Toppers
What is Californian Redwood?
Californian Redwood, known by the botanical name Sequoia sempervirens, is an impressive type of wood originating from the coastal areas of California in the United States. This wood, belonging to the family of Taxodiaceae, is renowned for its durability, beautiful color, and versatile applications. Let’s explore the characteristics, origin, applications, and technical specifications of Californian Redwood.
Origin
Californian Redwood primarily grows along the coast of California. These trees can reach enormous heights and are known for their long lifespan and impressive diameter.
Appearance and Structure
Californian Redwood typically has a straight grain, fine texture, and distinct flames on the quartered surface. The heartwood ranges from reddish-brown to dark brown, while the sapwood is white in color. The wood is aesthetically pleasing and has a warm, natural appearance.
Durability
The heartwood of Californian Redwood is durable and falls into natural durability class II. The sapwood, on the other hand, is less durable and falls into natural durability class V.
Processing and Drying
Californian Redwood dries easily and requires beveling of the edges to prevent cracking. It is easy to work with, both with hand tools and machinery.
Finishing and Fastening
The finishing of Californian Redwood poses little problem. Untreated, the wood naturally turns gray, but can darken in polluted environments. Using stainless steel nails and screws prevents corrosion and discoloration of the wood. For outdoor applications, treatment according to procedure C1, followed by C2, CTOP, or a solid paint is recommended.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Average density | 400 kg/m³ |
| Radial shrinkage (60-30% r.h.) | 0.3% |
| Radial shrinkage (90-60% r.h.) | 0.3% |
| Tangential shrinkage (60-30% r.h.) | 0.6% |
| Tangential shrinkage (90-60% r.h.) | 0.8% |
| Movement (60-30% r.h.) | 0.9% |
| Movement (90-60% r.h.) | 1.1% |
| Modulus of elasticity | 8000 N/mm² |
Applications
Californian Redwood is versatile and suitable for various applications, both indoors and outdoors:
- Roofing and siding: Shakes and shingles
- Interior carpentry: Paneling
- Furniture: Durable and stylish furniture pieces
- Garden design: Various garden structures
- Saunas: Perfect for humid environments
Conclusion
Californian Redwood is an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor applications due to its durability, aesthetic value, and workability. Whether it’s for roofing, siding, furniture, or saunas, this type of wood offers a natural and sustainable solution with a beautiful reddish-brown color and fine grain.