 | Art Bryan
is president and owner of Southwestern Remodeling Contractors, Inc. Art started Southwestern Remodeling Contractors in 1970. Southwestern is a fully-licensed residential and commercial licensed general contractor in Wichita and the surrounding counties. Art has been a member of the Wichita Area Home Builders Association and the National Remodel Council since 1974. In mid-2000 Southwestern received the distinction of being named one of the "Top 25 Most Diversified Remodeling Companies in the United States.” Southwestern is listed as the 84th Top Remodeler in the country by Qualified Remodeling Magazine. Art can be contacted at his office at (316) 263-1239, fax at (316) 263-6230, or you can e-mail him at ARTSWR@aol. Com |
Home Improvement
2003-05-01 12:39:00
Why redwood for decks?
: Why is redwood the best choice for a deck?
ANSWER: Redwood provides a natural warmth and elegance that's unmatched by other materials. Unlike plastic or metal furniture, redwood blends naturally into any outdoor environment. Redwood's texture and grain patterns have a distinct beauty.QUESTION: Is redwood an endangered species?ANSWER: Redwood is not an endangered species. The redwood used in decks in this part of the country comes from California. The State of California has always been protective of its redwood forests. About 85% of the state’s old growth coastal redwoods are preserved in 265,000 acres. This equals 350 square miles of park land and is equivalent to a 1 mile wide redwood forest stretching from San Francisco to Los Angeles. None of these preserved ancient forests are used to produce lumber.QUESTION: What type of redwood is used in decks?ANSWER: There are two types of redwood: the Coastal Redwood and the Sierra Redwood. The Sierra Redwood, also known as the Giant Sequoia, is not used commercially. In fact, 95% of the Sierra Redwoods are preserved in state and federal groves. The Coastal Redwood is the only redwood grown to produce wood products. It is the fastest growing commercial softwood species in the country. In 30 years, redwoods can grow to between 90 and 130 feet tall.QUESTION: How does redwood compare to other woods?ANSWER: Redwood's exceptional stability, durability, finish retention, fire resistance, and physical characteristics make it the ultimate choice for outdoor furniture. Stability - Redwood is far less likely to warp, check, cup or split. Redwood has the least volumetric shrinking of any commercial American wood. It shrinks only 1.7% across the vertical grain and 3.3% across the flat grain from a green, unseasoned condition with a 10% moisture content. Durability - Unlike some pressure-treated woods, redwood heartwood has natural decay and insect resistance throughout the lumber, not just on the surface. This means sawn ends, nail holes and all exposed wood. Finish Retention - Redwood’s ability to take or hold finishes is excellent. Because it contains little or no pitch or resins (sap) and has a unique cellular structure, redwood retains finishes longer and more effectively than most woods. Fire Resistance - Redwood is not incombustible, but it is highly resistant to fire because it has no volatile resins (sap) and oils. Physical Characteristics - Redwood is one of the lightest softwoods used for structural purposes, weighing only 28 pounds per cubic foot with a 12% moisture content. At the same time, it is comparatively strong.
