Wood Report: Pencil Cedar: FYI

[Matthew Asnip]

Pencil Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Common names are Eastern red cedar, Juniper, Red cedar, and Virginia
pencil cedar.

This wood is commonly used in applications that take advantage of its
insect repelling properties such as chests, closet linings, exterior
furniture, drawer interiors, millwork and also pencils.

It is found throughout North America. Some sources report the wood as
being easy to work. This is incorrect. The sapwood and the heartwood
are intermingled, which produces cedar's distinctive look. This also
causes frequent changes in grain direction which makes working cedar
with either hand or power tools tricky. There are frequent knots which
also can cause planing and sanding problems. The wood has a pleasant
odor and is naturally oily or resinous.