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Exterior trim choices

[email protected] | Posted in Construction Techniques on June 9, 2003 10:26am

We’re remodeling a hundred year old Victorian one room at a time, including new windows (Anderson).  Someone in the past put vinyl siding on which I eventually would like to replace with FC, but that is about 2 years away.  In the meantime, as I replace each window I want to go ahead and put on the exterior trim.  I need a material that can be machined, as I want to add grooves in the side casing.  The side casing will be 5.5 inches wide, the head casing 7.5 inches, and have a narrow crown on the top.  I also plan on a built up stool to make it look authentic.  Now for my questions:

1.  What material would you recommend?  I thought about Harditrim, but didn’t think I would be able to rout the grooves.  What about GP Primetrim?  Or would I be better off just using cedar and priming it on all sides prior to installation?  I am hoping to not have to repaint very often, which is the reason for FC siding.  Any other manufactured exterior trim that people have had good luck with?

2.  No matter what material I use, how long can it be exposed to the weather with only the primer?  Since I am doing this a little at a time, I would rather wait until I install the siding to do the painting.

Thanks in advance for any input or advice.

Reply

Replies

  1. stanleyj2 | Jun 09, 2003 11:03pm | #1

    If your budget will allow it, I would use a clear grade of redwood.

    If you are milling your own stock, you can sometimes cut pieces of trim from construction grade 2X redwood and bypass any knots. I always prime the backsides in advance and prime the front and ends

    upon installation. I have not found a material that is nicer to work with and also very durable. You will need an oil-based primer but

    latex is fine for the topcoats.

    Stan

    1. fdampier5 | Jun 09, 2003 11:09pm | #2

      look at your local sawmill for decay resistant wood.. Here in Minnesota we can use white oak, tamarck, and black walnut..   Since they cost around 80 cents a bd.ft.  and the same product milled will cost 4 to 5 dollars a bd.ft.  there is a great potential for svaings.

        Prime before you put everything up..

      1. CAGIV | Jun 10, 2003 05:50am | #3

        Side note:

           I'd love to see a pic of your shop.Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals build the Titanic.

        1. fdampier5 | Jun 10, 2003 05:32pm | #4

          I'd love to display pictures however, I'm photo phobic and unable to.. (or is it photo challenged?  I forget which is the PC term in use)

          1. CAGIV | Jun 10, 2003 08:13pm | #5

            how many times do I have to try to help you with this lol

            I won't give up though, did you ever try my step by step method I wrote to you in the frenchyfest thread?

            are you using a mac or a pc?

            Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals build the Titanic.

          2. fdampier5 | Jun 10, 2003 11:50pm | #8

            yes Cag,

                 step by step I followed your directions without success.  I evan waited a long while where you warned me that I could go too fast..

                  Right now I can't evan unload pictures from the camera onto this computer, however if I use my daughters computer I can get the pictures unloaded and printed out,, just not able to post 'em..

          3. CAGIV | Jun 10, 2003 11:54pm | #9

            Damn man, don't know what to tell you...

            This may work if your running a PC, I assume a Mac, but not sure.

            If you open the photo in what ever program they open in then

            Right Click. on the picture

            Select Copy

            Go back to your message in BT

            Right Click again inside the text box

            Click Paste

            Your pic should show up in the message.

            Like this one.View Image

            Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals build the Titanic.

            Edited 6/10/2003 4:55:11 PM ET by CAG

          4. fdampier5 | Jun 11, 2003 12:15am | #10

            let me try to find the pictures again,  I'll be back..

          5. Planeman | Jun 10, 2003 10:29pm | #6

            The correct PC term is homophotoic. Take a walk on the wild side, post some pics! We would all like to see 'em.Experienced, but still dangerous!

          6. fdampier5 | Jun 10, 2003 11:46pm | #7

            come to my Frenchy fest June 21 and show me how,  in return, I'll let you play with the timberframing tools and visit my sawmill..

  2. xMikeSmith | Jun 11, 2003 01:31am | #11

    we use GP Primetrim for casing and Trex for sills, backprime everything.. they both mill great

    Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

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