Redwood Isntt Just for Decking

While recognizing that the majority of redwood sales are decking related, the California Redwood Association has also noticed that more and more builders and remodelers-and indeed its own mill members-are utilizing redwood beyond the deck, on projects and products both big and small. launched. Developed by the CRA in partnership with other organizations who share a common goal of providing accurate environmental information, RootedlnTruth.org is committed to presenting the facts as clearly and fairly as possible. Our goal is simple: to clear the air and let the truth take root.

For example, Humboldt Redwood Co. offers ready-to-use redwood posts, railings and panels for easy fence construction. Similarly, the California Redwood Co. recently launched a popular line of redwood planters, perfect for flanking a front door or marking borders of a garden path.

On a larger scale, we recently came across a project in Sonoma County, Ca., that is a prime example of how builders can use redwood: a custom fumiture maker has featured redwood throughout his dream workshop and studio. His inspiration came from a natural meadow backed by redwood trees below the main house: the perfect location for a high-end barn.

His goal was to blend the new structure with the wonderful surroundings. An exterior of re-sawn California redwood boards, finished with rough-sawn battens, mirrored the naturally weathered 60-year-old board and batten siding of the main house. Other structural details, such as the ornamental roof stays and fascia, were also constructed from rough-sawn California redwood lumber.

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was distributed during the Pacific Coast Builders Conference June 2'728 in San Francisco, where CRA and member personnel staffed an association booth, and at the Forest Center at Cal Expo JuIy 12-29 in Sacramento. Plans are in place by CRA and members to staff booths at 2Ol2 Deck Expo Oct. l0-12 in Baltimore, Md.

While it may appear as if all industry promotional activities are focused around decking, everything from siding to planter boxes fit into our campaign, illustrating the tremendous versatility of redwood. Case in point; the redwood board-and-batten siding used to clad a fabulous barn-like structure used as a music studio, woodworking shop, and garage in Sonoma County, Ca. (see sidebar belowl.

Clad in durable and affordable Construction Heart redwood, the Factorworks Studio has been professionally photographed by CRA for use in current and future promotions. The Factorworks Studio is currently being featured on www.houzz.com, as well as other electronic and traditional media outlets.

These images will join the hundreds of other redwood images maintained by CRA. Check out the "Be Inspired" section of CRA's website (www.calredwood.org) or www.redwoodthenaturalchoice.com for a sample of images that are available for use by members and customers to help promote and sell their redwood products. Maintained by CRA art director Ali Vorhies

(ali@calredwood.org), the extensive redwood image library is in constant use.

Examples include a number of images used by Big Creek Lumber Co. in the recent redesign of its corporate website, www.big-creek.com. "Without this fantastic resource, CRA member companies would have to devote significant financial resources to scout and photograph such projects," said Big Creek president Janet Webb.

Good old-fashioned newspaper ads are certainly a traditional way to reach local audiences, as well. For example, for several seasons Bruce Bauer Lumber & Supply, Mountain View, Ca., has successfully run co-op newspaper ads for redwood planter boxes with the CRA tagline "Redwood the Natural Choice."

In addition to the woodworker's power tools and materials, the redwood barn has a few "man cave" elements. The north wing is divided into lumber storage, playing studio, and recording equipment room. The south wing was developed into a three-car garage with painted auto and motorcycle logos gracing the interior wall.

The 2,000-sq. ft. workshop/studio at once takes command of the meadow, yet still appears at home in the open space, Complementing its surroundings, the barn is a great demonstration of how redwood lumber shines through on every type of project.

Redwood certainly isn't just for deckins.

Something as simple as raised garden beds can also be used as a valuable educational tool. Ashby Lumber, Concord, Ca., recently provided redwood for the "edible garden" at Valhalla Elementary School in Pleasant Hill, Ca. "Thanks to the generosity of CRA and Valhalla Dad's Network, our students will not only be eating a more healthy diet, but are receiving a valuable lesson in the use of natural, sustainable products such as redwood," said Valhalla principal Marji Calbeck.

While planter boxes and raised garden beds can be very simple, the California Redwood Co. has introduced a line of high-end planters and Adirondack style furniture, available through its online store (www.californiaredwoodco.com). "The quality of materials and construction is far above that of typical wood patio furniture," says CRC's Kelly Lusa, marketing and product development.

These beautiful planters and furniture were displayed at Sunset magazine's Celebration Weekend June 2-3 in Menlo Park, Ca., and at the Humboldt Made Fair in Eureka, Ca., June 2l-24. Two lucky PCBC attendees won CRC redwood planter boxes by stopping at the CRA booth and entering a raffle.

Hopefully, you have gathered that the wheels never stop turning at CRA or its member mills when it comes to promoting this remarkable product. Pass the word that redwood has ramped up for 2012, ar'd stay tuned for an expanded commitment to collaborative redwood marketins in 20t3.

By Steve Certner, Starborn Industries