Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine, even texture. The sample shows a split face with characteristic splintery fracture and numerous small knots typical of the species.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a bright reddish or rosy brown, while sapwood is a pale yellow to white. The fresh pinkish-red hue seen in the central split will typically deepen to a more muted brown upon long-term UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium); notably harder than most softwoods like pine or spruce.
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and decay; highly resistant to insect attack, particularly moths and termites.
Common Uses
Fence posts, closet liners, cedar chests, outdoor furniture, shingles, birdhouses, and specialty woodworking items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, ranging from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly split. While the external log shows weathering (likely 1-2 years old), the inner red heartwood shows no oxidation, suggesting the split is very recent (days to weeks).
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable. Not listed by CITES or on the IUCN Red List; considered a pioneer species that often populates abandoned fields.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though knots can be brittle and prone to chipping. Gluing and finishing are straightforward, but the oily nature can occasionally affect film-forming finishes.
Notable Features
Distinctive, pungent, and aromatic scent. High natural oil content and contains cedrol which acts as a natural insect repellent.
Finish Recommendations
Best left unfinished or sealed with clear finishes like lacquer, shellac, or polyurethane to preserve color. Avoid heavy stains that mask the natural red/white contrast.
Identification Confidence
High. The vibrant reddish-pink heartwood color, the splintery fracture of the split, and the dark weathered bark are diagnostic for Juniperus virginiana.