Environmental Performance of Redwood Lumber
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Sponsored by Humboldt Sawmill Company
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This course offers insight into the environmental performance of Redwood Lumber. The details and results of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) comparing Redwood and plastic/composite decking options will be shared, as will information about Redwood’s Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). The course also provides comparisons between Redwood Lumber and other wood species, as well as details about the sustainability of modern Redwood forestry management practices.
Finally, this course provides details on important product attributes of Redwood Lumber, including grades, fire performance, strength, and finishing options, among others.
Photo courtesy of Attilio Fiumarella
Redwood lumber is sourced from well-managed timberlands in Northern California that have been certified to the exacting standards of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®).
Humboldt Sawmill Company, LLC manufactures a full line of redwood and Douglas fir lumber products, including boards, decking, fencing, patterns and trim, and timbers. Logs are sourced from company-owned timberlands where harvest levels are consistently below the forests’ annual growth rate, and harvested trees are replanted. Logs are processed into lumber at the company’s sawmills in Ukiah and Scotia, California. All Humboldt Sawmill redwood and Douglas fir products are available certified to the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council®️ (FSC®️ C013133). With unmatched beauty and durability, redwood has been the preferred natural wood species for many building applications, including paneling, siding, decking, entryways, and shade structures, to name a few. Best known for its deep red color, redwood heartwood resists warping and splitting and is naturally resistant to termites and decay. Redwood in exterior applications may last 25 to 35 years. Douglas fir timbers feature excellent span and structural design values for exposed beams, framing, headers, rafters, and timber frame construction. Douglas fir timbers may be used extensively in new construction and remodeling projects in a variety of applications. Humboldt Sawmill redwood and Douglas fir products are available through lumberyards, wholesalers, dealers, and distributors.
Originally published in Architectural Record
Originally published in February 2026
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Evaluate the sustainability of modern Redwood forestry management practices.
- Interpret the results of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) comparing Redwood and plastic/composite decking.
- Identify key findings of the Redwood Decking Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).
- Explain Redwood’s Class B flame spread in accordance with ASTM standards.
- Differentiate Redwood lumber grades and applications.
