Recommendation for wood species on a porch floor
dh_landry
| Posted in General Discussion on
I am replacing a t+g porch deck on an historic property and looking for a domestic wood decking that would hold up to both the abuse of being the main entrance to the house along with exposure to water. Currently the porch has what I believe to be Douglas fur that was painted with an epoxy deck paint. Size 3.5″ wide by .75″ thick.
I have seen some mills treating Ash thermally and selling it as decking but have not found anyone that made a smaller a 3.5″ t+g. Anyone have any experience with this thermally treated wood?
Any suggestion or intel on the above would be appreciated. Thanks DL
Replies
My preferred material for restoration is vertical grain fur. Two ifs though, if you can find it and if you can afford it. I've even used some that was reclaimed and it was superior to anything new.
I've also used some of the thermally modified products. I like it very well but I've not tried it for flooring. It seem the Poplar would be too soft and the Ash too brash.
There's another treated product who's name escapes me. But it's supposed to be better than pressure treated. It smells a bit like vinegar. Maybe someone else know what it is.
Thanks for your reply. I would agree that Poplar is probably too soft. The carpenter I am working with sourced Fur this time last year and the price wasn't too crazy. I was hoping to possibly find some alternatives in case the fur became problematic. I'll look at this treated wood that smells like vinegar. Not sure if vinegar is a good or bad thing though. I do like pickles, but maybe not smelling something like them every time I walk in the front door. DL
Hey guys it's Fir. Fur grows on animals. I'd suggest white oak.
LOL. Thanks for the laugh and the suggestion Mike.
Hey dh,
I’ve worked with thermally modified ash on several deck and covered porch projects. One of which was a covered porch that gets a little weather where we installed 1x3 T&G thermally modified ash which has an actual size of .75x2.25, so it sounds like it should fit the bill. I’m not sure how much water you are talking, but I’m sure a product rep could give you all the info you need. I’ve stayed in touch with the homeowner of that covered porch and they are still very happy with the product/installation (going on ~7 years). From an installation standpoint it is a breeze to work with as the product I’m familiar with allows mid span butt joints with a type of strong end grain T&G. Much more friendly on saw blades and drill bits than ipe and the like.
Good luck!
John