Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight with frequent small to large knots creating irregular grain swirls and cathedral patterns; tight growth rings and a uniform texture.
Color Description
Distinctive reddish-pink to violet-brown heartwood with pale yellow or cream-colored sapwood. Over time, colors deepen to a more uniform reddish-brown or silvery gray if exposed to sun.
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack, including moths and termites, due to natural aromatic oils.
Common Uses
Fencing, closet liners, chests, outdoor furniture, carvings, pencils, and small wooden novelties.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 to $7.00 per board foot (varies by width and grade).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern construction, likely 5-15 years old based on the preserved vibrant reddish hues and modern film finish (likely polyurethane).
Sustainability Status
Abundant and sustainable; not CITES listed or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and fast-growing.
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools; saws and planes easily, though knots can be brittle and prone to chip-out or cracking.
Notable Features
Strong, pleasant cedar scent that acts as a natural moth repellent; contains high levels of aromatic oils; stable with very low shrinkage rates.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer to preserve color; many prefer oil or leaving it unfinished to allow the natural scent to escape.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive pinkish-red heartwood, pale sapwood, presence of large knots, and structure shown in the table leg are classic indicators of Juniperus virginiana.