Redwood Decking – Domestic Alternative
| SPECIES | Approximate Weight per MBF at 10% MC | Modulus of Rupture (psi) | Modulus of Elasticity (1000 psi) | Maximum Crushing Strength (psi) | Side Hardness (lbs) | Shear (psi) |
| California Redwood | 2,600 | 7,900 | 1,100 | 5,220 | 420 | 1,110 |
Redwood is an incredible material to use for your outdoor projects. It is suitable to use as a decking because it is highly stable, able to resist cracks and chips. It is also naturally resistant to weathering and wood boring insects. There are different grades of redwood based on the part of the redwood tree they come from. The categories vary in durability and appearance. The application depends on the selection of the redwood grades. Some of the classes include garden, clear heart, merchantable heart, and architectural.
We sell redwood for less than $2.50/lf for 1×4. Contact us for a quote.
Redwood Grades
Architectural
This grade only contains the heartwood with no imperfections. It displays the best properties of wood.
Garden
Garden grades contain sapwood, therefore, are not recommended for decking. It is usually used for outdoor furniture, planters, trellises, and fences.
Merchantable Heart
It is the cheapest redwood grade. It allows larger holes than the con-heart grade which are limited to the knots size. Merchantable heart usually has splits, checks, and manufacturing flaws. It is the least recommended grade used for decking.
Clear Heart
Clear Heart is the finest grade which provides knot free surfaces. This grade is very expensive therefore it is used for trim and rails on decks. Clear Heart grade has no imperfections.
Finishing Redwood Deck
Redwood deck finishing protects it from water and weather damage. If it is left unfinished, it will turn to black and then to silver grey. Its milled surface receives stains and paints readily. Therefore using protective finishing which consists of mildewcide, UV inhibitor and water repellents on redwood deck will prevent it from damaging environmental variables and maintain it to look new and fresh for years.
Cleaning
Cleaning is essential to finishing the redwood deck. Newly constructed decks are cleaned using Oxalic acid diluted with water cleaning solution. It helps to remove tannins that may rise on the surfaces after construction. Caution does not use Oxygen bleach cleaners because it may darken the redwood deck.
Sanding
Sanding the redwood makes the surface smooth and splinter-free. It also opens the wood grain, permitting the sealer to penetrate deeply. Select the best sander for the task. Ensure no nails or crews are sticking up before sanding. Also, wear safety clothes including goggles and gloves. Be careful and work slowly to prevent running over a screw.
Advantages
What makes redwood the perfect choice for decking projects? It could be its durability, beauty, and color.
Color and Unique Beauty
Redwood offers exciting colors and outstanding beauty to a deck. For instance, heartwood grade has a vibrant red tone, and sapwood has a yellow-tone. Sometimes people prefer not to treat the redwood for it to weather to a silver grey tone.
Durability and Workability
It is the most vital factor of the redwood deck. It has high shear strength than other decking materials. It also does not need a lot of substructures and is naturally resistant to decay, insects, and fire. Additionally, it is easy to use which means you can do the job on your own. Furthermore, it is lightweight, simple to cut and does not require specialized equipment.
The natural durability, color, unique beauty, and workability make redwood the best material for your decking projects.