Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine, even texture. Frequent small knots are present, creating a localized irregular/swirled figure. Flat-sawn orientation is visible on the wide face.
Color Description
Heartwood is a distinct reddish-pink to violet-brown. Sapwood is a contrasting pale yellow to cream color. The wood will typically age to a silver-grey if left outdoors or darken to a more muted brown if finished and kept indoors.
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay. Highly resistant to insect attack, particularly moths and wood-boring beetles.
Common Uses
Closet linings, cedar chests, fence posts, birdhouses, outdoor furniture, pencils, small turned objects, and specialty cabinetry.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern sample; likely harvested within the last 5-10 years based on high color saturation and lack of significant oxidation or surface wear.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Not CITES listed. Widely available and considered highly sustainable due to rapid growth and abundance.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though knots can cause tearout or chipping. It glues and finishes well, but sanding dust can be a respiratory irritant.
Notable Features
Distinctive, pleasant aromatic scent due to natural oils. High oil content. Known for its ability to repel moths and other insects. Generally lightweight and brittle.
Finish Recommendations
If used for aromatic properties (closet linings), it should be left unfinished. For furniture, a clear lacquer, polyurethane, or shellac is recommended to preserve the vibrant color.
Identification Confidence
High; the sharp color contrast between the reddish heartwood and cream sapwood, combined with the small knots and grain structure, is diagnostic for J. virginiana.