Is American Redwood A Hardwood

The guide to american hardwood species.

Is american redwood a hardwood.

Redwood is considered a softwood because it is a gymnosperm but redwood for flooring is considered a hardwood and it is considered the median. Wood density and specific gravity the following chart will tell you how much weight you can expect from your wood selection. Examples of softwood trees are cedar douglas fir juniper pine redwood spruce and yew. Wood is categorized into two groups based on their density as softwood and hardwood.

When you compare the janka rating scores on both redwood and cedar there is a clear winner. This guide features 20 of the most abundant and most often used hardwood species. Softwood is typically less expensive compared to hardwood. In the following chart chart 1 you will note that cedar weights.

The wood s appearance is characterized by a curly grain with old growth having a deeper red color. There is one coastal california sequoia sempervirens tree that holds the tallest tree record at nearly 380 feet it is called hyperion many of these trees locations are not given due to land property concerns logging issues and complications from unofficial visitors. As a resource american hardwoods are abundant renewing and sustainable and an excellent choice for eco effective design and building. Most softwoods have a lower density than most hardwoods.

The density of a wood is determined based on the multiple growths and physiological factors such as age diameter height radial growth geographical location site and growing conditions etc. Types of wood comparing american hardwoods softwoods and tropical hardwoods. It is also exceptionally stable with very little shrinkage or seasonal movement. With less abundance than western cedar redwood stands as another rot resistant softwood.

Using the janka scale redwood is 1290 and used as a. The higher the number the more durable the hardwood is expected to be. Most hardwoods have a higher density than most softwoods. Redwood lumber is very soft and lightweight with a decent strength to weight ratio.

Wood products are known for their natural beauty but when selecting a type of wood for your next cabinetry flooring furniture or millwork project it is important to also consider the level of durability by understanding the difference between wood types. A north american redwood tree is one of the world s tallest trees. Hardwood is typically more expensive than softwood. Thus we recommend reserving this species for outdoor furniture fencing decking.

Redwood has a rating of roughly 450 pounds while cedar has just 350 pounds.