, with exceptional resistance to rot, fungal decay, and subterranean termites
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with prominent knots and a flat-sawn cathedral pattern
Color & Appearance
Vibrant reddish-brown or purplish-red heartwood with sharply demarcated, pale yellowish-white sapwood, possessing a medium natural luster and a tendency to age to a grayish-brown if exposed to direct sunlight
Hardness (Janka)
900 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, with exceptional resistance to rot, fungal decay, and subterranean termites
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively freshly cut or recently milled, estimated at 1 to 5 years old based on minimal surface oxidation and bright coloration
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern, widely abundant, not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List
Common Uses
Chest linings, closets, fence posts, outdoor furniture, small woodenware, inlay work, and rustic construction
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though tight knots can present tearing challenges; glues, finishes, and holds screws well despite containing natural aromatic oils
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes or wiping oils work well; shellac is often used to seal in heavy aromatic oils if finishing difficulties occur, though many prefer to leave closet stock unfinished to preserve the scent
Notable Features
Distinctive strong aromatic cedar scent that naturally repels moths and insects, lightweight, and dimensionally stable once dry
