Do you know the difference between redwood and whitewood timber? If not, you're not alone. Many people are unaware of what is redwood timber and what is whitewood timber.

In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between these two types of timber and help you decide which one is the best option for your project.

What is redwood timber and what is whitewood timber.

The Properties of Redwood Timber

Redwood timber, also known as PAR or PSE timber, has a creamy-white to yellow sapwood and a pale yellowish-brown to reddish-brown heartwood. The growth rings are clearly marked by the denser late wood, allowing for easy identification of the wood species. The quality of redwood timber is affected by the conditions of growth, climate, soil, elevation, and other factors. On average, the weight of dried redwood timber is about 510 kg/m3.

The Properties of Whitewood Timber

Whitewood timber is a type of softwood timber, usually either Silver fir or Norway spruce. It is often used for structural and joinery purposes, such as in the construction of doors, windows, and furniture.

Silver fir timber is typically light in colour, with a yellowish-brown hue. The grain is generally quite straight, with a medium texture. The weight of Silver fir timber is usually heavier than other types of whitewood timber.

Norway spruce timber has a reddish-brown hue, with the grain usually straight to somewhat wavy. It has a fine texture and tends to be lighter in weight than Silver fir timber. However, this weight can vary depending on location; Norway spruce timber is usually lighter in weight in the UK and parts of southeast Europe due to faster growth in these areas.

Overall, whitewood timber is a less expensive alternative to redwood timber, PSE timber, and PAR timber, while still being strong and durable.

The Different Uses for Redwood and Whitewood Timber

Redwood timber is a popular choice for many types of construction and is commonly used for skirting, architrave, and dado.

Whitewood timber is a softer timber that is usually used for crates, carcasses, stud work, and joists. It is a budget-friendly option compared to redwood timber and may be used when cost is an issue. Whitewood is more prone to warping and splitting than redwood but can still be used for many types of applications if properly treated.

Which One Should You Use?

When it comes to deciding between redwood timber and whitewood timber, there are a few factors to consider. If you are looking for timber for household projects with an indoor application, whitewood is the best option. It is easy to work with and doesn't require as much maintenance as redwood timber. Additionally, whitewood is also suitable for outdoor projects, if it is treated correctly.

Redwood timber is denser and more durable than whitewood, making it ideal for outdoor structures such as decks and fences. It is also less prone to warping and shrinking, making it perfect for PAR and PSE timber applications. Redwood timber is also naturally resistant to decay, so it will last longer in outdoor settings. However, it can be more expensive than whitewood and may require more maintenance.



	Redwood	Whitewood
Known as	Pinus Sylvestris - Pine (Commonly known as Scots Pine or European Redwood)	Picea Abies - Spruce (Commonly known as Norway Spruce, Sitka Spruce or European Whitewood).
Timber type	Softwood	Softwood
Imported from	Mainly imported from northern Europe - Sweden, Finland, Norway, Russia.	Mainly imported from Sweden, Finland, Norway, Russia, Germany, Latvia, Estonia.
Density	Slightly durable, ideal for machining. Easily absorbs treatment.	Lighter and stronger than Redwood. Slightly durable making it ideal for construction purposes. Naturally resists treatment.
Uses	Structural Joinery - Exterior and Interior, including Skirting, Architrave, Dado, Furniture and many more.	Structural use, including stud work and joists. Joinery – Exterior and interior, including door linings and flooring.
Apperance	Light reddish brown. Sapwood is pale yellow to nearly white	White to light yellow
Workabilty	Works well with hand & machine tools Can be glued, stained, varnished and painted	Works well with hand and machine tools Can be glued and painted Doesn't varnished or stained easily
More suitable for	2nd fix	1st fix
Products at Beesley and Fildes	PAR Sawn Redwood Skirting and architrave	Shiplap and Floorboards PAR

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