WoodSwatch · The Wood Ledger
Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana
Also known as: Red Cedar, Aromatic Cedar, Pencil Cedar
Technical Spec Sheet
2026-07-14
Reference grain swatch
- Janka Hardness
- 900 lbf (4,003 N)
- Avg. Dried Weight
- 440 kg/m³ (27 lb/ft³)
- Specific Gravity
- 0.44
- Type
- Softwood
- Grain
- Usually straight, sometimes knotty
- Texture
- Fine and even
- Durability
- Very durable, resistant to decay and insects
- Region
- North America
- Sustainability
- Sustainable — Sustainable - widely distributed and abundant
Overview
Eastern Red Cedar is a lightweight, aromatic softwood prized for its moth-repellent properties and rich reddish-brown color. Despite its name, it is a juniper rather than a true cedar. It has been used for centuries for hope chests, closets, and pencils.
Heartwood is reddish-brown to violet-brown, often with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-white. Density averages 440 kg/m³ with a Janka hardness of 900 lbf. Fine, even texture with straight grain. Very stable when dried.
Workshop Notes
Blunting Effect
Low - soft wood, but oils can gum blades
Gluing
Good with most adhesives; wipe surfaces to remove oils
Finishing
Excellent - takes stain and finish well
Steam Bending
Moderate - can steam bend thin stock
Scent
Strong, pleasant cedar aroma - distinctive when worked
Assessment
Strengths
- Moth-repellent aroma
- Very durable
- Lightweight
- Easy to work
Weaknesses
- Can gum tools
- Knotty boards common
- Brittle
Common Uses
Chests · Closets · Pencils · Fence posts · Carving · Small boxes