REDWOOD GRADES & TERMS:
Understanding redwood lumber grades is important when choosing the right wood for your project. At The Lumber Baron, we specialize in five grades of all-heart redwood lumber: Construction Heart (Con Heart), Select Heart, Super Select Heart (Heart B), Clear Heart Fascia, and Clear All Heart. Each grade offers different appearance characteristics and price points. Whether you’re building a deck, fence, pergola, or custom architectural project, this guide will help you understand the differences and choose the best redwood lumber for your needs.
Our most economical redwood lumber grade: allows for knots up to 2-1/2″ diameter on a 6″ wide piece and larger knots on wider face widths. Con Heart allows unsound knots, heart center, and sapwood on an occasional edge, unlike the other redwood lumber grades.
An excellent value, this redwood lumber grade allows for knots up to 2″ diameter on a 6″ wide piece, and larger knots in wider face widths. All knots must be tight and well distributed. Edge sapwood may be present in some pieces.
Comparable to a high-end Heart Bee. This redwood grade permits two knots up to 1-1/2″ diameter on a 6″ wide piece for lengths to 14 feet, and three knots for 16-20′ lengths. For lumber 4″ and thicker, Super Select may allow more knots, all must be tight and sound. Edge sapwood may be present in some pieces.
Clear Heart Fascia is free of knots on its best face. The reverse face may have occasional knots. Heart center is not allowed. Edge sapwood may be present in some pieces. For applications where the reverse face is not visible, this redwood lumber grade appears equivalent to CAH.
Free from knots on all faces, no sapwood. Any defects are limited to the reverse face. CAH is the highest quality of the redwood lumber grades available (aside from dense vertical grain), and is without peer for exterior construction.
Currently N/A
Currently N/A
#2 Clear and Better old growth Western Red Cedar. Allows for an occasional, sound knot. #2 Clear and Better Western Red Cedar OGVG is a very high quality exterior construction product used often in modern, horizontal fences, siding and decking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the different grades of all heart redwood that The Lumber Baron stocks?
At The Lumber Baron, we offer five grades of redwood lumber: Construction Heart (Con Heart), Select Heart, Super Select Heart (Heart B), Clear Heart Fascia, and Clear All Heart. Each grade offers different appearance characteristics, including the size and frequency of knots. Choosing the right grade depends on your project’s appearance requirements, intended use, and budget.
We also have limited supplies of vertical grain and dense vertical grain redwood available.
2. What are the different redwood sapwood grades, and why are they considered less suitable for some outdoor projects?
Redwood sapwood grades contain a higher percentage of the lighter-colored outer wood of the tree rather than the darker, naturally decay-resistant heartwood. Sapwood has less natural resistance to decay, insects, and moisture than redwood heartwood. For that reason, sapwood grades may require more careful design, sealing, maintenance, and protection from prolonged moisture exposure. They are often less suitable for ground-contact applications or other projects where long-term natural durability is important.
The Lumber Baron specializes in all-heart redwood because we believe its natural durability and beauty make it a better choice for outdoor projects. We choose not to sell any sapwood redwood.
Important: Not All Redwood Grades Offer the Same Durability
Sapwood grades may include Construction Common, Bee, and Clear. Notice how similar they sound to our all heart grades. If fact they are the same just missing the word heart. If you order material from other suppliers and don’t say heart you’ll end up with inferior redwood.
For outdoor projects requiring better natural decay resistance, The Lumber Baron recommends comparing heartwood grades such as Construction Heart, Select Heart, Super Select Heart (Heart B), Clear Heart Fascia, and Clear All Heart. The best choice depends on the project, exposure conditions, appearance requirements, and budget.
3. What is the difference between Construction Heart, Select Heart, and Super Select Heart redwood?
All three grades are made from redwood heartwood, but they differ primarily in appearance and the knots permitted. Construction Heart generally has more knots and a rustic appearance. Select Heart offers a cleaner look with fewer and smaller knots, while Super Select Heart, also called Heart B, provides an even more refined appearance with a knot every 4′ to 8′. The best choice depends on the look you want and your budget.
4. What is the difference between Clear Heart Fascia and Clear All Heart redwood?
Clear Heart Fascia and Clear All Heart are premium redwood grades selected for their clean, knot free appearance. Clear Heart Fascia is commonly used for visible trim, fascia boards, and architectural details. It will have no knots on one face while the reverse side may have limited knots. Clear Heart Fascia can be an excellent choice for decking when only the top face will be visible, offering a clear appearance with a savings from clear all heart. Clear All Heart is a premium all-heartwood grade with strict appearance requirements and is often selected for high-end decking, siding, millwork, and other projects where a clear, consistent appearance is important. It also allows for two faces to chose from when installing.
5. What does 2×6 Construction Heart redwood mean?
A 2×6 Construction Heart redwood board is a nominal 2-inch-by-6-inch board graded as Construction Heart. A typical surfaced 2×6 measures approximately 1½ inches thick by 5½ inches wide, although actual dimensions depend on how the lumber is milled. Construction Heart 2×6 boards are commonly used for decking, fencing, and other outdoor budget friendly construction projects.
6. How much does Heart redwood cost?
Heart redwood pricing depends on board dimensions, length, availability, and current market conditions. It is generally much more affordable than IPE or Cedar lumber. The Lumber Baron carries a huge stock of all Heart redwood lumber sizes. Contact us for current pricing and availability.
7. How do I choose the best redwood lumber grade for my project?
Choosing the right redwood grade depends on your project’s appearance requirements, intended use, and budget. Construction Heart is a popular choice for rustic decks, fences, and outdoor structures. Select Heart and Super Select Heart provide progressively cleaner appearances, while Clear Heart Fascia and Clear All Heart are excellent choices for projects requiring premium-looking lumber. The Lumber Baron can help you compare the five grades and select the best redwood for your project.