Kyle Posted June 23, 2016 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 I have some dated columns on the front porch of my house. I would like to build some boxes around the columns and paint the boxes. Any recommendations on what type of wood to use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardA Posted June 23, 2016 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 Paint? Poplar! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted June 23, 2016 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 PVC 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted June 23, 2016 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 Cedar or treated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llama Posted June 23, 2016 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 52 minutes ago, Eric. said: PVC yes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted June 23, 2016 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 I used a manufactured product called Azek it has held up well for 12 years you might want to look into it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kyle Posted June 23, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 PVC? As in polyvinyl? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Wright Posted June 23, 2016 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 I would not use 50 minutes ago, Kyle said: PVC? As in polyvinyl? PVC trim will last forever, but in my opinion it still looks like plastic even after you paint it. As far as types of natural wood I would find something that is decay resistant. On my house I used cedar to wrap the porch posts and it made a huge difference Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronn W Posted June 23, 2016 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 +1 Cedar or Treated. When I had a cedar fence installed I was told to leave it exposed for a few months before painting it. You might want to double check on that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janello Posted June 23, 2016 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 3 hours ago, pkinneb said: I used a manufactured product called Azek it has held up well for 12 years you might want to look into it. Bingo! Great outdoor product. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JosephThomas Posted June 23, 2016 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 2 hours ago, Ronn W said: +1 Cedar or Treated. When I had a cedar fence installed I was told to leave it exposed for a few months before painting it. You might want to double check on that. Treated lumber sucks...I get that the process helps it stave off rot and decay, but the chemicals are nasty/unhealthy, and its pretty hard/impossible to buy that stuff anywhere without it being so wet that it's dripping...hard to keep them straight before you use them like that. I've used it for stuff that is basically making contact with the ground, but I'd avoid it if at all possible. Whether I would take the time to do something nice with cedar or a similar wood might depend on the local weather and how much direct exposure the posts will face. I'd also take into consideration whether this was the front of the house that will be visible everyday (and a selling point in the future), or just a part of the house that is less visible... @Kyle Got a picture? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drzaius Posted June 23, 2016 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 I know I'll take some flak for this, but I don't like PVC. There are a thousand good reasons to use it, but I just hate the way it looks. It's too perfect, smooth & shiny. Vinyl siding I just hate. & PVC fences are even worse. Although PVC trim, once it's painted can look alright. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted June 23, 2016 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 There are higher grades of treated lumber but it may have to be special order. I pick through the 2x6 treated and buy a few of the cleanest pieces and store them in the shop to dry out. Then I have some on hand when the need pops up. The new treated isn't near as toxic as in the old days but gloves and masks should still be used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drzaius Posted June 23, 2016 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 One thing to keep in mind with treated lumber: even though it's pressure treated, the treatment doesn't go all the way through. Any cut surfaces should be painted with the appropriate treatment. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted June 23, 2016 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 10 hours ago, Andy Wright said: PVC trim will last forever, but in my opinion it still looks like plastic even after you paint it. No argument there but depending on what kind of house you have it may still be the best choice. I have a regular ranch-style suburban crackerbox with mostly vinyl siding. My columns are horrible builder-special wrapped aluminum and I plan to re-wrap them with PVC in a frame-and-panel design, then paint it. It won't look like wood, but nothing on the house looks like wood. So I don't care. I can see why you would want something classier on your house (great house by the way...and HUGE...jeez), but while you're out there stripping and staining those posts every year to keep them looking nice, I'll be in my shop doing better things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llama Posted June 23, 2016 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 14 minutes ago, Eric. said: and HUGE Everything is bigger in Texas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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