Both redwood and cedar turn gray with time and both are good for exterior work.

What type of wood turns GREY with age?

Water erodes the outer layer of the wood cells that are still alive and well in a plank of cedar. They are busy producing the natural oils which gives cedar its nice color and smell. Then the sun’s UV rays come in to dry out those oils. UV rays can also fade the colors of just about anything over time.

What type of wood turns black?





Oak, redwood, cypress, and cedar are particularly prone to iron stain because these woods contain large amounts of tannin-like extractives. The discoloration is caused by a reaction between extractives naturally occurring in wood and iron-containing materials, such as metal fasteners and sawblades.

How long does it take for cedar to turn GREY?

Because bleaching stain requires sunshine to change your shingles’ color, it depends on the amount of sunlight that hits your home. On the South Shore, it takes about six months- 12 months to turn cedar shingles from their natural color to gray.

What wood is gray in color?

Ash lumber has a light color that varies between white and gold, with some gray streaks being common.

Why is weathered wood GREY?

Radiation from the sun’s ultraviolet rays breaks down the lignin in the cellulose causing photo chemical degradation, and it occurs in any wood exposed to sunlight. The result is a change in the wood’s appearance from it’s original color to a gradual silvery gray sheen.

Does cedar turn GREY indoors?





Used for shingles, trim, house siding, decking, fences, hot tubs, and gates, cedar is cheap, widely available, highly versatile, easy to fabricate, and best of all, it weathers exceptionally well. But one aspect is that cedar’s lovely red turns a monotonous gray surprisingly quickly.

Is any wood naturally black?

ebony, wood of several species of trees of the genus Diospyros (family Ebenaceae), widely distributed in the tropics. The best is very heavy, almost black, and derived from heartwood only.

What does it mean when wood turns black?

Iron oxide stains in wood are usually dark spots caused by prolonged exposure to water and / or metal. The iron oxide reacts with the tannins in the wood and stains it black. Wood can intentionally be stained black in the same way, and that’s called Ebonizing.

Is there natural grey wood?

Color/Appearance: Heartwood ranges from grayish yellow to light to medium brown, sometimes with an olive cast, and/or with darker brownish veining. Sapwood is grayish yellow and not clearly distinguished from heartwood.

What colour is walnut wood?



With its brown colour and shock resistance, Black Walnut is a strong hardwood that provides a great choice for any woodworking. Its heartwood can either be a light brown colour or a dark chocolate brown, containing dark streaks. The sapwood is pale yellow, and the grain usually straight.

What colour is teak wood?

Teak is a natural product which can vary in colour from light to dark brown. When left outdoors any colour variations will gradually even out. Teak that has been left untreated and exposed to the elements will weather, changing from an amber colour to a beautiful silvery-grey patina.

Does Pine turn grey?

Pine performs this aging process effortlessly all on its own: the wood silvers to a grayish blue sheen over time when left untreated, and its softness allows it to take on gentle textures as it’s exposed to repeated wear.

Does treated pine turn grey?



CCA treated timber will weather naturally when exposed to the elements, eventually from its pale green colour to a pleasing driftwood grey.

Why does oak go grey?

When water penetrates oak it reacts with the high tannin content within oak, resulting in ‘blackening’. The Sun’s UV rays will turn the oak to a silvery hue over time.

What timber goes grey?

Choose your timber
Some hardwoods will splinter or split during the weathering process or may not weather to the desired colour. Rosewood, Spotted Gum and Silvertop Ash are top choices that when weathered silver, blend beautifully into the natural environment.

Does pressure treated wood turn grey?

When you have pressure treated wood the wood will stay intact longer and hold up to more decay-causing variables. Graying is a natural process of wood that occurs with age, but it’s possible to hurry up the graying process with pressure treated wood. Grayed wood looks more worn due to lack of color.

How long does it take for wood to turn grey?



You’ll get a very subtle gray after 30 minutes to an hour of wait time; for even grayer shades, wait two or three hours. Silvery gray comes after two days of soaking. Consider using the lighter tints on blond woods and going with a darker gray when trying to fade red and brown woods.

What is cedar wood?

Cedar is a type of coniferous wood, meaning that it is classified as a softwood and its cones/needles remain all year round. Cedar trees fall under the Cedrus genus and the Pinaceae family, which is the family of trees that is coniferous.

How do you make wood look old and gray?

Use a black tea wash first to get a grayer and darker effect:

  1. Boil water and add 2 black tea bags for each cup of water. Let steep for 5 minutes.
  2. Brush the tea onto the board. Let dry.
  3. Now apply the iron vinegar and let it dry. You’re done!