Aromatic Red Cedar Wood Guide 2026
Juniperus virginiana
Aromatic Red Cedar is beloved for its distinctive spicy fragrance and natural moth-repelling properties. Its vivid reddish-purple heartwood streaked with creamy white sapwood creates one of the most visually striking appearances of any domestic wood. Traditionally used for cedar closets, chests, and hope chests, it also excels for fence posts, decorative paneling, and craft projects. The aroma remains potent for decades.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 33 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Softwood
- Origin: United States, Canada
- Price: ~$4.5 per board foot
- Common uses include Cedar closets, chests, closet lining
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: The texture is fine and uniform with a straight grain.
Workability: It is very easy to work with both hand and machine tools.
Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.
Finishing: It is typically left unfinished to maintain its natural aromatic properties.
Color change: The vivid red and purple hues fade to a silvery brown over time.
Insect resistance: The heartwood is highly resistant to decay and moth larvae.
Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
Common Sizes & Availability
Typical market availability for Aromatic Red Cedar. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Random widths are common. | Random lengths are standard. | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Random widths are common. | Random lengths are standard. | Request this size |
| 6/4 | 1-1/2" | 1-5/16" | Random widths are common. | Random lengths are standard. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths are common. | Random lengths are standard. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths are common.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are standard.
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Random widths are common.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are standard.
- 6/4rough 1-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 1-5/16"
- Widths
- Random widths are common.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are standard.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths are common.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are standard.
Availability notes: It is widely available through domestic lumber yards and home centers.
How lumber sizes are described
- Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
- Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
- Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
- Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
- Nominal vs. actual
- Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
- Random width / length
- Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.
Color & Grain
Color: Vivid reddish purple to pinkish red heartwood with prominent creamy white sapwood streaks
Grain: Straight to slightly knotty grain with a fine, uniform texture; frequent small tight knots
Common Uses
- Cedar closets
- chests
- closet lining
- fence posts
- decorative paneling
- birdhouses
- pencils
- craft wood
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Eastern Red Cedar, Pencil Cedar, Tennessee Red Cedar, Juniper Cedar
Availability: In Stock
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 900 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Very Durable
- Sourced from United States, Canada
- Affordable pricing
Considerations
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Aromatic Red Cedar is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
Alaska Yellow Cedar
Alaska Yellow Cedar is among the most durable softwoods in the world, with natural decay resistance
View speciesAtlantic White Cedar
Atlantic White Cedar is a lightweight, aromatic softwood native to the swamps and bogs of the Easter
View speciesCedar (Aromatic)
Typically described as aromatic rot-resistant softwood
View speciesExplore More on Lumberama
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