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
Irregular and knotty grain typical of a small branch or sapling, featuring natural rustic undulations and small branch knots.
Color & Appearance
Distinctive contrast between creamy white sapwood and deep reddish-brown to purplish heartwood, with moderate natural luster that tends to dull to a grayish-brown over time when exposed to UV light.
Hardness (Janka)
900 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Varies by form; as a raw board foot typically $3.00 to $6.00, though highly valued in specific finished crafts like rustic walking sticks.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be several years to a few decades old based on the growth rings and branch diameter, finished and polished within the last few years.
- Sustainability Status
- Species of least concern, widely abundant, not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN red list, and readily available.
Common Uses
Walking sticks, rustic furniture, fence posts, chests, closet lining, small woodturning projects, and carving.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though knots can present challenges with tearout. Glues and finishes well, though high natural oil content can sometimes affect finishing.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils, wipe-on polyurethane, or shellac work exceptionally well to enhance the deep reddish-brown color and chatoyance without masking the natural cedar scent.
Notable Features
Distinctive, pleasant aromatic scent that repels moths and insects, excellent dimensional stability, and high natural decay resistance due to natural oils.
