redwood timber GUIDE

Scandinavian Redwood

Life Expectancy

Pressure treated timber is expected to last in excess of 10 years but exterior conditions can affect, reduce or extend this period.

Cost Guide

Extremely affordable and cost effective

Pros

Good life expectancy

Easy to stain/paint

Very cost effective for long runs of fencing or trellis

Cons

Contains many small knots

Finish of timber is not of the same quality as higher end timbers such as cedar

Note: We only use either unsorted or fifths grade timber to make our products

General Description

Scandinavian Pine (also referred to as 'redwood' to differentiate it from 'whitewood' such as Spruce) is imported from Sweden, Finland and Russia. The grades vary for different uses. Knots are common but their size and quality vary according to the part of the tree from which boards are converted.

It should be noted that the timber is kilned prior to shipping but the moisture content is often about 18%, and therefore higher than most kiln dried hardwood moisture contents.

The diameter of such pines normally result in board widths of 100mm - 225mm.

Edge-glued panels are imported in large volumes for pine furniture manufacturers, with lamination widths usually about 45mm.

Working Properties

Machines well

Stains and paints to an excellent finish

Does not bend well

Dries well and only shrinks a little

Glues and nails moderately well

Physical Properties

Medium overall strength

Not stiff

Low shock resistance

Stable

Durability

The heartwood is moderately resistant to preservative treatment, and the sapwood is permeable

Moderately resistant to decay

Main Uses

Decking, Fences & gates , Lattice , Siding , Planters , Trellis , Arbors , Gazebos.

Maintenance

GeneralPressure treated timber does not need any further maintenance treatment but will naturally weather over the months, finally mellowing to a grey colour. The timber will produce cracks (checks) that will open and close as an effect of weather conditions. They are not detrimental to the item’s long-term durability.

If the product is located under trees or does not enjoy full sun, it may be subject to a build up of green algae, surface mould and/or general grime. Remove using one of the following methods:

Trellis or Fencing

Using a stiff brush, scrub affected timber with warm water with diluted, strong detergent.

Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry.

Or, following manufacturers instructions, use a diluted standard garden fungicide.

Applications of proprietary timber finish products as suggested below can be applied, if desired, but are not necessary for longevity.

Option 1 - Linseed oil / Teak oil / Danish oil/ Deck oil – applied by cloth

Option 2 - Suitable exterior timber care products are available on the market with various tints/colours that are brush applied.

Use of a Pressure Washer

A pressure washer, used with care, can be used to clean surfaces but may cause the grain to “lift” and thus require light sanding.Should you choose to use a pressure washer, great care should be taken to ensure the nozzle is not too close to the surface – follow manufacturer’s instructions to prevent damage to the timber.

Life Expectancy of Tanalised Timber

Pressure treated timber is expected to last in excess of 10 years but exterior conditions can affect, reduce or extend this period