REDWOOD
Common Name(s): Redwood, Sequoia, Coast Redwood, California Redwood, Vavona (burl)
Scientific Name: Sequoiadendron giganteum
Distribution: western slopes of central California in the Sierra Nevada area at 4,000 to 8,000 feet.
Janka Hardness: 420
Color/Appearance: Heartwood color can range from a light pinkish brown to a deep reddish brown.
Grain/Texture: Grain is generally straight, though figured pieces may be be wavy or irregular. Coarse texture and low natural luster.
Endgrain: Resin canals absent; earlywood to latewood transition abrupt, color contrast medium-high; tracheid diameter large-very large; parenchyma diffuse (usually visible with hand lens).
Rot Resistance: Rated as moderately durable to very durable regarding decay resistance. Lumber from old-growth trees tends to be more durable than that from younger second-growth trees.
Workability: Typically easy to work with hand tools or machinery, but planer tearout can occur on figured pieces with curly, wavy, or irregular grain. Glues and finishes well.
Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, but is reported by the Red list as Endangered under criteria B2ab(ii,iii,v).
Common Uses: Veneer, construction lumber, beams, posts, decking, exterior furniture, and trim. Burls and other forms of figured Redwood are also used in turning, musical instruments, and other small specialty items.