Coast Redwood (likely Western Red Cedar alternative)
Sequoia sempervirens · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Coastal Northern California and Oregon, USA.
- Hardness
- 450 lbf - Very Soft
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain but exhibits wavy and cathedral figure in this flat-sawn sample; coarse texture with prominent growth rings.
Color & Appearance
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 (Janka)
450 lbf - Very Soft
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
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.
Common Uses
Outdoor decking, fencing, siding, garden furniture, trim, and lightweight construction.
Geographic Origin
Coastal Northern California and Oregon, USA.
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.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oil or transparent stain is best to maintain color; film-forming finishes like polyurethane may peel over time in outdoor environments.
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.
