What kind of wood should I use?

[lustyd]

I spoke to Howells about getting 2 solid pieces of teak, and was told I would need to join multiple boards (four boards) together to create the height I wanted.

I dont wish to start a new thread of hijack this one, but thought it was worth mentioning,

ps If someone knows where I can get get two solid pieces I'd be interested to know (56cm x 37cm and 47cm x 29cm) it may also be helpful for the OP. Cheers

What on earth are you making, a scale model tree trunk?! You only gave two dimensions there so I am now picturing something half a metre square and goodness only knows how tall I'd give Robins a call and see what they recommend but what the others have said is probably going to be their recommendation too.

 

[pmagowan]

There is a new type of treated wood called Accoya which is sustainable softwood treated to give it the properties of hardwood. It is not cheap but has a 25 year in the ground guarantee and 50 years above ground. It is also dimensionally stable. It would need stained and finished to look the way you might want it but it may be an option if teak is hard to find. I don't think it would be too much for the small amount you need in any wood so you might as well go for something that is good for the job. Ordinary builders quality softwood of the types you get in one of the big sheds is simply not going to hack it and may just form a focus for rot which may attack other things. It also won't look nice and is not dimensionally stable so will put a lot of pressure on fittings as well as being prone to jamming. We were really lucky and managed to buy a whole schools worth of teak lab benches for a couple of hundred pounds. It has so far made a kitchen worktop, drawer fronts and island unit, the galley and gang way on the boat, all the little bits on the boat and there might even be enough to redeck the boat if we dont find a better job for it.

 

[Rigger Mortice]

Many thanks that's really helpful!! I want something very strong so would prefer solid teak than veneered plywood. So will join them together as you suggested (I didn't think about warping).

If it is strength you are after then, for the same thickness, ply will be stronger than planks. Edge it with teak if you want it to look pretty. Edging will also help protect the edges.

 

[Rigger Mortice]

What on earth are you making, a scale model tree trunk?!

Washboards? 22"W x 26"H?
Roughly?

 

[lustyd]

Washboards? 22"W x 26"H?
Roughly?

That makes more sense! I'd have thought then the measurement would be 1.2x37cm and then add a length of 56cm . It doesn't change the answer much of course

 

[lustyd]

There is a new type of treated wood called Accoya which is sustainable softwood treated to give it the properties of hardwood. It is not cheap but has a 25 year in the ground guarantee and 50 years above ground. It is also dimensionally stable. It would need stained and finished to look the way you might want it but it may be an option if teak is hard to find. I don't think it would be too much for the small amount you need in any wood so you might as well go for something that is good for the job. Ordinary builders quality softwood of the types you get in one of the big sheds is simply not going to hack it and may just form a focus for rot which may attack other things. It also won't look nice and is not dimensionally stable so will put a lot of pressure on fittings as well as being prone to jamming. We were really lucky and managed to buy a whole schools worth of teak lab benches for a couple of hundred pounds. It has so far made a kitchen worktop, drawer fronts and island unit, the galley and gang way on the boat, all the little bits on the boat and there might even be enough to redeck the boat if we dont find a better job for it.

Teak isn't hard to find, the current stuff is sustainably grown too. The issue is the slightly higher short term cost.

 

[sailorman]

Teak isn't hard to find, the current stuff is sustainably grown too. The issue is the slightly higher short term cost.

the sustainable grown is poor quality compared with that of youre

 

[Gitane]

Thanks for all the great advice.

It is only for a side slide and, as it's a small boat, the piece that's rotten is only about 10" by 3". I'll have a go at finding bit of teak and, if no luck, I'll try the alternatives that were mentioned.

Gitane

 

[pmagowan]

Teak isn't hard to find, the current stuff is sustainably grown too. The issue is the slightly higher short term cost.

Yes, as someone said the farmed stuff is nowhere near the quality of old stuff of the dodgy stuff from the rainforest. They are interested in fast growth which is essentially the opposite of good! The same applies to mahogany with a significant difference in quality. Also you get a lot of pith in modern lumber cut from small trees as they are not prepared to wait 100 years to get a profit.