Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America, ranging from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
- Hardness
- 900 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay. Highly resistant to insect attack, particularly moths, due to aromatic oils.
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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 & Appearance
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 (Janka)
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay. Highly resistant to insect attack, particularly moths, due to aromatic oils.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Notable Features
Distinctive, pleasant 'cedar chest' scent; natural aromatic oils act as a moth repellent; very lightweight and stable with minimal shrinkage.
