Replies

1. 
   Sgian_Dubh | Jul 29, 2001 03:35am | #1

   *
   American White Oak. Traditional for exterior structures. Also consider the softwood cypress, Cupressus lindeyi, which has a reputation for resistance to insect and fungal attack. Sliante, RJ

1. 
   Jeff_Clarke_ | Jul 29, 2001 02:29pm | #2

   *Cedar or redwood with solid body stain (not paint). Wait 'til you see what the 8 x 8's cost - maybe consider boxing smaller PT posts with 1 x or 5/4.Jeff

1. 
   John_Lazaro | Jul 29, 2001 11:48pm | #3

   *I was already planning on built-up posts from 1X8 material because she wants light boxes and wp receptacles in a few of the posts. I was going to stay away from redwood because of the cost and she had a bad experience from a redwood deck that was painted and not stained (25 years ago, and I had nothing to do with it.)...but boy is it still in good shape!....I didn't want to go PT because of stability, so for locally available materials it looks like cedar is the wood of choice.Thanks,John

1. 
   Jeff_Clarke_ | Jul 30, 2001 03:44pm | #4

   *John - If you must paint it helps to use an oil primer and then a water-based stain-killing primer over the oil. I like Muralo's Cedar Solutions but it may not be available out there.Jeff

1. 
   Alan_Kim | Jul 31, 2001 01:01am | #5

   *We are about to erect a freestanding arbor structure that will have a footprint of approx 12x28'. It's is being erected to provide shade in the summer and to train a wysteria that is beginning to wrestle its support structure out of the ground.This will be a "pole" structure, with the posts buried in the ground resting on concrete footers.Our chosen material, none of which are pressure treated;All are lumber mill grade rough hewn -Six 6x6 locust posts for the support.2x8 white oak in 14' spans for the double headers.2x6 white oak in 12' lengths for the rafters.1x3 strips of white oak that will be laid across the rafters.The headers will be attached to the posts with galvanized lag screws.The rest will be attached with tape collated ring shank stainless steel 3" nails. They will be loaded in Senco or Paslode Impulse nailers.I may rent a belt sander to clean up the lumber a bit while the guys are digging the holes for the posts.Several months after the structure is erected, the wood will be coated with DEFY, a water based penetrating synthetic water repellent stain.

2. 
   Mike_Smith | Jul 31, 2001 02:36am | #6

   *pt.... with a white full body solid acrylic stain....sticker the material.. dry it out ... and stain it before you erect it... it will be very stable if you stain it before it can start checking.....

2. 
   John_Lazaro | Jul 31, 2001 02:36am | #7

   *
   Could anyone give me an opinion on the best material for building a large arbor or pergola? My mom got the bug to spend my inheritance and have a pool installed and she wants an arbor poolside for a little shade. I had in mind to use cedar but she keeps spouting something about vinyl which I don't think would be possible. The arbor is to have a 10'X 20' footprint with six 8X8 posts. The arbor is to be painted so staining is not a factor. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
   Thanks,
   John