While painted walls and ceilings seem to be the norm these days, there’s something uniquely beautiful about a house that features high quality timber cladding. While American cedar has been a traditional timber choice for many, Kiwis are beginning to rediscover the incredible properties of locally grown Californian Redwood. While many might be more familiar with Redwoods as a natural tourism attraction, these statuesque trees have been cultivated for timber in New Zealand since the early days of the 20th century. There are many reasons that people are falling in love with Redwood again - here are just a few of them.
Beauty
The rich appearance of Redwood timber is a huge draw for many, especially as there are several different timber grades available, each with their own merits, to suit a wide range of tastes and applications. The sumptuous red and gold of the heart wood is particularly prized by those seeking naturally elegant aesthetics, but even when combined with the blonde sap wood, this is a timber that lends a warm, classic ambiance to any home.
Quality
It’s always lovely to have a home that looks beautiful, but at the end of the day, the most important thing is that it’s made of quality materials that will stand the test of time. By this standard, Redwood more than hits the mark. Californian Redwood is known for producing particularly stable timber: highly resistant to shrinkage and warping, whether from age or the elements. This means that not only will it stay weathertight for years to come, it will also hold on to those clean lines that make timber cladding so attractive.
Community
While this tree is known as a Californian Redwood, our Redwood timber comes from trees grown right here in New Zealand. As the leading supplier of NZ farmed Californian Redwood, Land Milling believes in keeping things local. Proudly based in the Waikato community, our family-focused team are passionate about providing Kiwis with a locally grown American cedar alternative - one that never requires you to compromise on quality or beauty.
Sustainability
Not many people know about Redwood’s eco-friendly qualities, but there are actually a number of good reasons why using this timber in your home is good for the planet. Firstly, opting for locally grown wood cuts out the huge carbon footprint created by importing timber from overseas, like when cedar is shipped across the Pacific from the United States. Then there’s the fact that Redwood usually doesn’t have to be replanted after harvesting, as new shoots grow out of the remaining trunks and can be nurtured into mature wood once again. Finally there’s the fact that Redwood trees absorb an exceptional amount of emissions from the air - some studies have estimated that they capture more than three times as much carbon dioxide as other trees.
If this has piqued your interest in the potential of Redwood cladding for your home, the Land Milling team are here to answer any questions you might be wrestling with. We’d even love to send you a Redwood sample, if you’re the kind of person who likes to see and experience things for yourself before making a decision. Enquire with us today to find out if Redwood is right for you.
