cedar vs redwood

[ScottinAZ]

Its time for me to rebuild the covers over both the fuel tank access and the ski locker on my Imperial. The originals were carpeted plywood, but I will be going with solid wood for the replacements, mostly to improve ventilation in the compartments, and also because I think wood looks better. I am not sure however on what species to use. Teak is out, too much $$$ and no availability here locally. I planned on using redwood originally, but am now debating wether to use cedar instead. Both are relatively rot resistant, and the floor doesnt get that wet. I will be using either boiled linseed oil or a coating of fiberglass resin on the wood, but am tending to the oil finish. Of my choices, what would you use??

 

[QC]

Re: cedar vs redwood

Hey Scott,

Moved this over to the Restoration section as you'll find the woodworkers over here. Good luck!

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: cedar vs redwood

How about ipe (pronounced epay) IT's also known as Ironwood and it's so dense its one of the few species that sinks. It's a harvestable resource and here in Florida small board are pretty inexpensive about like oak.

Its very hard and is unaffected by water or sunlight.

Un sealed it weathers to a velvety silver finish and sealed it has a red tint and looks like mahogany.

 

[ScottinAZ]

Re: cedar vs redwood

I considered Ironwood as well, but boards here are all but impossible to come by. Most of the stuff we can get here is in chunks, and unfortunately its useless for a cover. Due to availability, and my unwillingness to travel far, I got redwood for the covers, and so far, they are turning out nice, have to see how well they hold up, but for the under 20 bucks invested, if they dont work out, im not out much, except my time, and that is plentiful anyways

 

[ondarvr]

Re: cedar vs redwood

Polyester resin will be of little value in waterproofing the wood.

 

[ScottinAZ]

Re: cedar vs redwood

Polyester resin will be of little value in waterproofing the wood.

I was afraid of that, I think Ill use boiled linseed oil instead. Classic, time tested, and above all, on hand.....

I was thinking along the lines of the poly resin when you pretreat the plywood on new decking. The wood will absorb some so you pretreat so it doesnt suck it out of the glass matting during layup, but where I will not be matting this, and leaving it open, an oil finish will most likely do better

 

[RICHARD5]

Re: cedar vs redwood

You walking on this? If so, what was wrong with ply? I'm thinking luan or Birch for on the cheap. I vote for Cedar otherwise.

I like a 1:1:1 mix of boiled linseed, shellac, and turpentine. Finish with Carnuba if desired. Just remember the new rule, No sand on deck!

 

[wizbang 13]

Re: cedar vs redwood

Boiled Linseed Oil will absord soot in the air and turn black. It is actually FOOD for rot. By cedar,assume you mean western red. It is more dimensionaly stable than redwood,less apt to split ,check,and sliver.

 

[Capt'n Chris]

Re: cedar vs redwood

Its time for me to rebuild the covers over both the fuel tank access and the ski locker on my Imperial. The originals were carpeted plywood, but I will be going with solid wood for the replacements, mostly to improve ventilation in the compartments, and also because I think wood looks better. I am not sure however on what species to use. Teak is out, too much $$$ and no availability here locally. I planned on using redwood originally, but am now debating wether to use cedar instead. Both are relatively rot resistant, and the floor doesnt get that wet. I will be using either boiled linseed oil or a coating of fiberglass resin on the wood, but am tending to the oil finish. Of my choices, what would you use??

I would recommend that you not use lumber of any kind for your floor ski locker unless maybe you do use Ipe. Ipe would be a great choice and an even better one if you can fabricate a slatted locker top for ventilation. Ipe is a great outdoor decking material and if you've never worked with it, be prepared. It is very dense and difficult to cut unless you have the right tools and blades. It is counterproductive to seal any insect-impervious woods as the natural properties of the wood also stave off rot.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: cedar vs redwood

I think a lot would depend on whether the locker was self draining or not.
Most boats I've had have had either plywood or teak covers on all in floor applications. Those with Teak had rather open construction with boxes that drained to the bilge.

Maybe you could find some used Teak cheap or retro fit a cover from a larger boat?

If not, I'd probably just go with plywood covered in glass and resin.

Another option would be to use Starboard for the cover?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: cedar vs redwood

You walking on this? If so, what was wrong with ply? I'm thinking luan or Birch for on the cheap. I vote for Cedar otherwise.

I like a 1:1:1 mix of boiled linseed, shellac, and turpentine. Finish with Carnuba if desired. Just remember the new rule, No sand on deck!

The original poster has not mentioned this in about 3 months Look at the dates

 

[RICHARD5]

Re: cedar vs redwood

The original poster has not mentioned this in about 3 months Look at the dates