End use grouping opens new redwood markets

ITRADITIONALLY, redwood

I grades have been grouped in terms of physical characteristics: whether or not they were cinnamon colored all heartwood or contained streaks of cream colored sapwood and whether or not they were knot free (referred to as uppers) or contained knots (referred to as commons). With a new generation of redwood coming out of the forests it makes better sense to set aside portions of the grade grouping by physical characteristics in favor of a grouping of grades oriented toward end use. After all, end use is the major interest of the market and redwood grades should logically be grouped to coincide with these interests.

Thinking in terms of end use, suddenly many of the old terms and categories no longer fit into the new generation spectrum. Historically, redwood lumber has been divided into vertical and horizontal grade separations that take the form of a cross. Vertical divisions dealt with heartwood and sapwood content with horizontal separations dividing uppers (clear, knot free, kiln dried) and commons (green or air seasoned containing knots). In the new lineup, the vertical distinction between grades containing heartwood and those that may contain both heartwood and sapwood, remains the same. Horizontal divisions still

By Greg Lambert Sales Mgr., Redwood Simpson Timber Co.

Sfory at a Glance

Grading oriented to end use ... new generation redwood groupings utilize product changes still measure uP ... adapt to market.

separate knot free upper grades from knot containing common grades-but here is where our new thinking will apply as we shift from a grade grouping by physical properties to a grouping according to end uses.

What were formerly labeled uppers are now in the new thinking classified as architectural finish grades, because that is the end use purpose for which they were intended. Here an entirely new generation category of seasoned rustic finish materials is added with knot characteristics. This new grade grouping includes select knotty where a more informal look is desired. We kiln dry these new grades in l" or less thickness to an average l5o/o moisture content. They are available in v-joint tongue and gloove, channel v rustic, and thick butted bevel siding patterns.

Following through on the end use terminology, garden grades now replace what were formerlY knot containing common grades. The grades (containing knots) comprising this grouping will remain verY much the same as they have been with a greater availability of stock being dried.

Projecting the new grade thinking into future volumes, our Production, by combining new generation architectural finish and rustic finish grades, will actually increase the availability of redwood grades

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DRAMATIC USE of redwood in this unusual arrangement of decking emphasizes the beauty of the wood. Weatherability, durability, and low maintenance make it a favorite for outdoor application.