Frequently asked questions about redwood

R3?Xff ""i'0";f; :"'U1",1.","#; Redwood Association and redwood dealers both get asked many questions strong. It is easy to saw, nail and drill. Redwood has little or no messy pitch or resins. In addition, no other softwood holds paints, stains and about using it. To help with customer's queries, the CRA has assembled the following list of questions they are asked most frequently, along with the answers.

Wt i"h decking and joist spans should be used when designing my redwood deck?

Construction Heart or Construction Common 2x6 decking should be nailed to joists which are spaced no more than 24 inches on center. Joist spans vary according to the dimension used and the joist spacing. For example, typical 2x8 Construction Heart joists spaced 24 inches on center can span 8 ft. 9 in. between support beams. Extra weight on the deck surface, such as large planters, hot tubs or spas, will require additional support.

'Wttut can I do to build a deck surface that looks good for a long time?

Install decking with the bark side up to minimize grain raising. Use only one nail per bearing to minimize splitting.

'Wtt"t type of nail should I use to attach decking to joists?

Use top quality, corrosion-resistant I 6-penny ringed-shank or spiralshank nails to attach redwood decking. Smooth-shanked nails are likely to result in nail popping if green lumber and/or wet pressure treated joists are used.

Can I use deck screws instead of nails?

'Why should I use redwood?

Use it for its beauty, dimensional stability and natural resistance to decay and insects. Redwood is a favorite with builders and do-it-yourselfers because it is lightweight but other coatings better than redwood. It also bonds exceptionally well.

Wni"f, redwood grade shoutd be used for posts?

Use heartwood grades, such as ConStruction Heart, for applications on or near the ground. These grades should also be used for deck beams and joists which are within 6 to 12 inches ofthe eround.

Deck screws are also quite popular. Use corrosion-resistant, self-tapping deck screws with bugle heads. They should be manufactured from hardened steel. Electro-galvanizing and other methods of zinc coating rarely show the same degree of corrosion resistance as hofdip galvanizing.

Can I use clips or other fasteners that hide the nails on my deck?

Deck clips are available that work well with redwood decking. There are many styles available. With these products, you can build a deck without nails showing on its surface.

TYPICAL deck clip allows deck surface to be nail-free.

Do I need to finish exterior redwood?

Though redwood will perform better than most woods if left unfinished, it will look better and last longer if a protective finish is maintained.

How do I keep my exterior redwood looking new and natural?

Clear water repellent finishes containing mildewcides help preserve the natural appearance of redwood. They may not, however, prevent the natural color changes associated with the weathering process.

Clear water repellents or water repellent preservatives are the most natural types of finishes, but they are also the least durable. They typically require reapplication every one to two years.

Wtr.t type of exterior finish is more durable than a clear water repellent but still retains a natural appearance?

Transparent and semi-transparent stains may last from three to four years. These finishes contain pigments that protect the wood from the degrading effects of solar radiation. The best products contain water repellents, mildewcides, and ultraviolet light blockers or absorbers.

Remember, when selecting a pigmented stain, test finishes on a small area to be sure the desired color effect is achieved. Transparent stains contain less pigment than semi-transparent stains and provide a more natural look.

My redwood deck has remained unfinished for several years. How should I prepare the deck and bring back its color before refinishing?

For years the CRA has recommended the tried-and-true method of a preliminary scrub with TSP and household bleach to clean the deck and remove mildew. To remove stains and restore the natural color. oxalic acid is then applied.

Recently, however, many excellent commercially formulated deck cleaners and restorers have become available (see story, p. 14). These are based upon nonchlorine bleaches, detergents and/or oxalic acid. The manufacturers of these commercial products supply comprehensive directions.

More than 95% of

redwood old growth is protected from harvesting. Is choosing to use redwood an environmentally responsible decision?

Yes. There are more redwoods today than when man first harvested these trees. There are over 250,000 acres of redwood parks and another 100,000 acres of public lands where redwoods are protected in reserves. More than 95Vo of redwood old growth is protected from harvesting. Redwood is harvested almost entirely from private lands that are scientifically replanted or managed to ensure that redwood forests are renewed. California has the strictest forest practice regulations in the country.