Coastal Redwood
Sequoia sempervirens • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with prominent flat-sawn cathedral patterns and a small tight knot. Narrow growth rings indicate old-growth or slow-growth characteristics.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a light pinkish brown to a deep reddish brown. Sapwood is a pale yellow/white. This sample shows a muted, weathered tan-red hue typical of kiln-dried stock, which will darken with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
450 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and insects, though sapwood is susceptible to attack.
Common Uses
Decking, exterior siding, fence posts, garden furniture, trim, and musical instrument soundboards.
Geographic Origin
Coastal Pacific Northwest, specifically Northern California and Southern Oregon, USA.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear Heart vs. Common).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely harvested within the last 5-10 years based on the crisp mill marks and lack of deep oxidation or surface patina.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to a 40% reduction in population over the last three generations; however, much is now harvested from managed FSC-certified second-growth forests.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, but very prone to splintering and tearout. It glues and finishes well but is so soft that it dents easily.
Notable Features
Distinctive earthy scent when worked. Extremely lightweight with high dimensional stability and low shrinkage rates.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes or clear sealers are recommended to preserve the natural red tones; outdoor applications require UV inhibitors to prevent silvering.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the specific reddish hue, tight growth rings, and the 'fuzzy' texture of the earlywood/latewood transition is classic for Sequoia sempervirens.