Redwood timber in New Zealand serves multiple purposes. Its durability and resistance to decay make it an excellent choice for outdoor construction projects like decking and landscaping structures. The timber’s attractive grain and colour also make it a popular material for interior applications, including furniture, paneling, and decorative finishes. Redwood’s versatility and natural beauty contribute to its widespread use in both functional and aesthetic aspects of New Zealand’s building and design industries.
Uses
- Exterior joinery
- Cladding
- Exterior finishing timbers
- Interior appearance
Selection factors
- Structurally weak
- A relatively light, soft timber
- Accepts paint and clear finishes readily
- Exterior fixings should be stainless steel, copper or silicon bronze
| Common names | Redwood |
| Species | Sequoia sempervirons |
| General description | – Heartwood is warm red/brown – Sapwood is light coloured and narrow. A moderately light straight grained timber. New Zealand-grown plantation timber is coarser, contains more knots. Contains chemicals that cause corrosion of steel – Softwood |
| Origin | South-west region of the USA |
| Sustainability | Most imported timber is from managed native forests. A small amount is plantation grown in New Zealand |
| Availability | In small amounts |
| Durability & treatment | – Heartwood is moderately durable – Sapwood is non durable but can be treated |
| Drying | Easy |
Technical Specs
| Physical Characteristics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Shrinkage | Tangential | 2.5% |
| Radial | 1.5% | |
| Strength group | Unseasoned | S6 |
| Seasoned | SD7 | |
| Density | 450 kg/m3 | |
| Hardness | 1.8 | |
| Durability Class | Moderately durable |