Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 900 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Very Durable with excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack
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Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn with irregular knots, swirling grain around knots, and distinctive growth rings characteristic of aromatic juniper species
Color & Appearance
Vibrant reddish-brown to deep purple-red heartwood with contrasting pale yellowish-white sapwood, moderate natural luster, which tends to weather to a grayish-brown over time if exposed to UV light
Hardness (Janka)
900 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable with excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and dimensions
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated sample age is relatively recent (less than 10 years processed), though the tree itself likely grew for several decades based on growth ring tightness
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and generally considered of least concern by the IUCN, widely abundant throughout its range
Common Uses
Chest linings, closets, rustic furniture, fence posts, outdoor applications, birdhouses, and small woodworking projects
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools due to its soft nature, though knots can cause local tearing and the wood is somewhat brittle
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes, shellac, and polyurethane exceptionally well; often left unfinished inside closets to preserve the natural aromatic scent
Notable Features
Distinctive pleasant aromatic scent, contains natural oils that repel moths and insects, lightweight and dimensionally stable once dry
