Thread: Timber for an outdoor model bridge.

Hi There,
I think the questions your want to ask yourself is what sort of life expectancy, maintenance and look you want for your bridge.

I would steer away from any Radiata pine even treated in any way, I would look at a hardwood that would be more durable and have a more realistic look too.

You can maintain it via some some hard coating pu varnish etc.. or just with oil, but in any way you will have to recoat it regularly. The other option is to let it go "grey" but it will certainly have a shorter life time. My guess is that the easiest mainenaince would be to put a coat of oil probably every 6 month if you want to keep a nice look.

The assembly/fixing is a bit more critical, imho whichever timber glue and finish you use if your bridge is straight in the rain and sun, it is just a matter of time till it falls appart. I would look at having timber to timber joints eg:mini motices etc.. or nails or small stainless steel bolts like M3 M4 or off course a combination.

Regarding the timber, I would probably pick a highly durable, stable and readily avalaible timber like Merbau (also called Kwila) which is H2 if I memory serves right or a softer timber (and much easier to work) also very stable like Cedar.
For the small quantities you are looking at you can find Cerad in any respectable hardware shop and probably can use decking for Merbau. (If you still want to use glue, be wary that Merbau does not glue very well)

This looks like a nice project, post some photos when you are done.

Hope that helps

Jack

Thanks for the reply Jack, definatley helps.
I will look into trying Merbau now.

Regards

If you want some durability and some authenticity to boot see if you can get hold of some tallowwood.
Once much valued for jetty piles & bridge piers.
Great exposed to all eliments and nothing much seems to like eating it.
Greasy yep but thats where it gets its durability from.