6 Outdoor Projects That Showcase the Wonders of Sustainable Redwood
Whether it’s used to build simple landscaping structures or an elaborate deck, the revered cinnamon-hued wood is famously long lasting—and it brings unmatched character to outdoor spaces.
Whether it’s used to build simple landscaping structures or an elaborate deck, the revered cinnamon-hued wood is famously long lasting—and it brings unmatched character to outdoor spaces.
Prized for their gorgeous color and fine, even grain, the lumber and timbers of today’s redwood industry come in a range of dimensions, lengths, and grades that look striking and wear excellently.
"The versatility and aesthetic appeal of redwood are hard to beat," says Jessica Hewitt of Humboldt Sawmill in California, a company that’s been practicing responsible forestry management—including wildlife habitat conservation—for more than a decade.
Hook & Ladder Winery outfitted its grounds with redwood, which, known for its natural durability and fire-resistant properties, remains a go-to for hardworking outdoor structures.
Photo by Bourne Photography
Hewitt points out that choosing redwood sourced from replanted (known as second-growth) forests also helps heal the earth’s ozone layer. "Each year, we grow more trees than we harvest," she says, noting today’s redwood industry not only protects existing old-growth stands, but helps pull large amounts of carbon emissions from the atmosphere—yet another reason to opt for the warm and inviting material.
And, of course, redwood is strong. Hewitt cites, for example, the timbers that Hook & Ladder Winery used to anchor a sail awning for its outdoor space in Northern California. "I don’t think you could visit and not notice the redwood," says Devin Ruddick, the winery’s VP of national sales.
From simple pavilions to major home additions, here are six outdoor projects that put rich, welcoming redwood to use in imaginative ways.
A Refurbished Redwood Pergola Enhances the Spanish-Style Charm of This Hollywood Hills Home
Redwood timbers accentuate the home’s ranch-style influences and provide crucial support for a lush canopy of tree-like trumpet vines. Left to its own devices, redwood ages gracefully, acquiring a rich texture and variegated patina that ensures a lifetime of beauty.
Courtesy of Humboldt Redwood Company
Natural redwood pergolas provide shady places to linger at Jeriko Estate and Resort in Hopland, California. "Redwood has a way of dissolving boundaries between garden rooms and their picturesque surroundings," says Hewitt.
Courtesy of Humboldt Redwood Company
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