Redwood is made to be seen and naturally adds to the curb appeal of any home. It’s a fun, appealing wood to work with and can inspire several home lumber projects. It’s strong, lightweight, and it does well in outdoor elements. It’s also fairly easy to work with when creating customized pieces that add to your outdoor decor.
Redwood boards come in a mixture of colors ranging from all white, mostly red, or a variation in between that you can use to match your home’s overall aesthetic. Typically, you’ll want to stain redwood to maintain the grain pattern because painting it masks its special visual features like natural coloring, grain pattern, and knots. It’s a versatile material and can be used for several, different projects, unlike other woods.
Whether using thin boards or timbers, redwood is a favorite for beginners and professionals alike because the end result always comes out looking good. Here are five redwood lumber projects to get you inspired.
Pergolas or Patio Covers
Redwood is beautiful for a pergola or patio cover. It can be used as the base for various style designs. From a partially open concept with lattice work to a fully covered patio cover, redwood serves as a solid structure. Then, adding other design elements like decorative screen panels, shade cloth, lighting, and fans can make it a comfortable space to relax outside.
Decking
For a classic look, redwood decking never goes out of style. It’s an environmentally friendly option that creates a warm and inviting feel to the backyard. Its original, deep color is beloved among homeowners, although there are several stains to fit a home’s specific look and feel. A stain helps to preserve the wood while allowing the beauty of the redwood to remain intact. And don’t forget to add your redwood stairs and railing for the finishing touches.
Fencing
As people have become more invested in creating entertainment areas outdoors, fencing has increased in popularity as well. In addition to the standard types of solid fencing, there are multiple design options to choose from, all of which can use redwood as a base. Redwood can be used for both vertical and horizontal installations. One of the most popular trends is mixing and matching wood types and lengths to create an artful design that also serves as privacy and protection for the backyard.
Garden Boxes
In Southern California, the mild climate allows for produce and plants to thrive year-round. Building an at-home garden is simplified by using redwood garden boxes. Since the lumber can be cut to fit any dimensions, it’s a good choice to use for the foundation. Also, as a renewable resource, redwood will eventually go back into the earth without leaching any chemicals into your plants, a drawback when using pressure-treated materials.
Outdoor Specialty Projects
Redwood can also be used to cover a less desirable area along the perimeter of your home. For instance, it can serve as a camouflage for a pool filter or an air-conditioning unit. By using pre-made lattice panels, it turns a functional component into a decorative barrier in your outdoor space.
Other creative ideas for redwood lumber projects include outdoor benches, treehouses, sheds, and gazebos. Due to the quality and eye-catching appearance of the wood, it’s the perfect material for nearly any project.
J&W Lumber has been Southern California’s redwood specialist for over 60 years. Stop by your local store and let us help you plan your next outdoor project.