Learn about Redwood Decking

Redwood is typically from species of sequoia trees, a wood with a deep red hue. Redwood is the most fire-resistant wood decking on the market. It is naturally weatherproof and resistant to wood-boring insects. Properly maintained redwood decking could last up to 30 years. Due to its limited supply coupled with environmental concerns, redwood has become harder to find and more expensive. Redwood decking is easier to find on the West Coast of North America.

If redwood is what you have your heart set on, look for recycled and reclaimed redwood, to avoid putting pressure on old-growth sequoia forests. Old barns, buildings, barrels and water tanks were often made from redwood, and as these are replaced, their redwood becomes available for resale. Although buying new is not recommended, look for FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) Certification, for assurance that these trees have been sustainably harvested.

Sequoia trees provide redwood that lasts a long time outdoors, without the need of wood preservatives or insect repellents, because of the natural resins in the wood. But these trees are old-growth, highly valued and often protected as living forests. Harvesting sequoia is very limited for conservation reasons.

Two places in the world claim to host the world's largest deck chair - Winton, Australia, and Bournemouth, UK. Both chairs are immense, high enough to need a ladder or ropes to climb into, and spacious enough to seat more than 50 people.