Eastern Red Cedar — Juniperus virginiana
Medium confidence

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

Straight grain with tight growth rings and a prominent knot visible on the face

Color & Appearance

Pale yellowish-white sapwood blending into a light reddish-brown heartwood with moderate luster

Hardness (Janka)

900 lbf (Soft)

Durability & Decay Resistance

Very Durable

Value & Sustainability

Estimated Market Value
3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled or dried within the past 1 to 3 years based on surface oxidation levels
Sustainability Status
Least concern, highly sustainable, not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN red list

Common Uses

Fence posts, lining chests and closets, outdoor furniture, small woodworking projects, and rustic construction

Geographic Origin

Eastern North America

Workability

Easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though knots can cause local tearout and the wood is somewhat soft and brittle

Finish Recommendations

Penetrating oils or shellac work well to preserve the natural scent and color without sealing in moisture improperly

Notable Features

Distinctive aromatic scent that repels insects, natural decay resistance, and high dimensional stability

Learn more about Eastern Red Cedar in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified August 29, 2026