Wood for Shutters

[jteneyck]

I have never heard for Utile/Sipo but I would have guessed mahogany if this was a "what kind of wood is this" post.

It's sometimes called Sipo Mahogany, and it sure looks like genuine mahogany.  I have never used it before.  It's not too heavy, but it seems quite a bit harder than genuine mahogany, not a bad thing IMO.  I plan to take a piece of scrap and see how it looks with a furniture type finish.  If it's harder than genuine mahogany and looks good, I'll consider it more desirable for furniture/cabinet projects.  I hate how soft genuine mahogany is, at least the stuff I've used.  

John

[Hank Knight]

I don't think cypress is available up here.  I've heard cypress today isn't nearly as rot resistant as the stuff from 100 years ago, too, but I don't know if that's true or not.  Anyway, I don't think it's an option.  Thanks.  

John

I built two long window boxes for my wife out of cypress probably 15 or even 20 years ago. I allowed for water drainage so water would not stand in the bottom of the boxes, and painted them with latex house paint. The plants are planted in plastic containers that fit inside the boxes so there is no dirt-to-wood contact. But they live outside in the elements.They look as good today as they did the day I built them. I know that cypress doesn't have the rot resistance some other species have, but these boxes have convinced me that it's plenty good for most outdoor applications. Aniother benefit of cypress is that it's light weight, much lighter than white oak or ipe. It would be perfect for shutters.
EDIT: Sorry, Didn't mean to prolong this discussion. I missed your post about having made your decision. Sounds like you made a good one.

[jteneyck]

I built two long window boxes for my wife out of cypress probably 15 or even 20 years ago. I allowed for water drainage so water would not stand in the bottom of the boxes, and painted them with latex house paint. The plants are planted in plastic containers that fit inside the boxes so there is no dirt-to-wood contact. But they live outside in the elements.They look as good today as they did the day I built them. I know that cypress doesn't have the rot resistance some other species have, but these boxes have convinced me that it's plenty good for most outdoor applications. Aniother benefit of cypress is that it's light weight, much lighter than white oak or ipe. It would be perfect for shutters.

Two days after I bought the Utile/Sipo, I saw an add for 5/4 cypress decking boards at a place about 40 miles from me.  Timing is everything.  

I'm starting to cut the Sipo.  It's a lot like genuine mahogany though not as pretty.  It's a little harder, which I like, but otherwise pretty similar.  We'll see how the build goes.  

John

[Gary G™]

Two days after I bought the Utile/Sipo, I saw an add for 5/4 cypress decking boards at a place about 40 miles from me….

Opportunity buy. Get it.

[Hank Knight]

I agree with GaryG, get some cypress while it's available. I never thought cypress was particularly attractive, but I've changed my mind. Some years ago, my oldest friend's son, a cabinet maker, built the cabinetry for my friend's house on St. Helena Island from clear, straight grained cypress, and it has aged to a wonderful dark honey color. It looks terrific, warm, mellow and very abreactive.

[jteneyck]

I agree with GaryG, get some cypress while it's available. I never thought cypress was particularly attractive, but I've changed my mind. Some years ago, my oldest friend's son, a cabinet maker, built the cabinetry for my friend's house on St. Helena Island from clear, straight grained cypress, and it has aged to a wonderful dark honey color. It looks terrific, warm, mellow and very abreactive.

Sorry, can't imagine what I'd need it for.  I mill most of my own lumber, so buying any only happens when I need it for a project for which I don't have something appropriate. 

John