Replies

1. 
   jason_mis | Oct 20, 2000 01:43am | #1

   *
   on the last bay window that we trimmed out , we used 3/4 MDO plywood for the panels,5/4 pine for the outline and a cove molding on the inside of that ... calking and painting should be enough protection..

1. 
   calvin_ | Oct 20, 2000 03:23am | #2

   *preprimed both sides mdo plywood, called sign board some places. 1/2 and 3/4 easy to find. Seal the edges, inset in recessed panel, rather than nail rails and styles over it. 3/4 2 side primed about 55 dollars here in ohio. Good stuff, flat, maybe 5 ply.

1. 
   Tim_Kline | Oct 20, 2000 03:33am | #3

   *b WBA At Your ServiceMark, MDO is a great product. It has survived several months in the famous underwater bucket test. It would be well suited for your panels, but for wrapping a 6x6, I would probably use a solid wood. The mitered corners on plywood invite long range trouble. As far as your solid wood selection goes, we often use Spanish Cedar, Mahogany, or #2 White Pine, depending on what the customer can afford.

1. 
   Tim_Kline | Oct 20, 2000 03:35am | #4

   *b WBA AT Your ServiceMark, MDO is a great product. It has survived several months in the famous underwater bucket test. It would be well suited for your panels, but for wrapping a 6x6, I would probably use a solid wood. The mitered corners on plywood invite long range trouble. As far as your solid wood selection goes, we often use Spanish Cedar, Mahogany, or #2 White Pine, depending on what the customer can afford.

1. 
   Ken_Baker_CLC | Oct 21, 2000 02:21am | #5

   *I have had excellent results with "Medex" - the exterior version of MDF. I have obtained it in 1/2" and 3/4", both in 8' and 10' lengths. It can be machined just like MDF, and paints up beautifully. I took a sample piece (6" x 6") and nailed it up on the side of a building a couple of years ago to see what would happen. Unlike its MDF cousin, the sample remained stable exposed to the weather. I subsequently installed an inset panel decorative railing system on top of a second level porch. To doubly prepare against rot, I double primed each piece before assembly. I drive by it several times a month, and it still looks great.

2. 
   Mark_Herrera | Oct 21, 2000 05:16pm | #6

   *Thanks for the suggestions. I had the idea for using MDO, but I wanted to get feedback from those who have installed in the past where it has held up against the elements.I've read of it's use in articles and have actually used it for architectural grade forms in concrete construction on a parking garage. These panels began to delaminate before we began to use them. So I am concerned if they will hold up over time in the elements. I think we simply received a bad batch.From what I gather, it sounds like the best install design is to rabbet the 5/4 stock to receive the panel not only for its clean look but to protect the edges from exposure as opposed to layering material one on top of the other.Looking into MEDEX, is this the masonite material with the wood grain finish? How is it for nailing? How is it for milling and joining? What I mean is joining the edges and making it look good.I'm a few weeks from install so look forward to more feedback.Thanks again.

3. 
   calvin_ | Oct 21, 2000 05:45pm | #7

   *Mark.I dont know if I'd rabbit the rails and stiles as it gives a potential for moisture entry esp. on the bottom of the panel. I think I would cut the panel to fit inside the rails/stiles and maybe bevel the bottom rail. I have done it this way in the past and have had no problems. Just a thought.

4. 
   Mark_Herrera | Oct 22, 2000 02:53am | #8

   *b Thanks calvin,It's all coming together now. I enjoy building with pride and this is where to come for advise.Do you use MDO for your panels?

5. 
   Mark_Herrera | Oct 29, 2000 01:12am | #9

   *Anyone else with more to add to exterior panel stock and recommended construction techniques?

6. 
   Bill_Brennen | Nov 04, 2000 08:58am | #10

   *(Reply to #6)Mark,The Medex looks just like regular MDF except it is sort of pink. Both sides are very smooth. Passes the bucket test. I used some for custom exterior casings about 8 years ago, and they have held up well, considering south-facing, no overhangs, 8200' above sea level. The original paint looks good except at the puttied nails where the putty failed, leading to very minor paint cracking. Medex is stronger than regular MDF, and machines very well. If you prime with oil base, I recommend a preseal with unpigmented oil base sealer like thinned spar varnish, because the stuff is so porous that oil primer's vehicle will all suck into the board and leave the pigment high and dry on the surface, which has no film integrity. Latex primers don't have this problem. Also, I second Calvin's suggestion. Think of it this way: The panel is not solid wood, so you don't need rabbets to conceal panel movement. The sloped lower rail is a must if the thing will get wet.Bill

2. 
   Mark_Herrera | Nov 04, 2000 08:58am | #11

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   Looking for recommendations for exterior grade plywood like material for finish applications.

   I need to create panels for bay windows and a tower (wrapping 6 x 6 posts). What is a choice for paint grade material as well as suggestions to protect edges from exposure beyond proper design installation.