My outdoor projects have consisted entirely of pressure treated wood
(mainly deck boards). Lately, I've read a number of articles warning
of potential health issues associated with the arsenic used in this
wood. I've read the list of usual suspects for outdoor projects --
teak, mahogany, cedar, cypress, etc., but I'm having a difficult time
finding a source in the Northern Maryland area. So, which of these
woods give you the most bang for your buck? I don't want to be cheap
about it, but I don't want to go broke either. Second, is anyone
familiar with a decent supplier in my area?
TIA,
Kirk
kirk78h asks:
>My outdoor projects have consisted entirely of pressure treated wood
>(mainly deck boards). Lately, I've read a number of articles warning
>of potential health issues associated with the arsenic used in this
>wood. I've read the list of usual suspects for outdoor projects --
>teak, mahogany, cedar, cypress, etc., but I'm having a difficult time
>finding a source in the Northern Maryland area. So, which of these
>woods give you the most bang for your buck? I don't want to be cheap
>about it, but I don't want to go broke either. Second, is anyone
>familiar with a decent supplier in my area?
Cypress is probably the best choice, though white oak is good, too.
Try www.woodfinder.com for a source. They don't have them all, but they do have
many.
Charlie Self
"For NASA, space is still a high priority." Dan Quayle
The treated wood scare is just that, although the environmental issues
of the production have some validity, the amount af arsenic you get from
licking it is less than from a single sardine. There is some crazy
Canadian woman who is blaming all her (undiagnosed) health problems on
her neighbor burning treated lumber ten years ago, and she has just
about got the stuff banned. Google alt.construction for the interminable
ramblings on the subject:-)
Teak is good and I have plenty of it if you want to buy some, and at
good prices :-)
Mahogany is prone to worm and carpenter bees.
cedar is a little too prone to splintering and heaving.
Cypress may work well.
Almost any of the woods can be found on the net for a fairly low
shipping charge.
JJ
KirkH wrote:
>
> My outdoor projects have consisted entirely of pressure treated wood
> (mainly deck boards). Lately, I've read a number of articles warning
> of potential health issues associated with the arsenic used in this
> wood. I've read the list of usual suspects for outdoor projects --
> teak, mahogany, cedar, cypress, etc., but I'm having a difficult time
> finding a source in the Northern Maryland area. So, which of these
> woods give you the most bang for your buck? I don't want to be cheap
> about it, but I don't want to go broke either. Second, is anyone
> familiar with a decent supplier in my area?
>
> TIA,
> Kirk
On 28 Apr 2004 12:25:03 -0700, [email protected] (KirkH) wrote:
>My outdoor projects have consisted entirely of pressure treated wood
>(mainly deck boards). Lately, I've read a number of articles warning
>of potential health issues associated with the arsenic used in this
>wood. I've read the list of usual suspects for outdoor projects --
>teak, mahogany, cedar, cypress, etc., but I'm having a difficult time
>finding a source in the Northern Maryland area. So, which of these
>woods give you the most bang for your buck? I don't want to be cheap
>about it, but I don't want to go broke either. Second, is anyone
>familiar with a decent supplier in my area?
>
>TIA,
>Kirk
For suppliers in N. Md. (quite a wide swath)..
Hicksville Planing Mill: Good quality lumber, excellent prices.
14464 Hicksville Road
Clear Spring, MD 21722-0124
301-842-3474
Groff & Groff Lumber
[email protected]
858 Scotland Rd.
Quarryville, PA 17566
(800) 342-0001
Exotic Lumber: 3 locations - Gaithersburg, Annapolis, Baltimore.
http://www.exoticlumberinc.com
A bit pricey, but excellent selection.
Cheers,
Paul