Getting ready to build a new covered porch. Planning on using 6×6 posts for the deck/roof support. ‘Round here most guys use the p.t. stuff (yellow pine). It does seem to hold up well but also seems prone to twisting and some serious checking. Is this a problem w/ any species as you get into the bigger timbers. Was thinking about using doug fir,it will be stained and set on piersslightly above grade. Anybody have any thoughts or opinions on durability, weather resistance etc. Other suggestions ? or should I just live with the p.t. knowing it will last?
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It's tough anymore to find larger sticks that won't "walk" or split in exposed situations, especially PT stuff because it's usually spruce/pine/fir 2nd growth, coarse grained, knotty, etc.
You might look into either structural columns or decorative columns made of wood with paintable components that wrap a structural post. There are a lot of shapes and styles available from plain to ornate and classic along with a wide range of prices from about $80 and up.
Have you thought of using the PT and wrapping them? I use MDO ply for the painted posts. I`ve never come across stained porch posts, but if it were a must I`d probably try wrapping them with stain grade ply. Just be certain to seal them well.
J. D. Reynolds
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"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
Thanks for the ideas. When I mentioned staining the posts I was talking about using a solid color oil stain (cabots). I've used it on some of my exterior trim and it seems to be holding up well ... so far
Craw,
If you decide on 6x6 PT you can pick ones that have the center of the tree centered in the post on both ends. This helps with the bow and twist alot.
KK
Thanks much. Sounds like a real good idea.
Craw, I made these 6x6 porch posts out of 5/4 x 6 and 5/4 x 4 southern yellow pine, glued and nailed . The porch is supported by PT 6x6s. Deck is only 8' wide and the roof has an 18' overhang, 9' ceiling. No twisting, but my help shouted when I made him put a tapered chamfer on them...
Good luck, BB
I built my porch last year and used 4x4" PT wrapped with nice pine (primed profusely). I had one 4x4" walk a large amount on me once installed, before I could wrap it. In hindsight I should have just replaced it.....but I worked with it and it continued to walk during the winter and now it is noticeable to me when I look down the line at it.
Maybe a larger timber such as the 6x6 would be less prone to dancing around like Michael Jackson.
SJ