would you consider making your own 3/4x 2 1/4 redwood flooring if you could get the rough lumber for 1/3?
Answers:
I agree withe the first comment, Redwood is soft, and will dent.
This is not your question. If you have a large band saw, jointer planer, shaper, heavy,(preferably a cabinet model) table saw, then go ahead. After buying blades, and bits, (assuming you can resharpen your own), you should save about $0.50 a linear foot. Redwood often irritates people physically. You will want to wear tight fitting long sleeves, trousers, and wear a dust mask. Eye protection goes without saying.
Other answers:
Not for indoore flooring this wood is to soft and will dent and gouge eaisily. for decks it is good
Not for indoore flooring this wood is to soft and will dent and gouge eaisily. for decks it is good
Redwood is very rot resistant but very soft. Not good for interior flooring. The tongue and groove material is for outdoor porches or patios. It would be very time consuming to mill and wood would have to be kiln dried to less than 19% moisture content to be viable as flooring. That is where the difference in cost comes from...
Absolutely......It is so easy to make it yourself......Basically you only have 3 cuts to make on each 2.25 piece of board......and 2 passes through the planer...
Most answers are spot on. Beyond the type of wood, and depending on the room size, your skill level, and real motivation, you'd likely be better served to do laminate or tile. The savings in pennies will definitely be made up in labor, and continued maintenance after the fact. That said however,,,if it was well milled, smooth Red Wood, and it was my floor, I'd go for it, and seal that puppy with Poly. In your case, not only is the Redwood rough cut, but very porous. It would take more sealing/coating than is practical. BTW no offense to others, but the SOFTNESS isn't strictly an issue. I've installed a bunch of flooring, among other things, and the customer is always right,,,and I might advise, but accomodate all of them.
If you absolutely have to spend the money, and want the wood, use it in conjunction with another flooring, as a wall cover,,,perhaps even half way up with a chair rail or wainscotte.
Rev. Steven