It is a highly prized lumber product renowned for several unique features. One of the most dimensionally stable of the western softwoods, redwood is not prone to checking and splitting, and therefore is less damaged by weathering. It is decay-resistant in all heartwood grades, so heartwood can be used near the ground.
Redwood is more insect repellent in all-heartwood grades than other woods, yet it is lightweight.
Despite being one of the lightest of softwoods Redwood provides adequate strength for a wide variety of uses. It is superior in insulation values. The minute cell structure with thousands of air-filled cavities accounts for Redwood's thermal insulation values. Redwood is easily machined, easy to saw and nail and has superior gluing properties as well as superior finish-holding ability. Redwood is most often used for applications where high moisture levels are a problem for other types of wood.