I’m rebuilding a screen porch from the roof down, and trying to decide what material to use for the framing and flooring. There will be no side ventilation under the floor. I was leaning towards cedar, but am concerned about it’s durability, and am having difficulty finding some of the lengths I need (a couple of ’20 lengths). A local saw mill suggested white oak, which they can cut to any size I need. I like the fact that it’s harder than cedar, and likely to hold up better, but I have a couple of questions. The 1st question is how it compares with cedar as far as rot and decay resistance. But my biggest concern is that the white cedar will be green. The saw mill says that shouldn’t be a problem as long as I screw it together rather than nailing it. I’d really like to finish this project this fall, but could wait until spring if necessary. I was also wondering if I should consider using it for the floor joists instead of pressure treated.
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White cedar or oak green? The oak will definetly be green and may prove problemic as far as movement and shrinkage .I personally would stick with the pt for framing because its so integral and if the w. oak didnt hold up thered be heil to pay.The grade of the lumber will also have a determinng factor as far as longevity and workability.A interesting sidebar is that here in WV my tax assesor asked what kind of wood the deck was made out.When I told him w. oak he said he wouldnt include in the assesment because it wouldnt be a permament fixture.Two years later i replaced with pt.