What Wood ?

[alec]

I need to replace my toerail and some grab rails.

As using tropical hardwoods is now considered unethical ( and expensive), I would appreciate any ideas on what wood to use. I wood prefer the finish to remain unpainted.


Many Thanks


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[Talbot]

nothing unethical about using tropical hardwoods from a renewable resource supplier. However you will be best using an alternative hardwood (e.g. sapele or iroko) for the more traditional mahogany and teak. They will be a lot cheaper.

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[Avocet]

I don't know of a good source but maybe you could consider reclaimed wood? I agree with the last post - you really need an oily tropical hardwood like teak or iroko - anything else will be less durable.

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[oldharry]

You could considere using Keruin, often sold as Teak, but a whole lot cheaper. Rather coarser grained than Teak, so more likely to split when you are working it, but still a good durable timber, with the same resiny characteristic.

Did my rubbing strake in it a couple of years ago, and still looking pretty good (except where some idiot mistook it for a fender!)

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[tillergirl]

Well if you want to leave the wood untreated, a hardwood is probably your only choice. As has been said teak and iroko can be obtained (at a price of course) but leaving a softwood untreated will result in blackened wood err long.

Ready made handrails can be obtained in teak if the sizes suit. I think that's the best wood to leave untreated although we've had this debate on these pages before about iroko. I am doubtful about leaving it untreated whereas others have supported the idea. Lengths for your toerail will be limited to probably something around 14' so you better practice your scarf joints (not too difficult if you create your required length and then fit it)

As to sources, most areas have a good timber merchant - whereabouts are you?

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[alec]

Thanks Everyone !


Tillergirl,

I am located in the London area.

I would need around 65 feet of the stuff, about 40mmx40mm.

Regards.

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[PBrooks]

Hi
If you are planning on making the grab rails, the designer of my boat had a neat way to do this. First, choose wood wide enough to make a pair - ie 30mm by 125mm, Then use a tank cutter, jig saw and router to make all the curved bits (these from the "bases" bolted to the cabin and the "rail" for holding onto) for both pieces in one go (i.e as ovals spaced in the middle of the plank). When split, it turns into 30mm wide by 62.5mm high (though with the saw cut and a bit of filing this is 60mm). Actually, it is a lot easier to draw than explain - hope you know what I mean.
I'd second Teak as the wood of choice if you're not varnishing. If you are varnishing then Iroko (or similar) should be a whole lot cheaper.
Best regards
Paul

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