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 grain with knots and occasional irregularities visible through the fibrous bark and surface texture.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is typically a reddish or violet-brown, while sapwood is pale yellowish-white, showing natural weathering and fibrous outer bark layers.
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
- Recently harvested or freshly cut raw lumber section with intact fibrous bark, estimated under 1 to 5 years old.
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern, abundant and widely distributed, not listed on CITES or IUCN red lists.
Common Uses
Fence posts, lining closets and chests, outdoor furniture, small woodenware, bows, 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, shellac, or clear varnishes work well. Avoid heavy film-building finishes initially due to natural aromatic oils.
Notable Features
Distinct, highly aromatic scent that repels moths and insects, lightweight, dimensionally stable, and naturally resistant to decay.
