Eastern Red Cedar (Aromatic Cedar)
Juniperus virginiana • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight grained with a fine even texture. Noted for having frequent knots and a rustic, flat-sawn appearance with some wavy cathedral patterns around the knots.
Color Description
Heartwood tends to be a reddish or violet-brown; sapwood is a pale yellow or whitish color and can appear as streaks in the heartwood. It tends to fade to a more silver-gray color over time if exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; naturally resistant to rot and decay, and highly resistant to insect attack, particularly moths.
Common Uses
Linings for closets and chests, fence posts, pencils, birdhouses, outdoor furniture, and small specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $4.00 - $7.00 per board foot depending on width and quality.
Wood Age Estimate
The wood appears relatively fresh and recently milled, likely less than 2-5 years old, based on the vibrant red/tan contrast and lack of oxidation/graying.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN). It is a highly sustainable, prolific species with no CITES restrictions.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and sands well, though knots can be brittle and prone to breakout. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive, lingering aromatic scent. Features natural oils that repel moths. Low density and high dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Usually left unfinished to maintain aromatic properties (especially in closets) or finished with a simple clear sealer or polyurethane to highlight color.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic contrast between the violet-red heartwood and creamy sapwood, coupled with the frequent small, tight knots, is diagnostic of Juniperus virginiana.