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, fine-textured grain with distinct growth rings and occasional knots.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is typically a vibrant reddish-brown to purplish-red, while sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. The wood has moderate natural luster and darkens to a deep reddish-brown or dull brown with prolonged exposure to UV light and oxidation.
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
- Estimated to be weathering outdoors for several months to a few years based on the surface oxidation and graying on the ends.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern status on the IUCN Red List; widely abundant and sustainable.
Common Uses
Fence posts, outdoor furniture, lining for chests and closets, small wooden specialties, carvings, and rustic construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though knots can cause local tearing. Glues and finishes well, but high natural oil content can sometimes interfere with certain finishes.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils, varnishes, or shellac. Polyurethane works well after wiping down natural oils with a solvent if necessary.
Notable Features
Distinctive pleasant aromatic scent, naturally high rot and insect resistance due to natural oils, lightweight and dimensionally stable.
