Table of Contents Show

What is redwood lumber?

Redwood lumber is from redwood trees (Sequoioideae) which are coniferous. They are famous for growing to astronomical heights and having a huge diameter. The tallest redwood standing is an unbelievable 379 feet tall. That’s as tall as a 37 story building. Yes, it’s the tallest tree in the world. Imagine climbing it.

Not only are they incredibly tall, but their diameter is huge as well with an average 9 meter diameter when fully grown. Source: Livescience.com.

These trees grow along the coast from central California to southern Oregon.

Related: Backyard Hot Tub Ideas | Swimming Pool House | Backyard Pergola Ideas | Pergola Plan and Parts

Benefits of redwood lumber for decks and pergolas

There are clear advantages to building decks and pergolas with redwood lumber.

Light: It’s lighter than composite decking and tropical hardwoods.
Easy to work: It’s easier to saw, drill and work with.
Strong: Despite being light and easy to work with, it’s incredibly strong.
Resistant to decay and insects.
Retains shape: It doesn’t warp or split.
Aesthetically pleasing: It offers a pleasing reddish color tone. See photo examples below.
Durable: structures and decks built with it are very strong and durable.
Fire-safe: for a wood product, it’s a safe material fire-wise with a class B fire rating.
Renewable resource: When harvested properly, it’s a renewable material.

Sustainable & Renewable

Redwood lumber is not harvested from the famous old growth forests. Instead, redwood lumber is manufactured and harvested in a sustainable way from new redwood forests that are sustainably managed so that harvested wood is at a level lower than the annual growth rate. Here are photos of the newer redwood forests that are properly and sustainably managed for redwood lumber: