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
End-grain face featuring radial check splits, growth rings, and a prominent knot structure with swirling patterns.
Color & Appearance
Vibrant reddish-brown heartwood contrasting with a lighter yellowish-sapwood, showing warm tones that tend to darken and mellow toward a richer brown with age and UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
900 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 7.00 USD per board foot, higher for specific turning blanks.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated several decades based on growth ring count and dry-checked patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern, highly abundant, not listed on CITES or IUCN red lists.
Common Uses
Woodturning (bowls), fence posts, cedar chests, linings for closets, outdoor furniture, small woodworking projects, and carving.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though knots can cause local tearing; takes finishes and glues well, though natural oils can sometimes affect certain finishes.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils, shellac, or polyurethane work well; wiping varnishes help highlight the rich color contrast without sealing in the pleasant aroma entirely.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic scent, high natural rot and insect resistance due to natural cedar oils, lightweight, and contains prominent radial checking common in end-grain turnings as the wood seasons.
