Eastern Red Cedar — Juniperus virginiana
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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 distinct knotty features and swirling patterns around branch nodes

Color & Appearance

Vibrant reddish-brown heartwood with contrasting pale yellowish-white sapwood, polished to a warm luster

Hardness (Janka)

900 lbf (Soft)

Durability & Decay Resistance

Very Durable

Value & Sustainability

Estimated Market Value
4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot for lumber, higher for finished specialty items like walking sticks
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated several years to a few decades based on seasoning and finish patina
Sustainability Status
Least Concern, abundant and widely available

Common Uses

Walking sticks, rustic furniture, fence posts, chests, and small turned items

Geographic Origin

Eastern North America

Workability

Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though knots can present occasional tearout challenges

Finish Recommendations

Penetrating oils, varnish, or polyurethane work well to highlight the reddish heartwood and preserve color

Notable Features

Distinctive aromatic scent, natural resistance to decay and insects, high dimensional stability

Learn more about Eastern Red Cedar in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified July 29, 2026