Thread: Alternative to using cedar for outdoor construction

Hi

I do not claim expertise here so other forum members feel free to respond!
Are you going to paint it?
Western Red Cedar is an imported, good, high quality timber that stands up well to the weather and is termite resistant, though I'm told is not termite proof. If you don't paint it it goes a grey colour, which some find attractive.
Cypress is an Australian high quality timber that is termite proof and makes beautiful floors and interior joinery. In my experience it doesn't like being in the Queensland weather, even oiled, though painted it should be quite long-lasting, though I find it develops cracks if it gets full sun.
I have used both in my house and workshop. I haven't priced them lately but suspect cost may be similar.

A cheaper alternative to look into could be treated pine (tp). There are different levels of arsenic and copper treated pine boards and structural timbers, some of which are termite and fungus resistant even in contact with the ground. Ask the suppliers which treatment you need. Some of the tp boards are quite wide and have a natural edge on them, but they would perhaps not be in the style you want. Most tp is rough finished off the saw so would have to be dressed. If you do so make sure you wear breathing protection as the dust is poisonous...and do not burn any offcuts as the smoke will kill (thats one reason I call it poisoned pine!)
Good luck

I've got some veggie beds that I made out of Cypress Pine and they have been great. Some cracks have formed but that's OK for what I'm using it for. If you paint it and protect the wood from the elements then I'm sure it'll stay in better condition.

But from what I've read, Cypress Pine is one of the longest lasting woods for outdoor usages with a 20 year lifespan.

Good luck,
-CK

Hi Michael and welcome.

Originally Posted by michaelw7291

I have bought some to plans off the net to try to build a full size old English telephone box.

Are they English plans bought from an English web site?

Originally Posted by michaelw7291

In the plans the guys says he uses cedar for the door,stiles and mutton rails. I was wondering there is an alternative to using cedar.

Yes there is. Aussie Red telephone booths where built from a variety of Australian hardwoods. (Have repaired a few)

If the booth is to be outside I would suggest spotted gum. Handles the out doors resonably well.

Originally Posted by michaelw7291

Also he give the measurements for the body frame and it incorporates a corrugated pattern. But he does say what type of timber he used. Any advise on what I should use
My budget is not great so I am looking at doing it as cost effective as I can, and would like to stand the test of time in the weather.

By what do you mean a corrugated pattern. Louvers for ventilation? Aussie ones used glass.

The risk with cypress is cracking and twist,KD hardwood and painted well should give you a good long lasting result without the cost of cedar,that's my humble contribution.
Good luck.

Hi All

Thanks for taking the time to reply

Phone plans are of an English telephone box, K2 I think but the plans are in metric.

The phone box box will be outside, so I think I will be using hardwood.

CorrugatedPattern. Is like they have run a router down the frame, 10ml apart and 3ml deep and then round them.



Thanks