Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight grain with a fine even texture. Many knots are present, giving it a rustic, irregular appearance with cathedral patterns in flat-sawn sections.
Color Description
Heartwood is a reddish or violet-brown; sapwood is pale yellow or white. Frequent sharply defined streaks of sapwood within the heartwood. Color tends to dull to a more brown/grey with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium / High for a softwood)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay. Specifically known for repelling moths and insects.
Common Uses
Closet linings, cedar chests, fence posts, outdoor furniture, birdhouses, pencils, and essential oil production.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $4.00 to $7.00 per board foot depending on width and degree of knots.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (less than 10 years). The colors remain vibrant and show minimal oxidation/greying typically found in older reclaimed pieces.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and considered highly sustainable.
Workability
Easy to work with hand and machine tools, though knots can cause tearout. Glues and finishes well. Very stable with minimal shrinkage.
Notable Features
Distinctive, aromatic scent that persists for years. Contains natural oils that repel insects. Fine texture and relatively lightweight.
Finish Recommendations
Usually left unfinished for closet use to maintain scent. For furniture, polyurethane, lacquer, or oils are used, though oils may darken the wood significantly.
Identification Confidence
High; the contrast between the violet-red heartwood and creamy sapwood combined with the tight knots and fine grain texture are definitive indicators of Juniperus virginiana.