Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 900 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insect attacks.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a fine, even texture.
Color & Appearance
Reddish-brown heartwood with contrasting pale yellowish-white sapwood, often weathering to a silvery-grey when exposed to UV light.
Hardness (Janka)
900 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insect attacks.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Moderate value, typically $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot depending on quality and dimensions.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently cut to moderately aged (within the last few years), showing fresh weathering characteristics on the surface.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern status on the IUCN Red List. Widely abundant and not CITES-listed.
Common Uses
Fence posts, lining chests and closets, outdoor decking, small woodworking projects, rustic furniture, and novelty items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Soft texture cuts cleanly, though knots can be frequent and sometimes cause tearout.
Finish Recommendations
Takes finishes well, but oil-based finishes or clear lacquers preserve the natural reddish color. Unfinished is common for cedar closet linings to maintain aroma.
Notable Features
Distinct, highly aromatic scent that repels moths and insects; high natural oil content.
