Juniper wood is a type of softwood that belongs to the evergreen tree family. It grows in the vastness of the Mediterranean region. This wood is also known as Cedrus libani, which means “cedar of Lebanon.”
As you continue exploring different wood types, please make the most out of it as you read this article that discusses the properties, uses, and types of Juniper wood.
Properties of Juniper Wood
To start, Juniper holds wood properties that are evidently unique from other softwoods. These properties work together to bring out the best of Juniper wood that is useful in certain applications.
Color
The heartwood of junipers has a yellow-brown color with a reddish-purple or crimson tint, in contrast to the yellow sapwood, which is not used to manufacture knife handles. The wood, after processing, has a subtle gloss.
Odor
Untreated Juniper wood smells strongly yet pleasantly like camphor tree oil, a member of the laurel family.
Workability
Juniper wood is a softwood, making it quite simple to work with. With Juniper wood, screwing, nailing, gluing, and finishing are much simpler than with many other types of wood. Thus, even a beginner in woodworking can learn a lot.
Durability and Resistance
Compared to other softwoods, juniper wood is strong and dense. Due to this, Juniper is a more long-lasting and superior wood.
Meanwhile, Juniper has exceptional rot and decay resistance, making it one of the most resilient softwood species. The timber is extremely hard and solid. As a result, moisture won’t slip deeply into the wood and cause it to decay.
However, it has poor resistance to insect stings. In addition, water damage can cause the wood of junipers to decay in harsh weather conditions. Therefore, before utilizing Juniper for any woodworking project, finishing is required.
Uses of Juniper Wood
Because it is a highly dense softwood with exceptional durability and outdoor woodworking qualities, Juniper may be used for practically any woodworking project. Here are some common applications for Juniper.
- Fencing
- Cabinets
- Firewood
- Exterior Construction
- Decoration
- Furniture
- Boxes and Crates
More About Juniper Woods
Juniper is simple to prepare in its dried stage and dries slowly. Knife handles, walking sticks, tobacco pipes, elegant cigar boxes, and priceless inlays have all been made from juniper wood for many years.
Read: Wood Drying Methods and Guidelines
Numerous other softwoods and certain hardwoods are weaker than Juniper. It is a durable wood that is robust, dense, and tough. Compared to pine, Juniper is stronger, and 70% stiffer, and cedar is 85% stronger and stiffer.
Due to its remarkable warp resistance, juniper wood can support weight and stress without deforming. This is a distinct and unusual quality of softwood. However, in harsh environments, wood tends to warp over time.
Other Wood Types You May Be Interested In
Below are other softwood types that you may be interested in.
Wrapping Up
You arrived at this section after learning a lot of information about Juniper wood. We can’t wait to see how you use what you’ve learned in your next project. To learn more about the various types of wood that are just waiting for you to discover. Juniper wood will make a good place to start.
