Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight grained with a fine even texture. Frequently contains numerous small knots creating a rustic, irregular figure; flat-sawn appearance visible in this sample with a prominent knot.
Color Description
Heartwood is a distinct reddish or rosy-pink brown, while sapwood is a pale yellow to white. This sample displays high contrast between the dark heartwood and creamy sapwood streaks. Colors tend to fade to a silvery gray if exposed to outdoor UV.
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay. Highly resistant to insect attack, particularly moths, due to aromatic oils.
Common Uses
Fence posts, closet liners, chests, outdoor furniture, birdhouses, pencils, and essential oil production.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, ranging from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $4.00 - $7.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (less than 10 years). The vibrant pinks and lack of oxidation/graying suggest a relatively fresh surface and contemporary harvesting.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; considered very sustainable and often invasive in some regions.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though knots can cause tearout. Glues and finishes well, though the natural oils can occasionally interfere with some surface coatings.
Notable Features
Distinctive, pleasant 'cedar chest' scent; natural aromatic oils act as a moth repellent; very lightweight and stable with minimal shrinkage.
Finish Recommendations
Best left unfinished for aromatic purposes (closets/chests). For furniture, a clear sealer, lacquer, or polyurethane is recommended to preserve the color; however, heartwood oils may require a shellac barrier coat.
Identification Confidence
High. The sharp contrast between the reddish heartwood and white sapwood, combined with the specific knot structure and fine texture, is a classic hallmark of Eastern Red Cedar.