Eastern Red Cedar (Aromatic Red Cedar)
Juniperus virginiana · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada)
- Hardness
- 900 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Very Durable (Heartwood is highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack due to natural oils)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular with frequent knots, cathedral patterns in flat-sawn sections, and live edge inclusion
Color & Appearance
Distinctive reddish-pink to purplish-brown heartwood sharply contrasted with pale yellow-white sapwood. Will age to a warm reddish-brown over time with UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (Heartwood is highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack due to natural oils)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $12.00 per board foot for live-edge slabs depending on width and knot figure
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled or recently surfaced live-edge slab, less than 2 years old based on clean, un-oxidized color
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN Red List). Abundant and sustainably harvested, not CITES listed.
Common Uses
Cedar chests, closet lining, rustic furniture, live-edge slabs, fence posts, birdhouses, and carving
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada)
Workability
Easy to work with hand and machine tools, though knots can cause tearout or dull cutters. Planes and sands easily, takes glue well.
Finish Recommendations
Clear finishes such as film-building polyurethane, lacquer, or penetrating oils (tung/danish oil) to retain vibrant color contrast. Avoid heavy staining.
Notable Features
Strong aromatic cedar scent, acts as a natural insect repellent (moths/beetles), high sapwood-to-heartwood contrast, brittle knots
