Why Redwood?

cali-redwood.jpg

Environmentally Sound Decision

There are 1.74 million acres of Coastal Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) forests on California's north coast. About 26 percent, or 450,000 acres of these forests are preserved in national, state and municipal parks, national monuments and other administratively withdrawn lands where harvesting is prohibited.

Of the remaining 1.29 million acres where harvesting can take place, approximately 1.03 million acres (80 percent) are currently being well managed according to independent third-party certification programs.

Forest certification provides consumers with assurance that the redwood products they purchase have been harvested in an environmentally sound manner.

The basic tenants of certification programs include:

  • sustainable forestry
  • prompt reforestation
  • protecting of water quality
  • enhancement of wildlife habitat
  • minimizing the visual impact of harvesting
  • protection of unique sites
  • improvements in wood utilization

Ageless Beauty

allheart_treecntr03.jpgOne of the most coveted qualities of redwood is the ability to withstand the test of time. Unlike other materials that discolor over time and require constant sanding and refinishing. Redwood has the unique characteristic of becoming more attractive as it ages. When the cellar is first installed the wood has a soft, pale red hue and over time changes to a dark, honey-rose color.

All-Heart Redwood comes from the center of the tree and is characterized by a deep, rich, reddish-brown color and a dramatic grain pattern.

WoodSample_AH-Redwood.jpg

Natural Finish

Wood of Choice for Wine Storage

Redwood has the least volumetric shrinkage of any commercial domestic wood; therefore, it can be subjected to considerably more change in moisture before it has the same change in dimensions as other commercial species. This means that projects manufactured with redwood will be much less subject to open joints, warping, cupping, splitting and other defects associated with dimensional change.

Redwood heartwood has grown-in-resistance to decay and insects that is present throughout the lumber, not just on the surface. The wood exposed through sawing, boring, or nailing is as decay-resistant as the surface.

Redwood has an open-celled structure and contains little or no pitch or resins. This enables redwood to absorb and retain all types of finishes extremely well.

Performance is more than durability. Redwood has qualities not found in other woods. Redwood performance characteristics include resistance to shrinking, warping, and checking in addition to durability. This means redwood projects age beautifully.