Coast Redwood
Scientific name: Sequoia sempervirens
Overview
Coast Redwood is one of the most iconic tree species in North America and is famous for producing the tallest trees on Earth. Native to the fog-influenced coastal forests of northern California and southern Oregon, this species has long been valued for its naturally durable wood and impressive dimensional stability.
The wood is lightweight yet strong for its density and contains natural compounds that provide excellent resistance to decay and insects. Because of these properties, Coast Redwood has historically been one of the most important outdoor construction timbers in the western United States.
Its warm reddish-brown color, straight grain, and ease of machining also make it a popular material for exterior woodworking projects, outdoor furniture, decking, and architectural elements where durability is important.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Coast Redwood
- Scientific Name: Sequoia sempervirens
- Region: North American Hardwoods (Pacific Coast – California and Oregon)
- Tree Size: 200-300 ft tall, 10-20 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 28 lbs/ft3 (450 kg/m3)
- Janka Hardness: 450 lbf
- Color: Light pinkish brown to deep reddish brown heartwood with pale sapwood
- Grain: Typically straight
- Texture: Coarse but even
Identification Characteristics
Coast Redwood is typically recognized by its distinct reddish coloration and straight, uniform grain pattern. The wood usually displays a noticeable contrast between the darker heartwood and the lighter sapwood.
Growth rings are often visible, which can produce subtle striping in flatsawn lumber. The wood also tends to have a somewhat fibrous texture, particularly in older growth material.
Over time, the color of redwood can deepen slightly as the wood ages and is exposed to light.
Key identification traits include:
- Reddish-brown heartwood
- Pale cream-colored sapwood
- Straight grain structure
- Coarse but uniform texture
- Lightweight relative to its size
Working Properties
Coast Redwood is generally considered very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Its relatively low density allows it to cut cleanly while producing minimal tool wear.
Because the wood is soft compared to most hardwoods, it may dent more easily under heavy pressure. However, its excellent dimensional stability and natural resistance to decay make it particularly well suited for outdoor use.
- Machines easily with sharp tools
- Turns well on the lathe
- Nails and screws without difficulty
- Glues and finishes reliably
- Excellent stability when properly dried
Safety Note
Coast Redwood dust may cause mild respiratory irritation in some individuals. Standard dust protection is recommended when machining or sanding the wood.
Common Uses
Due to its durability and weather resistance, Coast Redwood has been widely used in outdoor construction and woodworking.
- Decking
- Exterior siding and trim
- Outdoor furniture
- Fencing
- Garden structures
- Pergolas and gazebos
- Boat construction (historically)
- Interior paneling
Sustainability & Notes
Large portions of the original old-growth redwood forests were heavily logged during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Today, many remaining old-growth stands are protected within national and state parks.
Most commercial redwood lumber now comes from managed second-growth forests, where sustainable forestry practices are used to maintain long-term timber production while preserving forest ecosystems.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Giant Sequoia – Closely related and similar in appearance, though generally softer and less commonly harvested for lumber today.
Western Red Cedar – Another rot-resistant softwood widely used for outdoor construction.
Pacific Madrone – A dense hardwood species native to the same Pacific coastal regions.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Learning to recognize grain patterns can help distinguish species and understand how wood structure affects its appearance and strength.
Best Woods for Outdoor Use
Discover which wood species offer the best natural resistance to rot, moisture, and weather exposure for long-lasting outdoor performance.
How to Store Exotic Wood Samples
Collectors and wood enthusiasts often preserve small samples of notable species such as redwood for identification and display.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
For wood collectors, Coast Redwood samples are valued not only for their rich coloration but also for their connection to some of the tallest trees ever recorded. Boards cut from older growth trees often display tighter growth rings and deeper red tones, while second-growth lumber tends to be lighter in color and more uniform in texture.
Small turning blanks and sample boards are commonly collected because they represent a species that has played a major role in the history of North American forestry.
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When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
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