Redwood is graded for durability and resistance against termites and decay – factors easily distinguished by redwood’s color. Reddish-brown heartwood from the inner portion of the tree contains extractives that render it resistant to insects and decay. As a general rule, all heartwood grades of redwood will have the word “Heart” in the grade name. For uses where the wood will be on or near soil, such as posts, bulkheads or patio grids, it’s essential to use one of the durable, heartwood grades – Heart Clear, Heart B, Deck Heart, Construction Heart or Merchantable Heart.

The cream-colored sapwood that develops in the outer growth layer of the tree does not possess the same resistance to decay and insects that redwood heartwood does. For construction above ground where there is little danger of damage from insects or decay, choose one of the sapwood grades – Clear, B Grade, Deck Common, Construction Common or Merchantable.

Architectural grades of redwood include Heart Clear, Clear, Heart B and B Grade. Normally sold kiln dried (pre-shrunk and stress free), these grades are for the finest exterior and interior architectural uses. These finish grades are unrivaled in beauty and dimensional stability. They are the preferred grades for siding, paneling, trim and cabinetry where beauty and tight joinery are desired.

Finest architectural heartwood grade currently available, normally kiln dried (also available unseasoned), well manufactured, and free of defects on one face (reverse face may have slight imperfections). Available surfaced or saw-textured. Uses of Heart Clear redwood include siding, paneling, trim, cabinetry, molding, fascia, soffits, millwork. Also fine decks, hot tubs surrounds, furniture, garden structures, industrial storage and processing tanks.

Deck Heart is an all heartwood grade containing knots of varying sizes and other slight imperfections; available seasoned or unseasoned. This highly useful grade is available surfaced or rough. Deck Heart has a similar appearance and uses as Construction Heart but is also graded for strength. Deck Heart is available in 2×4 and 2×6 only. Uses of Deck Heart include decks, fences, posts, retaining walls, garden structures, stairs or other outdoor applications on or near soil.

High-quality finish grade of the same general quality as Heart Clear. The principal difference between the two grades is that Clear contains sapwood. Typically available kiln dried (also available unseasoned). Available surfaced or saw-textured. Uses of Clear redwood include siding, paneling, trim, cabinetry, molding, fascia, soffits. Also quality decking, garden structures and other above-ground applications.

Same general characteristics as Deck Heart, but contains a combination of heartwood and sapwood. Unseasoned or seasoned, may be surfaced or rough. Deck Common is also graded for strength and is available in 2×4 and 2×6 only. Uses include deck boards, rails, balusters, and other above-ground garden uses that do not require the insect and decay resistance of Deck Heart.