Replies

1. 
   bullet | Apr 30, 1999 10:27pm | #1

   *
   white oak, yes

   red oak, no

2. 
   Guest_ | May 01, 1999 05:48am | #2

   *
   ditto bullets answer
   Chuck

1. 
   Guest_ | May 01, 1999 06:34am | #3

   *bullet, chuck - could you explain about white oak? I have tried red outside with disasterous results. White holds up OK? - yb

1. 
   Guest_ | May 01, 1999 06:52am | #4

   *they use white oak to build lobster pots

1. 
   Guest_ | May 01, 1999 07:01am | #5

   *Hi Matt.If you're going to shave a layer of the existing wood, off the threshold and laminate new wood to it, shouldn't you match the existing wood?I'm curious as to what the original was made of.Gabe

1. 
   Guest_ | May 01, 1999 07:31am | #6

   *Matt, White Oak, Cherry and Teak in that order are moderately durable, durable and very durable for exterior exposure. Red oak, while attractive, is not durable at all. Paint or treat with oil, like linseed or teak oil. Your project may be better if you replace the entire threshold, more difficult yes, but superior in the long-run.

2. 
   Guest_ | May 01, 1999 07:54am | #7

   *Perhaps this will be to my regret, but i used red oak as a subthreshold on a sheltered entry door (overhang stops most weather exposure. Sealed it with 3 coats spar varnish, actual threshold will be brass.

3. 
   Guest_ | May 01, 1999 03:08pm | #8

   *I've seen red oak fail and I've seen red oak perform well. I think the differences are 1) installation (flashing and caulking to avoid moisture getting to hidden areas that won't dry) and 2) coating of exposed surfaces.Natural finished with spar varnish is attractive but less durable that paint. Keep both in good shape.White oak is certainly preferable. White oak is what they make whiskey and wine barrels and ships out of. If you cut a piece of red, put end grain to your mouth, you can feel air move through the wood if you blow. Try it with white, no air movement. Wood structure is different.If you piece in new make sure there is no decay beyond the cut line. If there is you might try one of the expoxy rebuilding systems (consolidant, then filler), then laminate on the replacement piece, then good exterior coating. Or it may be less work to replace entire..

4. 
   Guest_ | May 01, 1999 04:27pm | #9

   *White oak was also the wood of choice for battleships in the days of the tall ships. As DScott says, there are tiny blockages in the vessels (the tubes) of white oak called tyloses which block the transport of water.

5. 
   Guest_ | May 02, 1999 03:02am | #10

   *Shigo would be proud of you.

6. 
   Guest_ | May 02, 1999 03:29am | #11

   *there is definately merit to what you say about paint protecting better than a clear finish. I think ultraviolet rays attack the cells of wood through clear finishes, it's not a matter of millage so much as the ability of light to pass through.

7. 
   Guest_ | May 02, 1999 09:22am | #12

   *How does the tree survive?

8. 
   Guest_ | May 02, 1999 09:27am | #14

   *Come-on Andrew, the tree didn't survive. If it did it would be a tree, and not tylose blocked white oak in Adrian's shop. One of those natural order things.Lawyers. Oy.

3. 
   Matt_H | May 02, 1999 09:27am | #13

   *
   I need to replace part of the threshhold on my front door. I know it's not the correct way to do it, but the door is used very little. I am planning on cutting out the first 2 inches or so, then replacing with new piece using biscuits or dowels and screws with exopy. Should I use oak?? It will be painted with exterior paint?

   Thanks for your help - Matt