The redwood tree is one of the world’s natural wonders and a sight to behold. In addition to being a beautiful sight, Humboldt redwood is also an amazing building material that is a great choice for many different applications. According to SavetheRedwoods.org, “Redwoods get their common name from their bark and heartwood, the reddish-brown color of which stems from high tannin levels. Other chemicals found in the leaves, branches and bark give these trees a remarkable resistance to fungal disease and insect infestation. Their thick bark holds large quantities of water, which protects them from periodic, naturally occurring fires.” Humboldt Redwood is also naturally resistant to insects, rot and decay-making it a premium choice for contractors and homeowners for many different applications.
Redwood vs the Others
Humboldt Redwood is one of nature’s strongest building materials with strength up to 5 times greater than plastic decking products on the market today. When compared to exotic hardwoods, redwood can be easily cut, sawed, and drilled with regular woodworking tools. Exotic hardwoods are usually more expensive, with larger shipping costs associated with them because they come from Central and South America. With your deck being exposed to the elements of sun, rain and wind, redwood stands up to them all. Its natural resistance to rot and decay helps prevent warping, splitting and stays cool enough for bare feet in the heat of summer.
Redwood has a Lower Cost Over the Years
When estimating the cost of your deck or other project, you have to take into consideration maintenance, repair and installation costs. Your total cost not only includes the upfront purchase of building materials, but also labor costs and ongoing maintenance over the lifetime of your project. Even being said, a redwood deck is usually more cost effective than a plastic deck.
Redwood is Environmentally Friendly
According to Humboldt Redwood, their “products are grown and harvested in a responsible, ethical manner with an eye for long-term sustainability. [They] do this by harvesting redwood and Douglas-fir logs at a level consistently below our forests’ annual growth rate and by replanting trees annually, two methods that ensure Humboldt Redwood will be a renewable resource for years to come.” . They also adhere to the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certification. The forestlands, manufacturing, and distribution operations of Humboldt Redwood are certified to the standards FSC®, requiring adherence to strict policies to ensure the continuation of the redwood forest.
Redwood is a Recycled Material
Unlike plastic building materials on the market, redwood is a truly natural product with less by products and waste. Instead of ending up in landfills, redwood can be recycled throughout its life. Redwood bark, for example, is often recycled into mulch and ground cover for various settings. Redwood can also be taken out of old structures and re-milled to take advantage of its high quality lumber. Once redwood is done serving its purpose in a building application, it will biodegrade and re-enter the earth where it came from. Plastics may remain in landfills because they don’t decompose.
Humboldt Redwood Performs Well When Exposed With Fire
Redwood decking and siding conform to ASTM E-84 (Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials) Class B flame spread. Class B flame spread rating means that builders, contractors, and homeowners, as well as fire and building officials, can use redwood decking and siding (Construction Common or better grades) safely and without restriction. Redwood can be spec’d in high end or specialty projects that require a certain level of fire rating to meet their standards.
Humboldt Redwood is an American-Sourced Product
Redwood is a home-grown, American-Sourced product. Where cedar is largely sourced from British Columbia on sensitive lands, Humboldt Redwood has 850,000 acres of FSC certified redwood forestlands and two sawmills in Northern California. They support thousands of workers earning family wages and benefits in the US.
There are so many more benefits to using Humboldt Redwood for building your next project. It stands up to rot and decay, is easy to work with, is cost effective, environmentally friendly and has a high fire rating. To learn more about using Humboldt Redwood, check out their website!
