What are the pros and cons of building a redwood patio?

Description: Redwood is a favorite for patios and decks because of its beauty, but it’s also among the most durable woods. It resists weathering without chemical additives.

Benefits: Redwood is naturally resistant to shrinking, warping and checking and has a grown-in resistance to decay and insects.

Drawbacks: Redwood posts in the ground don’t last as long as cedar, and it splinters and turns black quicker than cedar.

Installation: Redwood is lightweight but strong. It is easy to saw, shape and drill. Redwood has an open-celled structure that allows it to absorb and retain finishes so they last longer.

Performance in heat and sun: The Arizona sun beats it to death, drying out the wood and fading the color. The owner has to keep it lathered with sealant.

Maintenance: The owner should seal it every year with a product than contains pigment. Clear sealers allow UV rays to penetrate and attack the wood.

A tip: Choose high-quality nails, fasteners and hardware that are hot-dip galvanized or made from stainless steel. Other fasteners can react with redwood’s natural decay resisters and stain the wood.

Cost: Up to $10 per square foot for wood only; $15 - $22 per square foot professionally installed.