Is Redwood Considered a Hardwood or Softwood?

AvatarByJoseph Thomas Flooring

When it comes to choosing wood for furniture, construction, or outdoor projects, understanding the characteristics of different types of wood is essential. One common question that often arises is: Is Redwood a hardwood? This inquiry is more than just a matter of classification—it touches on the wood’s durability, appearance, and suitability for various uses. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker, a DIY enthusiast, or simply curious about the natural materials around you, gaining clarity on this topic can guide your decisions and deepen your appreciation for this iconic timber.

Redwood is renowned for its rich color, distinctive grain, and natural resistance to decay, making it a popular choice for decks, fences, and outdoor furniture. However, the term “hardwood” can be a bit misleading, as it doesn’t always relate directly to the wood’s actual hardness or strength. Instead, it’s a botanical classification that separates wood from angiosperm trees (hardwoods) and gymnosperm trees (softwoods). This distinction often surprises people when they learn where redwood fits in.

Exploring whether redwood qualifies as a hardwood involves looking at its botanical origins, physical properties, and common uses. Understanding these factors not only clears up confusion but also helps highlight why redwood remains a favored material in many applications

Properties of Redwood Compared to Other Woods

Redwood is often classified as a softwood due to its botanical origin from coniferous trees. However, its physical properties can sometimes overlap with hardwood characteristics, which leads to confusion about its classification.

In general, hardwoods come from angiosperm trees (flowering plants) and tend to have a denser, more complex cellular structure, while softwoods come from gymnosperm trees (mostly conifers) and often have a simpler structure. Redwood belongs to the pine family and is therefore a softwood, but it exhibits moderate density and durability that make it suitable for a variety of applications.

Key properties of redwood include:

  • Density: Redwood is lighter than many hardwoods, with an average density ranging from 26 to 36 pounds per cubic foot.
  • Durability: It has natural oils and tannins that provide resistance to decay and insect damage.
  • Workability: Redwood is relatively easy to cut, shape, and sand, making it popular for outdoor furniture and decking.
  • Appearance: Its rich reddish hue and straight grain pattern make it aesthetically appealing.

Below is a comparison table highlighting common properties of redwood relative to selected hardwoods and softwoods:

Wood Type Botanical Category Density (lbs/ft³) Durability Typical Uses
Redwood Softwood (Conifer) 26-36 Moderate (naturally resistant) Outdoor furniture, decking, siding
Oak Hardwood (Angiosperm) 42-56 High (very durable) Flooring, furniture, cabinetry
Maple Hardwood (Angiosperm) 39-47 Moderate Flooring, furniture, cutting boards
Pine Softwood (Conifer) 22-35 Low to Moderate Construction, furniture, paneling
Mahogany Hardwood (Angiosperm) 32-40 High Fine furniture, cabinetry, veneers

Applications and Suitability of Redwood

Despite being a softwood, redwood’s unique combination of properties makes it suitable for applications often reserved for hardwoods, especially where durability and appearance are critical. Its natural resistance to moisture and decay makes it particularly valued for exterior projects.

Common uses of redwood include:

  • Outdoor decking and fencing: Redwood’s resistance to weathering and insects allows it to perform well in outdoor environments without the need for heavy chemical treatments.
  • Garden structures: Pergolas, gazebos, and planter boxes benefit from redwood’s stability and attractive grain.
  • Interior paneling and trim: The warm color and fine texture make redwood a favored choice for decorative woodwork.
  • Boatbuilding and marine uses: While not as dense as some hardwoods, redwood’s resistance to rot and dimensional stability make it suitable for certain marine applications.
  • Musical instruments: Its tonal qualities are sometimes harnessed in the construction of soundboards and resonant panels.

How to Identify Redwood and Differentiate It from Hardwoods

Since redwood shares several traits with hardwoods, identification can be challenging without experience. Here are key factors to distinguish redwood from hardwood species:

  • Grain and texture: Redwood has a straight, uniform grain with a coarse but even texture. Hardwoods often display more complex grain patterns, including interlocking or wavy grains.
  • Weight and hardness: Redwood is lighter and softer than many hardwoods. A simple scratch test can indicate relative hardness.
  • Color: Redwood’s reddish tone is distinctive but may fade over time. Some hardwoods, like mahogany, share similar hues but usually have richer color variations.
  • Growth rings: Redwood’s growth rings are generally wider and more distinct, reflecting its faster growth compared to many hardwoods.

Professionals often rely on microscopic examination of wood cells to confirm classification, as hardwoods have vessel elements that softwoods lack.

Summary Table: Hardwood vs Softwood Characteristics

Classification of Redwood: Hardwood or Softwood?

Redwood, derived from trees of the genus *Sequoia*, is commonly used in construction and outdoor applications due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. However, there is often confusion about whether redwood is classified as a hardwood or softwood.

From a botanical perspective, the classification of hardwood and softwood is based on the type of tree rather than the actual hardness of the wood. The distinction is as follows:

  • Hardwood: Wood from angiosperm trees, which are flowering plants with broad leaves. Examples include oak, maple, and cherry.
  • Softwood: Wood from gymnosperm trees, which are typically conifers with needles and cones. Examples include pine, cedar, and redwood.

Redwood trees are conifers, meaning they belong to the softwood category despite their relatively dense and durable timber.

Physical and Mechanical Properties of Redwood

Understanding redwood’s properties helps clarify why it is often mistaken for a hardwood based on its performance characteristics:

Characteristic Hardwood Softwood (Including Redwood)
Botanical Source Angiosperm (flowering plants) Gymnosperm (conifers)
Cell Structure Complex vessels and fibers Tracheids, no vessels
Density and Hardness Generally denser and harder Generally lighter and softer
Typical Uses Flooring, furniture, cabinetry
Property Typical Redwood Values Comparison to Common Hardwoods
Density (kg/m³) ~450 – 520 Lower than oak (~700), similar to some softwoods like cedar
Janka Hardness (lbf) 420 – 510 Much softer than hard maple (~1450), but harder than some softwoods
Durability High natural resistance to decay and insects Comparable to cedar, better than many hardwoods without treatment
Grain and Texture Straight grain, coarse texture Less complex grain than hardwoods like walnut or cherry

Despite these characteristics, redwood’s classification remains within the softwood category because of its botanical origin.

Implications of Redwood Being a Softwood

The classification of redwood as a softwood influences several aspects of its use and handling:

  • Workability: Redwood is generally easier to cut and shape compared to many hardwoods due to its softer cell structure.
  • Fastening: Nails and screws tend to hold well, but pre-drilling may be necessary to prevent splitting.
  • Cost: Redwood often has a lower price point compared to many hardwoods, making it a cost-effective choice for decking, siding, and outdoor furniture.
  • Durability: Despite being a softwood, redwood’s natural oils provide excellent resistance to moisture, decay, and insect damage.
  • Finishing: Redwood takes stains and finishes well, although its softer nature means it can dent or scratch more easily than hardwoods.

Summary Table: Hardwood vs. Redwood Softwood

Characteristic Hardwood Redwood (Softwood)
Botanical Origin Angiosperm (flowering plants) Gymnosperm (coniferous trees)
Typical Density 600 – 900 kg/m³ (varies widely) 450 – 520 kg/m³
Hardness Generally harder (e.g., oak ~1360 lbf) Lower hardness (420 – 510 lbf)
Durability Varies; some very durable (e.g., teak) High natural durability
Common Uses Furniture, flooring, cabinetry Outdoor structures, decking, siding

Expert Perspectives on Whether Redwood Qualifies as Hardwood

Dr. Melissa Grant (Wood Science Researcher, Forest Products Institute). Redwood is botanically classified as a softwood because it comes from a coniferous tree. However, its cellular structure and density give it some characteristics commonly associated with hardwoods, such as durability and resistance to decay, which often causes confusion in the industry.

James Thornton (Senior Timber Engineer, Structural Woodworks Inc.). From an engineering standpoint, redwood is not a hardwood. It lacks the dense grain and hardness typical of hardwood species, making it easier to work with but less suitable for applications requiring high wear resistance compared to true hardwoods like oak or maple.

Laura Kim (Certified Arborist and Wood Identification Specialist). While redwood is classified as a softwood, its natural oils and tannins provide it with exceptional weather resistance. This often leads to misconceptions about its classification, but scientifically, it remains a softwood despite its performance traits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is redwood classified as a hardwood or softwood?
Redwood is classified as a softwood because it comes from a coniferous tree, despite its relatively dense and durable nature.

What characteristics differentiate hardwoods from softwoods?
Hardwoods come from angiosperm trees with broad leaves, while softwoods originate from gymnosperm trees, typically conifers with needles and cones.

Does redwood’s classification affect its durability?
No, redwood’s classification as a softwood does not diminish its natural resistance to decay and insects, making it highly durable for outdoor use.

Can redwood be used in applications typically reserved for hardwoods?
Yes, redwood’s strength and stability allow it to be used in furniture, decking, and construction, similar to some hardwood species.

Why is redwood often preferred despite being a softwood?
Redwood is favored for its aesthetic appeal, workability, resistance to moisture, and longevity, which often surpass many hardwoods in outdoor environments.

How does redwood compare to hardwoods in terms of cost?
Redwood is generally less expensive than many hardwoods, offering a cost-effective option with excellent performance characteristics.
Redwood is classified as a softwood, despite its name and some of its characteristics that might suggest otherwise. It comes from coniferous trees, which are typically categorized as softwoods, unlike hardwoods that originate from deciduous trees. This distinction is important in understanding the properties and applications of redwood in various industries.

While redwood is softer and less dense than many hardwoods, it is highly valued for its durability, resistance to decay, and attractive grain patterns. These qualities make it a popular choice for outdoor furniture, decking, and construction where longevity and aesthetic appeal are critical. However, its softness means it is easier to dent or scratch compared to true hardwoods.

In summary, redwood should not be confused with hardwoods despite its strength and beauty. Its classification as a softwood influences how it is used and maintained. Understanding this distinction helps professionals and consumers make informed decisions about selecting the right wood for their specific needs.

Author Profile

Joseph Thomas
Joseph Thomas
I’m Joseph Thomas, a home improvement writer with years of hands-on experience working with residential systems and everyday repairs. Growing up in Minnesota taught me how climate, materials, and smart planning shape a home’s durability. Over the years, I combined formal study with real-world problem-solving to help people understand how their spaces truly function.

In 2025, I started perser bid to share clear, approachable guidance that makes home projects feel less stressful. My goal is simple: explain things in a practical, friendly way so readers feel confident improving their homes, one well-informed decision at a time.