FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Question Answer
I am looking for Forest Stewardship
Council® (FSC®) certified redwood
decking, is it available?
Yes, the Mendocino® brand of redwood decking is available certified to FSC standards. You
may search for FSC certified Mendocino redwood decking on HomeDepot.com. In store, FSC
certified redwood decking is identifiable by looking at the barcode labels stapled to the wood. If
the barcode carries the FSC trademarked, tree logo, the wood is FSC certified. FSC certified wood
may also be special ordered through the Pro Contractor Desk at your local The Home Depot store.
Is redwood decking fire-safe? Yes, redwood decking has been thoroughly tested and found to be safe. Redwood Construction
Common or better grades of decking have earned Class B compliance and are safe to use in
California’s Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas.
Is there a difference between redwood
heartwood and sapwood?
Yes, reddish-brown heartwood from the inner portion of a redwood tree contains extractives that
render it resistant to insects and decay. The cream-colored sapwood that develops in the outer
growth layer of a redwood tree does not possess heartwood’s resistance to decay and insects. As
a rule of thumb, all heartwood grades of redwood will have the word “Heart” in the grade name,
such as Construction Heart.
Are there recommended fasteners to use
when building a redwood deck?
Yes, the rule of thumb for fasteners when building a redwood deck is to only use ones that are
non-corrosive. The best options are stainless steel, aluminum, or top-quality, hot-dipped galvanized
fasteners. Lower quality fasteners may cause unsightly stains on your new redwood deck, fence,
or garden structure. The reason is because these types of fasteners will react with redwood’s natu-
ral, decay resisting extractives, possibly causing stains.
Do you need special wood working tools to
build a redwood deck?
No, redwood is lightweight, yet surprisingly strong and durable. Simple woodworking tools such
as a saw, drill, hammer, and high-quality fasteners are typically all you need to build a long-lasting
redwood deck.
Can I leave my redwood deck unfinished? Yes, redwood can be left to weather naturally. Over time it will turn a silver/gray color.
Does redwood decking accept paints and
stains?
Yes, redwood decking lumber takes paints and stains extremely well. Your local The Home Depot
store will have many great finishing options to choose from.
Do you recommend a finish containing UV
protection?
Yes, water-repellant finishes with UV protection and a mildewcide offer the most protection. Tinted
and non-tinted options are widely available. Your local The Home Depot store will have many great
finishing options to choose from.
Do you recommend regular maintenance on
your redwood deck?
Yes, completing regular maintenace, such as sweeping away dirt and debris, will go a long way to
keeping your redwood deck looking great.