Eastern Red Cedar (Aromatic Cedar / Juniper)
Juniperus virginiana · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 900 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Very Durable (Exceptionally resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack, including termites, especially the heartwood)
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Grain Pattern
Straight, split grain with deeply furrowed outer surface texture and radial end-grain checks, indicative of split fence posts
Color & Appearance
Heavily weathered dark gray to silver-brown exterior patina due to intense UV and elemental exposure; freshly exposed interior typically reveals rich reddish-violet to dark brown heartwood and pale yellowish sapwood
Hardness (Janka)
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (Exceptionally resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack, including termites, especially the heartwood)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 - $8.00 per board foot (freshly milled/reclaimed quality), though weathered posts are often sold individually as antique architectural salvage ($15 - $40 each)
- Wood Age Estimate
- 30 to 70+ years old (split log fence posts showing decades of natural weathering and surface erosion)
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN), highly abundant, non-threatened, wide commercial availability
Common Uses
Fence posts, rustic outdoor structures, lining for closets/chests, carving, and rustic furniture
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Easy to work with hand and machine tools, cuts and sands easily, but prone to splitting when nailed without pre-drilling; hold screws well
Finish Recommendations
Best left untreated for rustic outdoor use, or finished with penetrating exterior oils; for interior reclaimed projects, light brushing followed by clear matte polyurethane or wax preserves the weathered character
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic scent, high natural oil content providing extreme weather resistance, lightweight yet resilient, natural insect-repellent properties
