Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight with a fine, even texture. Frequently contains numerous small, tight knots that create a rustic appearance. The growth rings are distinct and defined by the contrast between earlywood and latewood.
Color Description
Heartwood is a distinctive reddish or violet-brown; sapwood is a pale yellow or cream color. The heartwood/sapwood transition is very sharp and contrasting. It tends to age to a silver-grey if left unfinished outdoors, or a deep reddish-brown indoors.
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium - though technically a softwood, it is harder than many other conifers)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay. Historically used for fence posts and ground-contact applications. High resistance to insect attack, particularly moths.
Common Uses
Closet lining, hope chests, fence posts, birdhouses, outdoor furniture, pencils, small turned objects, and essential oil production.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, ranging from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and west to the Great Plains.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot depending on grade and presence of sapwood/knots.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber; the clean cuts and lack of significant oxidation or surface wear suggest it was recently milled or stored in a controlled environment.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); very sustainable. It is a pioneer species that often invades abandoned fields and is not listed in the CITES Appendies.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and sands well, though knots can be brittle and prone to breakout. It glues and finishes well, though the natural oils can occasionally interfere with some film-building finishes.
Notable Features
Distinctive, pungent, and aromatic 'cedar' scent. The oils are a natural moth/insect repellent. It is very lightweight and has excellent dimensional stability with minimal shrinkage.
Finish Recommendations
Often left unfinished in closets to maintain the aromatic scent. For furniture, clear finishes like polyurethane, lacquer, or shellac are recommended to preserve the vibrant color. Penetrating oils can also enhance the chatoyancy of the grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the sharp contrast between the violet-red heartwood and cream sapwood, combined with the fine texture and specific knot structure, is characteristic of Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana).