I live in Japan, and my LP OSB siding (yes, the same one subject to the group action lawsuit) is rotting in places after 16 years, so I’m going to rip it all off and replace it with pre-painted (Colorplus) Hardiplank. I’m going to put on a new layer of Tyvek at the same time, and also install a rain screen using 8mm furring strips. My question is, what wood to use for the furring? Japanese cryptomeria (Cedar or sugi) is readily available here, but it’s a pretty soft wood and I wonder if I wouldn’t get better holding power by ripping 3″ strips of lauan plywood, which is also easily available. I’ve heard it’s not especially resistant against decay, but then again, the furring strips shouldn’t be exposed to constant moisture or light. I’ve googled quite a bit but haven’t found much to support any given kind of wood for this application. Advice would be much appreciated.
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I've used red lauan plywood for furring myself. I've found it to be fairly rot resistant also, although the glue delaminated in the plywood scraps that was left outside in the scrap pile. White lauan may not be so rot resistant, but I have no experience with it. But in reality the furring should stay dry so rot resistance is not an issue. I use treated lumber for the starter strip at the first course because it will get damp.
Thanks, Mark. I don't think the lauan we get here is red, which is too bad, since like you I've read that the red is more decay resistant. But again,since it's not going to be exposed to much moisture . . .