Quality landscape
architecture requires building materials that are beautiful
and long-lasting. Materials need to withstand environmental
elements yet retain their symmetry and aesthetic purpose. Redwood
has a well-known reputation for meeting these requirements.
Equally important, there are cost-effective redwood grades
to specify for every project, whether it is a public plaza
or a residential garden.
Performance is more than durability. Redwood has qualities
not found in other woods--even woods treated with chemicals.
Redwood performance characteristics include resistance
to shrinking, warping and checking in addition to durability.
This means redwood projects age beautifully. Decks, fences and shelters made
with redwood simply look better ten, fifteen and twenty years after construction.
Dimensional Stability According to reports
from the Forest Products Laboratory of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, redwood has less volumetric and tangential shrinkage
than other common domestic softwoods. In exterior use, this means
redwood stays flat and straight with minimal wapring, cupping
or checking.
Resistance to Decay and Insects
Redwood heartwood has grown-in resistance to
decay and insects that is present throughout the lumber, not
just on the surface. The wood exposed through sawing, boring
or nailing is as decay-resistant as the surface.
Finish Retention
Redwood has an open-celled structure and contains little or
no pitch or resins. This enables redwood to absorb and retain
all types of finishes extremely well.
Redwood Provides Complete Performance Treating lumber with chemicals increases its decay resistance
but doesn't improve other characteristics of the species.
In many applications, other aspects of wood performance take
precedence. For example, wood off the ground but exposed
to harsh sunlight needs resistance to checking and warping.
Beauty is usually the primary concern in highly visible applications
such as decking surfaces, fences and overhead shelters. In
most situations the wood's workability, finish retention
or the absence of pitch and resins is important. |
