Last updated: May 2026 | Reading time: ~8 minutes
📋 Table of Contents
- 1. What Is Redwood Timber?
- 2. Types of Redwood Timber & Common Applications
- 3. Factors Affecting Redwood Timber Price Per m³
- 4. Redwood Timber Price Per Cubic Meter (Comparative Table)
- 5. How to Calculate Redwood Timber Cost
- 6. Is Redwood Timber Worth the Investment?
- 7. What to Look for When Buying Redwood Timber
- 8. Storing and Handling Redwood Timber Before Use
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- 10. Conclusion
What Is Redwood Timber?
Redwood timber comes primarily from the Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), a species native to a narrow coastal strip stretching from central California into southern Oregon. These trees are among the tallest and longest-lived organisms on Earth — some standing specimens exceed 2,000 years in age and tower over 115 meters. Commercially, however, almost all redwood lumber today comes from managed second-growth and third-growth forests rather than old-growth stands, which have been largely protected since the late 20th century.
What distinguishes redwood from other softwoods is its remarkable combination of properties. The heartwood contains high levels of tannins and extractives that make it naturally resistant to rot, insects, and even fire to a surprising degree. It's exceptionally stable — redwood shrinks and swells less with moisture changes than almost any other commercially available softwood, which means boards stay flat and joints stay tight over decades of seasonal cycling. The color ranges from a pale pinkish-brown in younger second-growth wood to a deep, rich reddish-brown in older heartwood, and the grain is typically straight and fine. These qualities place redwood in an unusual category: a softwood that competes directly with premium hardwoods and specialty outdoor timbers on performance, while often exceeding them on appearance.
Types of Redwood Timber & Common Applications
Redwood grading reflects both the wood's appearance and its source — old-growth versus second-growth. Here are the main categories you'll see at timber yards:
- Clear All Heart Redwood: The premium grade. All heartwood, no sapwood, virtually knot-free. Deep, consistent reddish-brown color with fine, straight grain. This is the material for high-end architectural siding, visible beams, fine decking, and outdoor furniture where appearance is paramount. It's the most expensive grade and represents a small percentage of each log's yield.
- Clear Redwood: Similar to Clear All Heart but may contain limited sapwood, giving it some lighter streaks alongside the reddish heartwood. Still knot-free and suitable for visible applications. Many architects specify this grade for siding and paneling where slight color variation is acceptable or even desirable.
- B Grade Redwood: Contains a mix of heartwood and sapwood with occasional tight knots. Common applications include decking boards, fencing, and exterior trim where structural performance matters more than a perfectly uniform appearance. This is often the practical sweet spot for large deck projects.
- Construction Common / Deck Common: The most economical redwood grade, with larger knots, more sapwood, and greater color variation. Used for structural posts, retaining walls, raised garden beds, and other utility outdoor applications where redwood's natural durability is valued but appearance is secondary.
- Old-Growth Reclaimed Redwood: Salvaged from dismantled structures, old bridges, and historic buildings. This material has the tight growth rings (sometimes 30–40 rings per inch) and deep color that only centuries-old trees produce. Prices are driven by scarcity and character rather than standard grading rules — each piece is essentially unique.
Factors Affecting Redwood Timber Price Per m³
Redwood pricing is shaped by a combination of biological reality, conservation history, and market geography. Here's what influences the figure on your quote:
- Grade and Heartwood Content: The price spread between Clear All Heart and Construction Common is wider for redwood than almost any other timber species. Clear All Heart might cost three to four times more per cubic meter than common-grade stock from the same supplier. This reflects the reality that a second-growth redwood log produces relatively little clear heartwood — the majority of the volume goes into lower grades. When you pay for Clear All Heart, you're paying for the small percentage of the tree that meets that standard.
- Second-Growth vs. Old-Growth Source: Old-growth redwood lumber is no longer commercially harvested from standing trees. The old-growth material that reaches the market comes almost exclusively from reclaimed and salvaged sources — dismantled water tanks, historic buildings, and logs that have been sitting in mill ponds or river bottoms for decades. This material commands significant premiums, often two to three times the price of equivalent second-growth grades, reflecting both its tighter grain and its story.
- Geographic Proximity to Source: Redwood grows naturally only along a narrow stretch of the California and Oregon coast. In California, redwood is a regional material and prices reflect local availability. East of the Rockies or outside North America, redwood is an imported specialty product and prices increase substantially — 30–50% or more once freight, distribution, and import costs are factored in. In Europe and Asia, redwood competes with Western Red Cedar as a premium outdoor timber.
- Board Dimensions and Lengths: Wide, long clear redwood boards are increasingly scarce from second-growth forests, where trees are harvested at 50–80 years rather than the centuries that produced old-growth dimensions. A 300mm-wide Clear All Heart plank in 6-meter lengths will carry a stiff premium — partly for the raw volume, but also for the rarity of finding clear stock in those dimensions from younger trees.
- Moisture Content and Drying: Kiln-dried redwood commands higher prices than air-dried or green stock. However, for many exterior applications — decking, fencing, siding — green redwood is perfectly suitable because the wood's exceptional dimensional stability means it seasons in place with minimal movement. Green redwood is often significantly cheaper and, for the right project, represents genuine value.
- Certification and Chain of Custody: FSC-certified redwood from responsibly managed forests is available but typically carries a 10–20% premium. Given redwood's history with old-growth logging, many buyers specifically seek certified stock for environmental peace of mind. The premium varies by supplier and region but is generally well-established in the market.
Redwood Timber Price Per Cubic Meter
The table below provides approximate price ranges for different redwood grades and types. These reflect typical pricing from West Coast suppliers for moderate-sized orders — adjust upward significantly for locations distant from California and Oregon. Use these as a budgeting framework rather than firm numbers.
| Redwood Type & Grade | Average Price per m³ | Common Use | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Common / Deck Common | $700 – $1,100 | Retaining walls, garden beds, structural posts, sub-decking | Most economical redwood, knots and sapwood present |
| B Grade Redwood | $1,100 – $1,600 | Decking boards, exterior trim, fencing, planter boxes | Good balance of durability and appearance, some knots |
| Clear Redwood | $1,700 – $2,400 | Siding, interior paneling, soffits, visible trim | Knot-free, may contain some sapwood streaks |
| Clear All Heart Redwood | $2,200 – $3,200 | Premium decking, architectural siding, fine furniture | All heartwood, deep color, virtually flawless appearance |
| Reclaimed Old-Growth Redwood | $3,500 – $6,000+ | Feature walls, custom furniture, restoration projects | Tight grain, deep patina, priced by character and rarity |
Important: All prices shown are indicative estimates based on West Coast North American sourcing. In the eastern United States, Europe, and Asia, expect 30–50% higher prices due to freight and distribution. Reclaimed old-growth pricing varies dramatically by source, condition, and dimensions — always request individual quotes for specific reclaimed stock.
📊 Geographic Availability Note: Redwood's natural range is among the smallest of any commercially significant timber species — a coastal strip roughly 750 km long and 8–56 km wide. This concentration means that in California and Oregon, redwood is competitively priced against other premium outdoor woods like Western Red Cedar and Ipe. But outside western North America, redwood becomes a specialty import. In the UK, Northern Europe, and East Asia, redwood often costs more than local cedar alternatives and is typically specified for projects where its distinctive color and stability justify the logistical premium. For a broader look at how regional factors shape timber costs, see our hardwood timber price comparison.
How to Calculate Redwood Timber Cost
Redwood follows the same volume-based pricing formula as other timbers, though you'll more commonly encounter it sold by the linear meter or board rather than in bulk cubic meter quantities:
Total Cost = Cubic Meters × Price per m³
For example, 1.2 m³ of Clear Redwood at $2,000/m³ comes to approximately $2,400, excluding delivery, taxes, and any milling or finishing charges.
In practice, most redwood purchases happen at the board level — you'll buy specific lengths of decking, specific dimensions of siding, or individual posts and beams. Many suppliers list redwood by the linear meter or by the piece, with the cubic meter price serving as a useful comparison tool across suppliers and grades. When comparing quotes, converting everything back to a per-cubic-meter basis helps you spot whether a supplier's retail markup on cut lengths is reasonable. For decking projects, remember that the finished square meter cost depends on board width, spacing, and layout pattern — a quick calculation from cubic meters to installed area helps prevent budget surprises.
Once you've worked out your material volumes, you can calculate timber costs more accurately with our pricing tool, which accounts for species, grade, and regional pricing variations.
Is Redwood Timber Worth the Investment?
Redwood sits at the upper end of softwood pricing, but it delivers corresponding value in specific applications. For exterior projects where natural durability, dimensional stability, and appearance all matter — a prominent deck, architectural siding on a coastal home, visible timber elements in a landscape design — redwood often justifies its cost several times over across the lifespan of the installation.
The wood's stability is genuinely exceptional. Where other species expand and contract noticeably with seasonal humidity changes, redwood stays remarkably still. This translates to fewer gaps in decking, less cupping in siding, and joinery that remains tight for decades. Its natural decay resistance means no chemical treatment is required — the heartwood resists rot and insects through its own chemistry, much like cedar but with even higher tannin content. For homeowners concerned about chemical exposure in garden beds or around children's play areas, this is a significant practical advantage. Many redwood decks and siding installations in California's coastal climate are still sound after 25–30 years with basic maintenance.
That said, redwood isn't the right choice for every budget or every project. Construction Common grade works perfectly well for retaining walls, raised beds, and hidden structural elements where color consistency and knot-free appearance aren't priorities. For projects where the budget is tight and the wood will be painted or hidden from view, pressure-treated pine or a more economical softwood may be the pragmatic choice. Redwood earns its premium in situations where it will be seen and where its longevity reduces long-term replacement costs. We've explored similar cost-performance tradeoffs in our hardwood vs softwood cost comparison.
What to Look for When Buying Redwood Timber
Redwood's quality varies noticeably between suppliers, grades, and even individual boards. Here are some practical things to check when you're selecting stock:
- Assess the heartwood-to-sapwood balance: The darker heartwood carries the rot-resistant tannins and extractives. Creamy-white sapwood has none of these protective compounds and will decay like any other untreated softwood if exposed to moisture. For exterior applications, aim for high heartwood content — ideally all-heart stock for ground-contact or fully exposed locations. If a board shows significant sapwood, use it only in protected positions or plan to paint it thoroughly.
- Look for tight, even grain in visible applications: Second-growth redwood typically shows wider growth rings (3–6 rings per inch) than old-growth stock (15–40 rings per inch). For decking and siding, wider-ringed second-growth is structurally fine and what the market primarily offers. For fine furniture or prominent feature walls where grain character matters, seek out tighter-ringed stock — it also tends to be more dimensionally stable.
- Check for end checking and surface splits: Redwood is stable compared to other woods, but it can still develop end checks, especially in thicker dimensions. Minor surface checking is cosmetic, but deep end splits can propagate through a board's length. Running your hand along the face grain reveals more than visual inspection alone — deep checks will catch your skin.
- Understand the difference between "clear" and "clear all heart": "Clear" means knot-free but may include sapwood. "Clear All Heart" means knot-free and all heartwood. The price difference between these two can be $500–$800 per cubic meter. If you're painting or the wood will be in a protected location, Clear grade is often the smarter buy. If it's fully exposed and you want the natural redwood color to weather evenly, spend the extra for Clear All Heart.
- Ask about the forest source: Reputable suppliers will tell you whether their redwood comes from FSC-certified managed forests, non-certified second-growth stands, or reclaimed sources. The answer affects both price and environmental footprint. California's strict forestry regulations mean even non-certified redwood is typically harvested under comprehensive management plans, but certification provides documented verification.
- Factor in fastener compatibility: Redwood's high tannin content can react with certain metals, causing dark staining around fasteners. Stainless steel or high-quality coated deck screws are recommended — standard electroplated fasteners may discolor the wood within the first year. This doesn't affect the wood's structural integrity, but the cosmetic impact on a visible deck or siding installation is real.
Storing and Handling Redwood Timber Before Use
Redwood's stability is a genuine asset, but it still needs sensible handling between delivery and installation. The wood is relatively soft — softer than cedar and significantly softer than hardwoods like oak — so it's more susceptible to physical damage from rough handling than some alternatives.
Store redwood flat with evenly spaced supports (stickers) between layers to maintain air circulation. Keep the stack off the ground and covered to shed rain, but avoid wrapping it tightly in plastic — trapped moisture can cause surface mold or tannin staining within days. If possible, allow redwood a week or two to acclimatize to your installation environment, especially for interior paneling or furniture work where the ambient humidity differs from the supplier's yard. When moving boards, carry them vertically rather than flat to avoid snapping thinner stock, and be mindful that redwood dents more easily than you might expect from its durability reputation. For comprehensive storage guidance, see our article on how to store timber correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Botanically, redwood is a softwood — a conifer. But that classification doesn't tell the whole story. Redwood is softer than oak or maple on the Janka hardness scale (around 420–480 N depending on the source), yet its outdoor durability rivals or exceeds many hardwoods due to its high tannin and extractive content. It's less prone to denting than Western Red Cedar but will show marks more readily than dense hardwoods like Ipe. For decking and outdoor furniture, redwood's combination of moderate surface hardness, natural decay resistance, and dimensional stability is what makes it perform — not hardness alone. The softwood/hardwood distinction is less useful here than understanding how the specific species behaves in your intended application.
No — redwood heartwood is naturally resistant to rot and insects without any chemical treatment. That's one of its primary selling points. Left unfinished outdoors, redwood will weather to a silvery-grey color within a year or two, and then to a darker grey-brown over time. This weathering is purely cosmetic — the wood remains structurally sound beneath the surface layer. Many people like this natural look and deliberately leave redwood unfinished, particularly for fencing and rustic decking. If you want to preserve the original reddish-brown color, you'll need to apply a UV-blocking exterior finish and refresh it periodically. Sapwood, however, has no natural durability — boards with significant sapwood content should be painted or used only in protected positions.
Both are excellent outdoor softwoods with natural decay resistance, but they have distinct differences. Redwood is generally more stable — it shrinks and swells less with moisture changes, which means fewer gaps between boards and less cupping over time. It's slightly harder than cedar on the Janka scale, offering modestly better dent resistance. Aesthetically, redwood has a deeper, richer red-brown color while cedar tends toward lighter reddish-brown that fades more quickly to grey. In North America, particularly on the West Coast, redwood and cedar are often similarly priced at comparable grades. Outside North America, cedar is generally more available and may be more economical. For a deck that will be seen and used daily, many builders prefer redwood for its stability and richer color; for a project where availability and cost are primary, cedar is an excellent alternative.
Yes — redwood takes paint very well, partly because of its dimensional stability. Wood that doesn't move much with moisture changes puts less stress on paint films, so paint on redwood siding or trim tends to last longer without cracking or peeling than paint on less stable species. The tannins in redwood can sometimes bleed through lighter paint colors, so a stain-blocking primer is recommended — particularly for whites and pale colors. If you're painting redwood that will be fully exposed to weather, an oil-based or high-quality acrylic latex primer designed for cedar and redwood is the standard recommendation. For interior painted applications, standard primers perform well.
Old-growth redwood is no longer commercially harvested from standing trees — the vast majority of remaining old-growth stands are protected in parks and reserves. The old-growth redwood that reaches the market today comes almost exclusively from reclaimed sources: dismantled historic buildings, old bridges, decommissioned water tanks, and logs salvaged from rivers and mill ponds where they've sat for decades. This reclaimed material is prized for its extraordinarily tight grain (sometimes 30–40 growth rings per inch versus 3–6 in second-growth wood), deep color, and the character that comes from decades or centuries of aging. It's sold through specialist reclaimed timber dealers rather than standard lumber yards, and prices are negotiated per piece or per batch rather than by standard grade. For restoration projects matching historic redwood or for feature pieces where the tight grain is the whole point, reclaimed old-growth is the only source — and it's a finite one.
The answer depends on the source. Second-growth and third-growth redwood from managed forests in California is generally considered sustainable — California's forestry regulations are among the strictest in the world, requiring replanting, watershed protection, and habitat conservation measures. Many redwood producers also hold FSC certification for their managed forest operations. The species itself is not endangered, though old-growth stands are protected and extremely limited. Reclaimed redwood has the lowest environmental impact of all — it's essentially recycled material with embodied carbon and a story. When buying redwood, asking about the source and looking for certification gives you the clearest picture of the environmental profile of the specific stock you're purchasing. The premium for certified or reclaimed redwood is usually modest relative to the total project cost.
Conclusion
The redwood timber price per cubic meter places it firmly in the premium category — but the material earns that position through genuine performance rather than rarity alone. Its natural decay resistance eliminates the need for chemical treatments, its dimensional stability keeps decks flat and siding tight over decades, and its rich color gives projects a warmth that painted alternatives simply don't match. Understanding the grade system is the key to buying redwood intelligently: Construction Common for hidden structural work, B Grade for visible decking where some knots add character, and Clear All Heart only where the application genuinely demands a flawless surface.
Whether you're pricing a new deck, selecting siding for a coastal home, or sourcing reclaimed timber for a restoration, redwood rewards informed selection. Check the heartwood content, choose fasteners that won't react with the tannins, store the timber properly before installation, and match the grade to the application rather than automatically reaching for the top grade. These practical steps turn redwood's premium pricing into genuine long-term value.
If you're weighing redwood against other timber options for your project, our hardwood timber price comparison provides useful context for understanding how different species compare on cost, durability, and appearance.
About NiceTimber Editorial Team
This article was researched, written, and reviewed by the NiceTimber Editorial Team. Our team creates educational resources covering timber, lumber, woodworking, construction materials, pricing, and wood maintenance. Every article is written to be clear, practical, and as accurate as possible based on publicly available industry information. We review our articles periodically to keep them up to date as industry standards and best practices evolve.