Redwood
For beauty and performance, redwood is naturally superior to
other woods. That’s why it’s the first choice for decks, fences and
most outdoor projects. Redwood retains its beauty outdoors,
shrinks and swells less than other woods and is less likely to warp,
split, check or cup. With little or no pitch, redwood is easy to drill,
saw and shape. Redwood heartwood has natural durability and
resistance to insects and will last longer outdoors than most woods.
Grades
The knotty garden grades of redwood are ideal for outdoor projects.
These grades are beautiful, durable and economical.
Construction Heart/Deck Heart
is all heartwood and con-
tains knots; used for load-bearing applications near the ground.
Deck Heart is graded for strength and is available in 2x4 and 2x6.
Construction Common/Deck Common
contains sapwood
and knots; used for decking and above-ground uses. Deck Common
is graded for strength and is available in 2x4 and 2x6.
Merchantable Heart
is all heartwood and contains larger knots
than Construction grades; used near the soil.
Merchantable
contains sapwood and larger knots; used for
fence boards, rails and above-ground uses.
Finishes
Redwood accepts finishes better than most woods. Some heighten
redwood’s natural beauty, bringing out the color and the grain.
Others help the wood harmonize or contrast with surrounding
structures. Keep in mind that unfinished redwood will gradually
turn soft driftwood gray. Read the labels on all finish products
before using.
Clear water repellent finish
is recommended to stabilize the
color at tan.
Semitransparent stains
in “redwood” shades tint the wood
without hiding the grain.
Solid-color stains or paints
should be applied over compatible
oil-based primers.
Fasteners
Use only non-corrosive hardware such as aluminum, stainless
steel or top quality hot-dipped galvanized screws or nails.
Ordinary nails and screws will cause stains.
405 Enfrente Drive, Suite 200
Novato, CA 94949
Telephone 415 382-0662
Toll Free 888 Cal-Redwood
Fax 415 382-8531
www.calredwood.org
BENCH CONSTRUCTION
Follow the same basic construction methods described for the
table, using the dimensions given in the illustration below.
Notable differences from the table design include the lengths of
the legs, cleats and braces and the angles of the crossed legs.
Other Construction Tipsheets Also Available
Deck Over Concrete Deck Construction
8x10 Deck Deck Grades, Nails and Finishes
Deck Around Tub Design-A-Deck
TM
Plans Kit
Shade Shelter Fences for All Reasons
Butcherblock Bench
4x4 Planter
Mendocino Bench
Lake Tahoe Gazebo
Contact the California Redwood Association for more great pub-
lications containing redwood technical and building information.
Call us at 415 382-0662 for a complete literature list or to ask for
any of the titles listed here:
Sanding and Finishing
Sand table and bench tops with medium grit sandpaper. Apply
water repellent finish.