Most likely Eastern red cedar (aromatic juniper); alternatives include another Juniperus species or a dense, unidentified hardwood. The photo and reported texture do not establish a species.
Juniperus virginiana (tentative); Juniperus spp. if not Eastern red cedar. · Softwood (conifer), though juniper is unusually dense for a softwood.
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect- Type
- Softwood (conifer), though juniper is unusually dense for a softwood.
- Origin
- Eastern and central North America.
- Hardness
- Eastern red cedar is about 900 lbf (medium); the reported exceptional hardness conflicts with this identification.
- Durability
- Durable heartwood, with good natural decay and insect resistance; sapwood is less resistant.
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Grain Pattern
Cross-section shows distinct growth rings and a small, irregular pith; the split obscures grain and cut orientation.
Color & Appearance
Pale yellow-tan sapwood with darker reddish-brown heartwood; apparent color may vary with lighting and age.
Hardness (Janka)
Eastern red cedar is about 900 lbf (medium); the reported exceptional hardness conflicts with this identification.
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable heartwood, with good natural decay and insect resistance; sapwood is less resistant.
Value & Age
Approximately $3–10 per board foot for ordinary lumber; small unidentified rounds have no dependable lumber value.
AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Not reliably estimable from this cross-section; rings indicate growth history, not the sample’s age or storage duration.
Common Uses
Pencils, chests, posts, fencing, small carvings, and aromatic closet lining.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and central North America.
Workability
Usually easy to cut and carve, but knots and grain changes can tear; glue and finish readily when clean and dry.
Finish Recommendations
Sand smooth and use oil, shellac, lacquer, or polyurethane; test first, especially on resinous or aromatic heartwood.
Notable Features
Juniper often has a distinctive aromatic scent. A sweet, unpleasant smoke odor and crushing rather than splintering are not diagnostic; avoid identifying wood by burning it.
Notes
Sweet sour unpleasant smell when smoking. Extremely hard. Harder than juniper wood. Breaks off in chunks does not splinter. Squishes instead of splinters