Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 900 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Very Durable with high resistance to decay, rot, and insect attack
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with irregular knots and natural round log profile visible, featuring some flat-sawn and natural face characteristics
Color & Appearance
Distinctive reddish-brown heartwood with contrasting pale yellowish-white sapwood, showing weathering and aging patterns
Hardness (Janka)
900 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable with high resistance to decay, rot, and insect attack
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Moderate value, typically $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot depending on form and clear heartwood content
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated several decades based on the weathered surface, oxidation, and drying checks
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern, abundant and widely distributed across its native range
Common Uses
Fence posts, chests, closet lining, outdoor furniture, small turned objects, and rustic woodworking
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though knots can cause tearout; glues and finishes well
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils, shellac, or varnish work well; polyurethane can sometimes react with the natural aromatic oils
Notable Features
Strong pleasant aromatic scent, natural insect-repellent oils, lightweight, and dimensionally stable
