softwood · Sequoia sempervirens
Redwood wood properties
Also known as: coast redwood, california redwood.
| Type | softwood |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Sequoia sempervirens |
| Modulus of elasticity (MOE) | 1,220,000 psi |
| Specific gravity | 0.42 |
| Density (approx) | 26 lb/ft³ (2.2 lb per board foot) |
| Janka hardness | 450 lbf |
| Shrinkage (tangential / radial) | 4.7% / 2.4% |
| Movement coefficient (CT / CR) | 0.00229 / 0.00101 |
| Region | Coastal northwestern United States (southwestern Oregon to central California) |
A 1 in x 6 in x 8 ft board of Redwood weighs about 8.7 lb (roughly 26 lb per cubic foot). Its Janka hardness of 450 lbf is harder than about 10% of the woods in our database.
Uses and working notes
Common uses: decking, exterior furniture, posts and beams, construction lumber, veneer, trim.
Durability: Rates moderately to very durable, with old-growth outlasting second-growth.
Workability: Usually easy to work, though figured or irregular grain may tear in the planer.
Use this data
Similar woods
Woods with comparable hardness and density to Redwood:
How these numbers were sourced
MOE, SG (12% MC), Janka and shrinkage from The Wood Database (cites USDA FPL Wood Handbook). CT/CR from the "Redwood" row of the FPL/Hoadley table. Uses, region, durability and workability summarized from The Wood Database. Price indicative.
Values shown as estimates rather than sourced constants: typicalPricePerBF_usd.
Sources
These calculators are for planning and estimation. Engineering results (shelf sag, wood movement) use published average material properties; real boards vary by grade, grain, moisture and defects. Verify load-bearing designs with a professional.