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Redwood & Redwood Heart B Decking
Redwood Heart Grade Lumber Popular for Its Durability, Appearance and Resistance to Pests and Decay
Redwood is a popular lumber to use for a variety of construction projects, such as decks, garden structures, fencing and hot tub enclosures, because of its durability, resistance to pests and decay and its beautiful appearance.
It’s also popular on the West Coast because its availability in Northern California, Oregon and Washington. And like most woods, there are various grades of redwood. In fact, there is a grade of redwood for almost any application suitable for wood. “Grade” refers to the appearance and durability of redwood lumber and are determined using criteria outlined by the Redwood Inspection Service (RIS).
Appearance
Appearance is the first factor in the grading of redwood, with “clearness” (the freedom from knots) the main determinant for the highest grades. Other grades are categorized by number, size, and nature of knots and the presence of other characteristics, such as stains or manufacturing defects.
Durability
Durability is the second factor in the grading of redwood. Durability against insects and decay is easy to identify by looking at the color of the wood itself. Reddish-brown heartwood from the inner portion of the tree contains extractives that render it naturally resistant to insects and decay. The cream-colored sapwood that develops in the outer growth layer of the tree (closest to the bark) does not possess heartwood’s resistance to decay and insects. As a rule of thumb, all heartwood grades of redwood will have the word “Heart” in the grade name.
For uses where the wood will be on or near soil, such as posts, bulkheads or patio grids, it’s important to use one of the durable, heartwood grades. For construction above ground where there is little danger of damage from insects or decay, you can choose one of the sapwood grades.
Heart B Grade
Heart B is an architectural grade of redwood characterized by limited knots and other slight imperfections. It’s available kiln-dried or green (unseasoned), and surfaced or saw-textured. Uses of Heart B redwood include siding, paneling, trim, fascia, molding and other architectural uses, as well as quality decking, fencing, garden structures and other outdoor applications on or near the soil.
Construction Heart
Construction Heart is a redwood garden grade containing knots of varying sizes and other natural characteristics; available partially air-dried (PAD) or green (unseasoned). This highly useful and widely available grade may be surfaced or rough. Uses of Construction Heart redwood include decks, fences, posts, retaining walls, garden structures, stairs or other outdoor applications on or near soil.
Redwood Sapwood Grades
B Grade
Quality grade containing sapwood, limited knots and other slight imperfections. Available kiln-dried or green (unseasoned) and may be available surfaced or saw-textured. Uses of B Grade redwood include siding, paneling, trim, fascia, moulding and other architectural uses; quality decking, garden structures and other above-ground applications. Sapwood redwood grades are not recommended for use on or near the soil in outdoor applications.
Construction Common
Same general characteristics as Construction Heart, but contains a combination of heartwood and sapwood. Available partially air-dried (PAD) or green (unseasoned)., and may be surfaced or rough. Uses of Construction Common redwood include deck boards, fence boards and other above-ground garden uses that do not require Heart redwood’s insect and decay resistance properties. Sapwood redwood grades are not recommended for use on or near the soil in outdoor applications.