Eastern Red Cedar (Aromatic Cedar)
Juniperus virginiana · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 900 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to fungal rot, decay, and insect attack due to high natural volatile oil content.
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Grain Pattern
Concentric end-grain cross-section displaying distinct annual growth rings with tight, fine-textured spacing and prominent latewood-earlywood transition lines.
Color & Appearance
Warm reddish-brown to medium golden-amber heartwood with rich warm undertones, showing light aging/oxidation patina and subtle color banding across the growth rings.
Hardness (Janka)
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to fungal rot, decay, and insect attack due to high natural volatile oil content.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $12.00 per board foot (higher for large-diameter polished end-grain slabs/cookies)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Tree age is estimated at 65-80 years based on counting distinct annual growth rings from pith to outer perimeter; finished piece exhibits moderate surface patina indicative of several years of interior use.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN Red List); widely available, not CITES listed, sustainable harvesting practices across native range.
Common Uses
Table tops (log cross-sections/slabs), rustic furniture, turnings, closet linings, chests, decorative crafts, and small wood products.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Easy to work with hand and power tools. End-grain surfaces require fine sanding to smooth properly; glues well and finishes smoothly once sanded, though resin content can occasionally clog fine sandpaper.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating Danish oil, wipe-on polyurethane, or clear satin lacquer to seal the end grain, protect against moisture, and enhance the deep golden-red tone without muddying growth ring detail.
Notable Features
Distinctive aromatic fragrance, natural insect-repellent properties, fine texture, prominent end-grain ring figure, and characteristic radial checking (cracks) inherent to log cross-sections.
