I need to rebuild the supports for my porch roof. I need to know your thoughts on the type of wood I should use for this. A masonry column extends from the ground to about 4 feet above the porch floor. Set on this is a board 1 3/4″ thick, on this is a square of wood mitered on the corners and 1 5/8″ thick, on this is a moulding mitered to form a square and is about 1 5/8″ thick. On this is then set a tapered wood shaft about 36″ long. This shaft is compased of 4 corners that sit proud of the center sections. The sides are set into a dado cut in the corners. Consequently I need material that is 1 3/4″ to 1 1/2″ thick along with 3/4″. I am prepared to mill the necessary parts. The properties I feel I need are in this order:
1. Decay resistance – the bottom is in contact with masonry and I want them to last.
2. Ability to hold paint
3. Ability to be milled
My initial thoughts were to use Western Red Cedar for the above reasons plus its availibility. What I don’t like is its softness. My home is within a block of the Atlantic Ocean. Please give me your thought on the best wood for this application, cost is only a minor factor.
Replies
Have you considered a PVC product? It will last a lifetime. If you don't like the "fake" stuff, you might also look into IPE (since money isn't a issue).
MERC
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=33965.4
Here's a photo of I think a similar column. I used a textured concrete board for the recessed panel. All the trim is MedX board. A water resistant MDF. It's held up well for the last two years no swelling or failure. MDO is another material I considered. I poured the concrete tops in place, stained and imprinted the surfaces with oak and gingko leaves.
If I were to use solid wood I might try cypress or clearheart redwood at least.