Coast Redwood (likely Western Red Cedar alternative)
Sequoia sempervirens • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain but exhibits wavy and cathedral figure in this flat-sawn sample; coarse texture with prominent growth rings.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light pinkish brown to deep reddish brown with a dull luster. Sapwood is pale yellow/white. It typically darkens to a silvery gray when weathered outdoors without finish.
Hardness Rating
450 lbf - Very Soft
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Outdoor decking, fencing, siding, garden furniture, trim, and lightweight construction.
Geographic Origin
Coastal Northern California and Oregon, USA.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $8.00 per board foot depending on grade (Clear Heart vs. Common).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively modern stock (less than 20 years old) based on the lack of deep oxidation and the presence of rough-sawn/unsanded surface texture.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (due to loss of old-growth), but widely available through FSC certified sustainable second-growth plantations.
Workability
Very easy to work with hand and machine tools. It is prone to splintering and fuzzy grain if tools are not sharp, and its softness makes it susceptible to denting.
Notable Features
Distinctive earthy/cedar-like scent; very lightweight with a high strength-to-weight ratio; high tannin content can cause black staining in contact with iron fasteners.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oil or transparent stain is best to maintain color; film-forming finishes like polyurethane may peel over time in outdoor environments.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of reddish heartwood transitioning to pale sapwood, the specific annual ring spacing, and the fibrous surface texture are hallmark traits of young growth Redwood.