Coast Redwood
Sequoia sempervirens
Also known as: California Redwood, Coastal Redwood
DomesticBeginner-FriendlyMid-RangeFSC Available
Janka Hardness
450 lbf
2.0 kN
Density
415 kg/m³
2.17 lbs/bf
Grain
Straight
Texture: Coarse
Figure
Burl highly prized; occasional lace figure
Drying
Easy
Movement: Low
Origin
Pacific Coast of California and Oregon, USA
Cupressaceae
Plain-Language Guide
Coast Redwood is California's iconic timber — lightweight, naturally rot-resistant, and that unmistakable warm red that ages beautifully outdoors. It's one of the few softwoods worth using for outdoor furniture without any treatment. Old-growth is long gone and rightly protected; second-growth is what you'll find today, and it's still excellent.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming all redwood is equal — second-growth has wider rings and slightly lower density than historic old-growth; adjust durability expectations accordingly
- Overlooking it for outdoor use — redwood's natural tannins make it genuinely rot-resistant without chemical treatment
- Confusing it with Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) — that's the big-tree species found inland; coast redwood is the tall coastal species with commercially useful timber
Color & Appearance
Heartwood
Sapwood
Heartwood is a warm reddish-brown to cherry red — immediately recognizable. Sapwood is narrow and pale cream-white. The color deepens slightly with age.
Workability
Hand Tools
Good
Machine Tools
Good
Gluing
Easy
Finishing
Easy
Turning
Suitable
Carving
Suitable
Easy to work, lightweight, and dimensionally stable. Naturally resistant to decay and insects. Soft enough that care is needed to avoid denting on finished surfaces. Burl slabs are extremely valuable.
Global Availability
| Region | Availability |
|---|---|
| North America | Regional / select dealers |
| Europe | Specialty importers only |
| South America | Specialty importers only |
| Southeast Asia | Specialty importers only |
| Africa / Middle East | Specialty importers only |
| Australia / NZ | Specialty importers only |
Health & Safety
Allergen Risk
Moderate
CITES Status
None
Notes
Dust can cause respiratory irritation and sensitization. Use appropriate dust control. No significant toxicity reported.
Common Uses
Outdoor furniture Decking Siding Raised garden beds Turning Decorative burl slabs
Sustainability: Old-growth stands are protected and essentially unavailable. Most commercial redwood is second-growth plantation timber. The species is IUCN Endangered due to historic old-growth loss — prefer FSC-certified sources.