Redwood Wood Guide 2026
Sequoia sempervirens
Typically described as naturally durable coastal softwood
Catalog Price Reference
Unverified catalog note: Construction Common $3-5/BF; Clear Heart $8-12/BF. Limited availability outside West Coast.
Unverified catalog reference, not a current offer. Supplier price source, quotation date and exact grade/milling basis are not recorded in these pricing fields. A page update is not price verification; freight and tax remain unknown until quoted. Enter a dated quote and build a specification.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 47 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Softwood
- Origin: United States
- Catalog price ranges are unverified references, not available offers
- Common uses include Decking, Siding, Fencing
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Medium
Workability: Soft, easy to work; splits if nailed near edges.
Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.
Finishing: Takes stains well; use stain-blocking primer under paint.
Color change: Reddish brown grays without finish.
Insect resistance: Heartwood resistant; sapwood not
Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
Common Sizes & Availability
Typical market availability for Redwood. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Nominal widths 4–12 in. | 8–20 ft | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Nominal widths 4–12 in. | 8–20 ft | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Nominal widths 4–12 in. | 8–20 ft | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Nominal widths 4–12 in.
- Lengths
- 8–20 ft
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Nominal widths 4–12 in.
- Lengths
- 8–20 ft
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Nominal widths 4–12 in.
- Lengths
- 8–20 ft
Decking & exterior profiles
2x6 and 5/4x6 decking, 2x4, 4x4, 6x6; fence boards; bevel siding
Availability notes: Common in the western US; Construction Heart and Clear grades. Limited east of the Rockies.
How lumber sizes are described
- Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
- Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
- Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
- Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
- Nominal vs. actual
- Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
- Random width / length
- Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.
Color & Grain
Color: Reddish brown; pale sapwood
Grain: Straight; even texture
Common Uses
- Decking
- Siding
- Fencing
- Outdoor furniture
Key Characteristics
Also known as: California Redwood;Coast Redwood
Availability: Supplier confirmation required; this reference is not live inventory.
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 420 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Durable
- Sourced from United States
Considerations
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
- Compare dated quotes on the same grade, dimensions and milling basis
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Redwood is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
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Aromatic Red Cedar is beloved for its distinctive spicy fragrance and natural moth-repelling propert
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Atlantic White Cedar is a lightweight, aromatic softwood native to the swamps and bogs of the Easter
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