What species of wood is best here?

[Joe McMahon]

We have just had a roof erected over the front porch of our Chicago Bungalow. The front of the roof is supported by 10' long 6X6" of doug fir standing on end. The base of each support rests on a steel bracket that is bolted through the sandstone ledge on each side of the porch.

The bride wants me to wrap the 6X6 to make them look arts & crafts. They will be painted. This is what she wants:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k262/joemac18/IMG_3113.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/joemac18/media/IMG_3113.jpg.html)

My question is this, should I make the "wraps" of clear pine? Poplar? I mention clear pine, as I really don't want the knots to show through the finish from standard pine boards. On the other hand, clear pine is very $$$$.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[John TenEyck]

I think my first choice for that would be PVC trim board, something like http://www.azek.com/products/trim/trim. It works like read wood and takes paint very well. I used it as the trim on these porch columns I made 2 or 3 years ago.

313328

John

[Bob Hoffmann]

I second the use of the PVC trim. It is also more expensive, but it will never rot. It is a one time application. I use it when ever I have to replace an out side board ... Not having to worry about maintenance is worth the cost in the long run.

It is available at the big box stores ...

[Art Mann]

Yes, PVC trim board is the right solution. I use a lot 4 X 8 sheets of it for CNC carving signs and it is very durable and stable. My favorite brand is Versatex because of its fine grain but Azek or even store brands will be good for your application too.

[Neil Gaskin]

Ditto the PVC

Do not use pine clear or otherwise and I wouldnt use poplar either. Neither have great rot resistant properties and do not hold up well in the elements. If you have to use wood I would recommend Cyrpus or Inland cedar.

[Jim Matthews]

You MIGHT be able to get finish grade Cedar or Cypress.
It's more common these days to make a basic post
with something rot resistant out of an 8x8 or laminate to size
and put it on a standoff above the masonry.

Cladding with Azek or other PVC is a very durable solution.

http://www.amazon.com/Simpson-CPS7-Composite-Plastic-Standoff/dp/B0087TCK8Q