Redwood
Lumber Buying and Use Tips
When we talk about redwood we are really considering the prince of all softwoods.
Redwood Lumber Grades
Clear All Heart is the premium grade for use either indoors or outdoors where the highest degree of appearance is required (paneling, siding, furniture, etc).
Construction Heart is the premium grade for construction type projects (decks, arbors, planters, etc).
Redwood Lumber Grain
Vertical Grain provides the smoothest surface for applications where that quality is desirable (furniture, handrails). Also, vertical grain is less likely to warp or twist than flat grain.
Flat Grain is simply defined as ‘not vertical’. It is generally sawed out of the log at such a place that prevents the vertical grain from being developed. Typically, vertical grain is priced at a premium to flat grain.
Redwood Lumber Texture
Redwood can be specified as either ‘rough sawn’ or ‘smooth’. Smooth lumber (known as dressed lumber) is used primarily where that trait is desirable such as decks and furniture. Rough sawn gives a different appearance and might be specified for siding or arbors to give that unique rough appearance.
Why redwood? Very simple to answer—beauty and durability. Redwood has a great deal of ‘eye appeal’ and its ability to stand up to weather and termites is legendary. But there are other, more subtle advantages that redwood delivers. Among common softwoods no other softwood is better rated against freedom from shrinkage, freedom form warping, and, of course, decay resistance.
Redwood Lumber Buying And Use
Tips
So, here are the inside buying tips on redwood. As you consider your project decide if you need to step up to the ‘perfection’ of Clear All Heart redwood or if a knotty grade will suit your needs.
If the project is outdoors then certainly whichever grade you decide will work best—be certain that the grade is “All Heart” in order to enjoy the uniformity of appearance of All Heart and the full benefit of redwood’s decay resistance.
Look for a kiln dried or certainly air seasoned product—dry products tend to perform better than a ‘green’ product—something where the moisture is still in the wood. Finally, consider the fasteners that you will use that will be in contact with your redwood.
Always use stainless steel, aluminum, or top quality hot dipped galvanized fasteners with redwood. An electro plated galvanizing just won’t do the job over the long haul. Poor quality fasteners react with redwood’s natural extractives to cause stains on the wood.
And, most of all, enjoy your choice of a beautiful, natural, renewable project. You can be certain that you have made a wise investment in value and beauty.
|
