Why Redwood and Cedar Remain Premium Choices Despite Lower Strength
Despite their lower strength compared to other types of lumber, why do redwood and cedar continue to command a premium price in the market? This article examines the factors that contribute to their higher cost, focusing on aesthetic qualities, physical attributes, and market dynamics.
Physical and Aesthetic Qualities
The primary reason for the high cost of redwood and cedar is their unique combination of physical and aesthetic qualities that make them highly desirable for a wide range of applications.
Nice Color: Both redwood and cedar possess a rich, natural color that can be enhanced through careful milling processes. This allows users to achieve longer usable sections of wood free from knots or other 'flaws' that might detract from the finished product. The lack of these imperfections, combined with their consistent and appealing color, makes redwood and cedar particularly attractive to designers, architects, and builders.
Weather Resistance: Redwood, in particular, is renowned for its exceptional weather resistance. Unlike pine, redwood does not rot easily and can withstand exposure to the elements for extended periods. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor applications such as decks, landscaping, and fencing. Its ability to retain its color and structure over time is a significant factor in its premium pricing.
Aesthetic Appeal: The aesthetic qualities of redwood and cedar extend beyond their color and weather resistance. These woods have a natural beauty that can enhance the look of any structure. Whether used in a residential setting or commercial environment, the warm earth tones and smooth texture of redwood and cedar provide a desirable finish that is often difficult to replicate with other types of lumber.
Timber Availability and Production Challenges
The ease of production and availability of redwood and cedar also play a crucial role in their high cost. However, it is not just about the physical qualities of the wood; there are several factors that affect their production and market accessibility.
Accessible Forests: Redwood and cedar grow in specific regions, often in areas that are less accessible due to their remote locations. The Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) grows primarily in the coastal regions of Northern California and southwest Oregon, while the Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) is found in the Pacific Northwest. These forests are not easily accessible, which increases the cost of harvesting and transporting the wood to market.
Post-Harvest Recovery: After felling, the recovery of high-quality sections of redwood and cedar can be challenging. Both species require careful selection and processing to ensure that the wood maintains its aesthetic and structural integrity. The process of milling and treating the wood to achieve the desired quality is more labor-intensive and time-consuming compared to other types of lumber.
Market Dynamics and Customer Willingness to Pay
The market dynamics of the timber industry further contribute to the high cost of redwood and cedar. In a capitalist system, the price of timber is directly determined by supply and demand.
Desirability: These woods have unique properties that make them highly desirable. For instance, cedar's aromatic quality and its natural insect-repellent properties make it particularly valuable for use in closets, clothes chests, and other enclosed spaces. Similarly, redwood's aesthetic appeal and weather resistance make it a popular choice for outdoor applications.
Premium Pricing: The high demand for these woods, coupled with the challenges associated with their production, results in a willingness among customers to pay a premium. The value that redwood and cedar bring to a project or product is often recognized by consumers, especially in the luxury and high-end market segments.
As such, the continued high cost of redwood and cedar is not just a reflection of their value as raw materials, but also a testament to the market's recognition of their unique qualities and desirability.
Conclusion
While redwood and cedar may not measure up to some other types of lumber in terms of sheer strength, their combination of physical and aesthetic qualities makes them highly desirable for various applications. From their natural beauty and weather resistance to their aromatic qualities, these woods continue to command a premium in the market due to the unique value they bring to projects and products.