Cedar planks for an exterior door.

[Neville Stewart]

Hello all, I'm planning on facing a sandwich door ( plywood to the inside, foam sheet, then Cedar to the outside). It will be exposed to the Texas sun somewhat. What would you recommend to put on it for protection, & should I coat both sides of the planks? The planks 1"x10" will be lapped & 3 battens per door. I'm not expecting it to look like new for too long as its a barn type door, but I would like to fend off its rotting. TIA Dubliner

[Stephen Edwards]

Hey Neville,

I've made several cedar doors as you describe using eastern red cedar. I've had good success coating it with spar ureathane..............several coats. if you use cross pieces on the vertical boards be sure to drill the mounting holes for those with enough slop to allow for seasonal expasion in conraction to avoide splitting the boards. i can post photos if you wish.

[Larry Nall]

I'd like to see some pictures!
I'm about to build some barn doors for the shop and I'm looking for ideas.
Thanks in advance.