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Choosing the best wood for outdoor projects

This is a discussion on Choosing the best wood for outdoor projects within the Wood Species forums, part of the General Woodworking category; Hi all, I had a question for Keith for which we've corresponded through PM's. It ...



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Old 05-12-2009, 08:23 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Hi all,

I had a question for Keith for which we've corresponded through PM's. It was decided that it may be very helpful for others here on the forums. So, with permission from Keith of course, is a copy of my question and his reply. I hope this helps others.

Many thanks to Keith. His info has pointed me in the direction for the 2 projects I've got planned. I'll be ordering either White Oak or Cypress soon.


Quote:
Hi Keith,

First off, wonderful web site that you have.

I'm currently getting ready to work on a few "out side" projects. Both are calling for some "Redwood". After doing some researching on your site. I'm a bit confused as to which would be best for my projects. One is a "waterwheel", the other a "wheelbarrow planter. Home Depot has some Cedar which I would love to use but, it's rough on one side and I hate to waste time trying to run through a planer. I had thought of purple heart but, am afraid of moisture problems. I rather choose cedar for all my outside projects due to the fact that, it's rot resistant.

By the way, I'm not the greatest at always choosing the correct wood.

Can you give me some pointers or point me in the right direction for wood chooses? If you did a material cut list, I can provide those. Both plans I got from "U-Bild".

Thanks in advance.
Quote:
Thanks for your comment on our web site. I hope woodworkers find it a useful place to visit and of course buy hardwoods.

Western Red Cedar is a great wood for many outdoor projects. The biggest drawback is its softness. Just yesterday I built a bird house using cedar fence boards from Home Depot. The boards were 5/8 thick , rough on both side but were perfect for my project. And they were cheap. If your projects do not need the durability of a harder wood use the cedar.

Redwood is also soft and has a tendency for the grain to lift. It is available in many grades but the most common are:
"Con/Com" which is not kiln dry, has lots of sapwood, knots and other defects. This wood appropriate for out door construction but not projects.
"Clear, All heart, KD" is beautiful wood but as expensive as quality hardwoods.

On our web site is this page on Outdoor Woods will give you other choices including Cypress, Ipe and White Oak.

If the cedar meets your requirements, use it. If the projects need somethig harder to take rough wear and tear I would use White Oak or one of the other outdoor woods.
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Old 06-13-2009, 09:08 AM   #2 (permalink)
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Keith, out of the woods suggested for outdoor use, (Cypress, Ipe and White Oak) could you tell us an ascending order for typical pricing? Which of these would perform the best in cold climates? Which would be best for very wet conditions?
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Old 07-02-2009, 04:22 PM   #3 (permalink)
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hi Mike,

i was waiting and interested in an answer to your question ranking woods for outdoor use.

did you ever get an answer?
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Old 07-02-2009, 10:36 PM   #4 (permalink)
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Thanks for the information. It could prove helpfull in the future.
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Old 07-02-2009, 10:43 PM   #5 (permalink)
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Ken -

How much white oak do you need? I have some left over from my blanket chest build. The largest piece is flatsawn, maybe 3 or 4 board feet of 4/4, rough. Also some 5/4 or 6/4 in smaller pieces. I can make measurements if you might be interested in a trade?

p.s. I got the white oak at Metro Hardwoods in Independence, MO.
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Old 07-21-2009, 07:40 PM   #6 (permalink)
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Hi Rob,

Sorry for not responding sooner, just now saw the replies to this thread. At current time, plans have changed. Everythings on hold due to work issues. Thanks for the thoughts.
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