Eastern Aromatic Red Cedar: A Vibrant Wood for Woodworking Projects in Massachusetts
Eastern Aromatic Red Cedar has a native range which includes parts of the eastern United States and particularly Massachusetts. These trees are known for their beautiful foliage, pleasant aroma, and blood-red coloration in the woodworking industry. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Eastern Aromatic Red Cedar and the lumber that's sourced from it.
Eastern Aromatic Red Cedar, also known as Juniperus virginiana, belongs to the Cupressaceae family and is native to the eastern United States. The wood is known for its rot resistance and beautiful color, making it a popular choice for woodworking projects.
One of the unique characteristics of Eastern Aromatic Red Cedar is its pleasant aroma. The wood emits a distinctive scent that is often used in the production of cedar chests, closets, and other storage containers to repel moths and other insects. It's also a popular choice for lining drawers and shelves to protect clothing and linens from pests.
The lumber sourced from Eastern Aromatic Red Cedar has a beautiful blood red color when freshly milled with a straight grain pattern. Over years and after exposure to UV light, the blood-red coloration turns to a brownish-red color. Eastern Aromatic Red Cedar is known for its resistance to rot and decay. This makes it a popular choice for outdoor furniture, decks, and fencing. The wood's natural resistance to moisture also makes it a popular choice for saunas, hot tubs, and other water-resistant applications.
One of the most common uses for Eastern Aromatic Red Cedar lumber is in the production of rustic furniture. The wood's natural beauty and color make it an excellent choice for tables, chairs, and other pieces of furniture that require a natural and rustic look. It's also a popular choice for log cabins and other outdoor structures.
Eastern Aromatic Red Cedar lumber is also commonly used in the production of cedar shingles and siding. The wood's natural resistance to rot and decay makes it an ideal material for use in exterior applications. Its beautiful color and natural aroma also make it a popular choice for homes and buildings with a rustic or natural aesthetic.
Eastern Aromatic Red Cedar lumber is also a popular choice for carvings and other decorative items. The wood's beautiful color and fine grain pattern make it an ideal material for carving intricate designs and patterns.
One of the reasons Eastern Aromatic Red Cedar lumber is highly valued by Massachusetts woodworkers is that it is locally sourced and boards of widths greater than 12" are exceedingly rare. The Red Cedar tree is rarely found to have a DBH (log diameter) of greater than 16". Expect wide slabs and boards to cost a premium. By choosing Eastern Aromatic Red Cedar lumber, Massachusetts woodworkers can not only create beautiful and durable pieces, but also support their local economy and sustainable forestry industry.
In conclusion, Eastern Aromatic Red Cedar and the lumber sourced from it are an important part of the woodworking industry in Massachusetts and throughout the eastern United States. Its natural beauty, pleasant aroma, and unmistakable color make it a popular choice for a wide range of applications, including rustic furniture, shingles and siding, carvings, and outdoor structures. Whether you're a woodworker, homeowner, or builder, Eastern Aromatic Red Cedar lumber is a great option.
