*
I am planning to replace the wood framed window screens on my house. The existing ones are all dry rot. The local lumber yard only has green red wood available. I purchased some of this – rough sawn – took it home and planed it. Its pretty wood, but I can see the moisture in it.
Is green redwood reasonable for the task I have described or will should I expect a lot of wood movement as the wood ages. The screen frames will be 36″ x 60″, and the wood will be ripped to 2.5″. the boards are now planed to 3/4″. all joints will be bridal joints, and I will paint the structures with exterior paint when done. Is this a reasonable plan?
thanks in advance
DAve Jones
[email protected]
Replies
*
By green I suppose you mean a high moisture content. No matter what joints, what glue, if any, or paint you use, you'll definitely have a problem with the finished frame staying together. The screen will most likely sag, that is, become loose. Perhaps the frame will wrack as it dries. I'd dry it down to >18%MC.
*Dave-Since your painting, is there a reason you have to go with redwood? There are a lot of other decay resistant woods that would work.I'd be concerned building any precision fit piece out of a high moisture content wood.
*
What woulds might be appropriate. Must they be kiln dried?
Dave Jones
*
Typically for exterior work, I use mahogany, as it resists decay really well, and is pretty nice to work with. Based on the Size of the frames your using, there would be a decent amount of additional weight. If your looking for something that shouldn't rot, what about cedar? This is a fairly lite wood. I've never used it for this sort of application, but I would think as long as you used a good oil based primer to prevent bleed thought, it would work
*If you're going to paint the wood, it should be kiln dried. Kiln dried redwood holds paint very well. In any case you should use a sealer like Kilz. Otherwise tanins will bleed through your finish. If these frames will be exposed to direct sunlight, I'd stay away from green wood.Dave
*
I am planning to replace the wood framed window screens on my house. The existing ones are all dry rot. The local lumber yard only has green red wood available. I purchased some of this - rough sawn - took it home and planed it. Its pretty wood, but I can see the moisture in it.
Is green redwood reasonable for the task I have described or will should I expect a lot of wood movement as the wood ages. The screen frames will be 36" x 60", and the wood will be ripped to 2.5". the boards are now planed to 3/4". all joints will be bridal joints, and I will paint the structures with exterior paint when done. Is this a reasonable plan?
thanks in advance
DAve Jones
[email protected]