Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight grain with a fine even texture. This sample displays a flat-sawn face with some mild cathedral figure and frequent small knots characteristic of the species.
Color Description
Heartwood is a reddish-pinkish brown, often with violet or purplish streaks. Sapwood is a pale yellow to white. It loses its vibrant reddish hues and turns to a silvery-grey or dull brown over time if exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and decay; highly resistant to insect attack, including moths and termites.
Common Uses
Closet linings, chests, fence posts, outdoor furniture, birdhouses, pencils, small novelty items, and essential oils.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $8.00 per board foot depending on thickness and width; wider clear boards command higher prices.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern. The color remains relatively vibrant and the surfaces show recent mechanical sanding/cutting marks without significant oxidation patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendix or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and considered a sustainable choice due to high growth rates in its native range.
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and sands exceptionally well, though knots can be brittle and prone to chipping. Glues and finishes well, although its natural oils can sometimes interfere with slow-drying finishes.
Notable Features
Highly aromatic scent which is distinctive and pleasant; contains aromatic oils that repel moths; relatively lightweight and dimensionally stable.
Finish Recommendations
Often left unfinished in closets to preserve the scent. For furniture, polyurethane or lacquer are effective. If the scent is to be preserved, a simple wax or oil finish is recommended.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinctive reddish-purple heartwood against pale sapwood, coupled with the fine texture and specific grain characteristics, strongly indicates Eastern Red Cedar.