Substitute for Cypfress for Garden Bench

[5thumbs]

I want to build a garden bench that will stay outside for most (or all) of the year, Whren I was a kid (many, many years ago) we had a Cypress bench my grandpa built and it lasted a long time.

Unfortunately, the price and availability of cypress in my area (Delaware) has put it out of my reach. I have access to some flame birch and some Whiteoak. Would either of these be suitable for this project? If not, can anyone suggest an alternative?  I'd like to avoid refinishing every year, if possible.

Thanks in advance,

[jteneyck]

I want to build a garden bench that will stay outside for most (or all) of the year, Whren I was a kid (many, many years ago) we had a Cypress bench my grandpa built and it lasted a long time.

Unfortunately, the price and availability of cypress in my area (Delaware) has put it out of my reach. I have access to some flame birch and some Whiteoak. Would either of these be suitable for this project? If not, can anyone suggest an alternative?  I'd like to avoid refinishing every year, if possible.

Thanks in advance,

White oak will last a long time with or without finish.  Spanish cedar would be an even better choice if you can get it.  It's lighter and has a more uniform, finer grain structure, so it doesn't give a rough surface like white oak can after outdoor aging.  

John

[Admiral]

Well, shipping would be involved, but $4.60 bd ft aint bad, less then Western Red Cedar; https://walllumber.com/products/fine-softwoods/ and less than white oak which is over $6 . . .  https://walllumber.com/products/premier-hardwoods/

[5thumbs]

Well, shipping would be involved, but $4.60 bd ft aint bad, less then Western Red Cedar; https://walllumber.com/products/fine-softwoods/ and less than white oak which is over $6 . . .  https://walllumber.com/products/premier-hardwoods/

Thanks - Ill check this out

[Gary G™]

You could go with Cumaru

[AHill]

Add ipe and teak to the list. Neither will be cheap, but they both will last a long time outside.

[museumguy]

How far are you willing to drive to pick up some lumber? No specific resource for you but curious.

[Gary G™]

I remember buying clear Cypress for $1.10/BF
Now, lots of the mills are closed or closing.

[5thumbs]

I remember buying clear Cypress for $1.10/BF
Now, lots of the mills are closed or closing.

I also remember gas for 29.9 a gallon and hamburger for 10 cents a pound. I'm afraid those days are gone forever.  'Course my first job was for $0.50/hour and if I was lucky, I got my Dad's Dodge Dart on Saturday night.

I don't have a truck anymore, so hauling lumber isn't really an option.

[museumguy]

I don't have a truck anymore, so hauling lumber isn't really an option.

Ok, makes sense now.