A buddy would like me to build some new columns for his front porch. Purely decorative, not structural. He wants square columns with some standard moulding details, nothing too fancy. Paint for the finish.
What would be the best material for the column and the trim?
Replies
Azek would get my strong consideration, or any of the PVC-like materials. Tight joints and never any worries over the years.
Unless someone's throwing acetone around.
Forrest
low and in abusive areas.. the Azek would be my first choice
once you get about waist high and out of the abuse zone, I like Miratech
Azek would be my first choice; miratech my second.
Azek because once its glued up, the joints won't open, it doesn't need to be painted, and it won't rot.
The miratech does need to be painted.
But if you want to save a few bucks, you might want to consider MDO ply. it needs painting, too. But the finished face paints well.
Any tricks on cutting and fastening the Azek?
Cut the Azek with anything you would use for wood.
but expect a small blizzard of plastic when you do- and the static cling makes it stick to everything.
You can use any PVC cement to glue it, but I greatly prefer the Azek cement. It has a much greater working time, and is water based for easy clean up and much reduced smell.
I'm using it more and more for exterior work. The only drawback is that it moves quite a bit with temp changes.
I know it doesn't need to be, but can it be painted?
Yes, with 100% acrylic latex.
They don't recommend painting dark colors, tho