The Redwood Sequoia is a species known for being able to reach heights of more than 100 meters, 8 meters in diameter and live almost 2000 years. This wood grows in a very limited area on the Pacific coast of the northwestern United States, where heavy rains and fresh, moist air create a unique environment for these trees. The sawn wood of sequoia is very soft and light with a good strength-to-weight ratio, in addition this wood is characterized by the great straightness of its fibers, besides with its good sound properties and a sweet tone make it a perfect wood for the use on the covers of classical and acoustic guitars.
Botanic name: Sequoia Sempervirens
Density: 350-450 kg/m3
Commercial name: Red wood, Secoya
Origin: East Coast North America
Description: The color of the heartwood can vary from a light pinkish brown to a deep reddish brown. The sapwood is pale white / yellow. Sometimes can be seen a curly figure or burl (occasionally referred to as Redwood Lace or Vavona). Classified in general as moderately durable, and very durable to the rotting. The wood of old-growth trees tends to be more durable than that of younger second-growth trees.
Sustainability: This wood species is not included in the CITES Appendices, but it is on the IUCN Red List. It’ s included as endangered due to a population reduction of approximately 40% in the past three generations, caused by a decrease in its natural range, and exploitation. Because of this, Maderas Barber only works with wood that comes from fallen trees, already dead.
Recommendations: It is usually easy to work with hand tools or machinery, sometimes tearout can occur on figured pieces with curly, wavy or irregular grain. It is a wood that glues and finishes well.
Drying: Drying is easy. In very large pieces it presents risks of an uneven distribution of moisture content, collapse (if it dries very quickly) internal cracks and the appearance of ferruginous or other spots.
Uses: Veneer, construction lumber, beams, posts, decking, exterior furniture, and trim. Burls and other forms of figured Redwood are also used in turning, musical instruments and other small specialty items.
