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9 mighty woods for outdoor projects

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Rot proof composites

Composite

Outdoor woods: how they stack up

Rot proof composites

The upstart composites

Wood/plastic composites (WPCs) are made from thermoplastic resins, wood flour, and wood fiber. Some make use of recycled material, but all are rotproof. Composites have no defects, and do not compress like wood. This density poses special problems for fastening and movement. Solid composites, shown right, have greater expansion and contraction rates, especially along their lengths. They heat up in sunlight, and don't absorb paint and stain. Also, they lack rigidity. However, they don't splinter and offer good traction in wet conditions.

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Comments (9)

ke5gwl wrote:

How about Spanish Cedar? Woodworkers Source has it on sale. Lewis

7/20/2012 05:57:23 PM Report Abuse

mmyjak wrote:

Wow.. you almost covered all the bases. WHAT about Thermo-Treated wood? Its the perfect, eco-friendly outdoor wood. No Poisons, plastics or problems.

7/19/2012 09:00:10 PM Report Abuse

mmyjak wrote:

You can use a clear vinyl sanding sealer on cypress. You should be able to topcoat w/out much problem.

7/19/2012 08:51:26 PM Report Abuse

dsoliah wrote:

I have used Cypress for years for Adirondack chairs - I have yet to find a finish that works well on cypress, contrary to the statement it accepts finish as well as cedar and redwood -

7/19/2012 11:19:07 AM Report Abuse

wetzelswoodshop wrote:

black locust is also another good out door wood along with sassafras. G.wetzel

7/19/2012 10:55:25 AM Report Abuse

mapleMoose wrote:

What about new-tech, non-toxic treated woods? - Glass wood (like TimberSIL) - Heat treated wood (like WestWood or Thermo Wood)

7/19/2012 10:35:59 AM Report Abuse

pfalzon wrote:

Oops! I meant the handle of the frying pan.

6/9/2011 03:29:43 PM Report Abuse

pfalzon wrote:

I used purpleheart to replace the one that broke off on a frying pan. It has been in and out of the dishwasher hundreds of times in the past 10 years. Still going strong!

6/9/2011 03:28:39 PM Report Abuse

keith.park wrote:

The wood that I used for a boat transom was purpleheart. Rot resistant and absolutely beautiful to look at. Found it better priced than the equivalent thickness in marine plywood. Tough to work with.

5/27/2011 03:42:42 PM Report Abuse