Redwood Cladding for Taupō Homes: Locally Milled, Naturally Durable
Why locally grown, Putāruru-milled redwood is a good alternative to imported cedar for cladding and exterior timber on Taupō homes.
New Zealand-grown redwood is a durable, attractive alternative to imported western red cedar for cladding, soffits and exterior timber. HP Homes sources redwood milled in Putāruru, about an hour from Taupō, which cuts transport distance, supports local forestry and gives Taupō homes a warm natural finish.
Why redwood instead of cedar?
Western red cedar has long been the go-to timber for natural cladding in New Zealand, but most of it is imported from North America. Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) has been grown in New Zealand plantations for decades, and the central North Island is one of the main growing areas. It offers many of the same qualities as cedar:
- Natural durability: heartwood has good natural resistance to decay;
- Stability: it moves less than many timbers as moisture changes;
- Light weight and easy to work;
- Warm colour and grain that weathers to a soft silver if left unfinished.
The local advantage
Buying timber milled an hour from site means shorter supply chains, less transport, more predictable availability and money that stays in the central North Island economy. It also means we can talk directly to the mill about grades and lengths for a specific project.
Where redwood fits in a high performance home
Cladding doesn’t provide much of a home’s insulation. That comes from the insulated slab, walls, roof, airtight layer and joinery. But a durable, well-detailed cladding system with a drained cavity protects the building envelope behind it for decades. We detail redwood cladding over a cavity and a Pro Clima weather-resistant membrane, so the timber can dry out and the airtight, insulated structure stays protected.
Looking after redwood cladding
- Use heartwood grades for exterior work where durability matters most.
- Choose a finish: oil or stain to keep the colour, or leave it to silver naturally.
- Use stainless steel fixings to avoid staining.
- Keep the cavity vented and drained.
Frequently asked questions
Is NZ redwood as durable as cedar?
Redwood heartwood has good natural durability for above-ground exterior use such as cladding, comparable for most residential uses. Sapwood is less durable, so grade selection matters.
Is redwood more expensive?
Pricing varies with grade and availability; locally milled redwood is often competitive with imported cedar. We’ll price both during design.
Interested in natural cladding for your Taupō build? Talk to Mat.
Love the look of local timber? See how our Taupō home builders use it, and read how to check a builder before you sign.
