Coast Redwood (likely Burl or Crotch cut)
Sequoia sempervirens · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Coastal regions of Northern California and Southwestern Oregon, USA.
- Hardness
- 450 lbf (Very Soft)
- Durability
- Very Durable; Exceptionally resistant to decay and rot, though less resistant to insects like termites than other cedars.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and wavy with significant burl figure and tight growth rings. Shows swirling cathedral patterns and clusters of small knots consistent with a basal burl or root slab.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light to medium reddish-brown with golden undertones. Sapwood is pale yellow to white. Undergoes significant darkening to a deep, rich brownish-red with light exposure over time.
Hardness (Janka)
450 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; Exceptionally resistant to decay and rot, though less resistant to insects like termites than other cedars.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $20.00 - $50.00 per board foot for high-figure burl slabs of this size.
- Wood Age Estimate
- The tree itself was likely 500-1000+ years old based on the density of growth rings in the slab; the finished piece appears to have several years of patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Listed as Endangered by the IUCN due to habitat loss and historical logging; old-growth harvesting is strictly regulated, though slabs are often reclaimed or sourced from private lands.
Common Uses
Large live-edge tables, slabs, fine furniture, veneers, outdoor structures, and ornamental wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Coastal regions of Northern California and Southwestern Oregon, USA.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though the irregular grain of a burl slab can cause significant tearout when planing. It glues and finishes very well.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (like Tung or Linseed oil) are recommended to pop the figure, followed by a film finish like polyurethane or lacquer for protection against the soft wood's susceptibility to denting.
Notable Features
Distinctive earthy, non-resinous scent. Notable for its low weight relative to strength and its high tannin content which provides natural rot resistance.
