Juniper Cedar 4/4, 5/4

Color/Appearance: Heartwood ranges from a pale pinkish orange to darker reddish brown, sometimes with streaks and portions of lighter colored sapwood intermixed, similar to the related eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana).

Grain/Texture: Fine, even texture.

Rot Resistance: Rated as very durable. (The wood is commonly used for fence-posts.)

Workability: Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. May develop drying checks during the initial drying phase, so care should be taken to minimize or account for these checks. Glues and finishes well.

Odor: Has a distinct, lingering odor resembling cedar, though not as intense, and more on the acrid side.

Allergies/Toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, western juniper has been reported to cause skin and respiratory irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.

Pricing/Availability: Regionally available within its natural range, usually as structural or utility lumber primarily aimed at exterior purposes. Prices should be moderate, though old-growth or specialty pieces are likely to be much more expensive.

Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, and is reported by the IUCN as being a species of least concern. See notes in the comments below on the species’ increasing population trend.

Common Uses: Fence posts, firewood, exterior construction lumber, furniture, and small specialty items.

Comments: Western juniper is a fairly common tree throughout much of Oregon, and over the past 20th century, the species has seen a tremendous increase in population numbers. Since the abundance of this species has lead to a deterioration of other wildlife species, such as sagebrush, native grasses, and the associated greater sage-grouse, some landowners and organizations have actively sought to eradicate all standing trees in affected areas.

At an attempt to create a more productive use for the excess trees, studies began in the 1990s to look into the feasibility of using western juniper as a lumber species. Overall results of these studies were positive, though the wood was found to have a slightly lower MOE than other comparable softwoods. Also, one study found that trees from Idaho produced wood with significantly lower values than the other geographic regions, decreasing the overall average of the mechanical values.