Hey Guys
I was wondering if you would be kind enough to share some knowledge about the benefits and drawbacks of using lumber available locally and cheap for an Alaia. Of course, of course, paulownia’s the way to go, but I feel I speak for a lot of people by saying I don’t want to blow $200(that was a quote from a local lumber mill for paulownia) on something I have no idea what I’m doing with when there’s lumber available for super cheap (in comparison) at the local Home Depot/Lowes. I’ve heard some pretty negative things about pine, as in it won’t last for more than a few sessions even when sealed, but what about Poplar, Cedar or Spruce? Based on the similar price to pine, will they all have such a short lifespan even when sealed? And, just to clarify, this doesn’t need to be a lifelong board, just a year or even 6 months would be great.
Thanks for any info!
I don't know where you heard pine was bad but that's 100% wrong.
There are several species of pine and any of them are much better then poplar which should be totally avoided for anything used outdoors.
Cedar and Spruce are both quite acceptable and usually lighter then most pine varieties.
This chart shows the approximate weights of different species.
| Wood - seasoned & dry |
kg/cu.m |
| Afromosia |
705 |
| Apple |
660 - 830 |
| Ash, black |
540 |
| Ash, white |
670 |
| Aspen |
420 |
| Balsa |
170 |
| Bamboo |
300 - 400 |
| Birch (British) |
670 |
| Cedar, red |
380 |
| Cypress |
510 |
| Douglas Fir |
530 |
| Ebony |
960 - 1120 |
| Elm ( English ) |
600 |
| Elm ( Wych ) |
690 |
| Elm ( Rock ) |
815 |
| Iroko |
655 |
| Larch |
590 |
| Lignum Vitae |
1280 - 1370 |
| Mahogany ( Honduras ) |
545 |
| Mahogany ( African ) |
495 - 850 |
| Maple |
755 |
| Oak |
590 - 930 |
| Pine ( Oregon ) |
530 |
| Pine ( Parana ) |
560 |
| Pine ( Canadian ) |
350 - 560 |
| Pine ( Red ) |
370 - 660 |
| Redwood ( American ) |
450 |
| Redwood ( European ) |
510 |
| Spruce ( Canadian ) |
450 |
| Spruce ( Sitka ) |
450 |
| Sycamore |
590 |
| Teak |
630 - 720 |
| Willow |
420 |
Of these, Cedar, Doug Fir, the Pines, Redwood and some species of Spruce would all make a light & flexible alaia.
I've never seen willow in any lumberyard.
You might be able to find some red cedar fence boards without too many knots that would work well.
Paulownia is worth the price BTW. It's a pleasure to work and does not readily absorb water.
My latest.:
This: http://www.glen-l.com/ is a boatbuilding site, but there is a wealth of information that appplies to wooden surfboards as well. Look in the wood and plywood info section.
Thanks for all the info and great job on the board and design!
I thought I had heard about the negative aspects of pine somewhere in a few threads on here…oh well…might need to crack down on wearing the respirator more.
So in terms of weight cedar looks to be the clear winner, if sealed with linseed or similar oil can it be assumed to last a fair while? And just to clarify, Pine would hold up fine and the only reason to go with cedar/spruce instead would be the weight?
Thanks again for the info!
[quote="$1"]
So in terms of weight cedar looks to be the clear winner, if sealed with linseed or similar oil can it be assumed to last a fair while? And just to clarify, Pine would hold up fine and the only reason to go with cedar/spruce instead would be the weight?
[/quote]
Yes, most cedar will last, sealed or not.
As far as the pine vs cedars vs spruce a lot of it depends on the species.
Some are light weight and others not so much. Some are very durable to weather, water etc and others not as much....
Where you live effects what woods you can easily find.
I finish my wood boards with this stuff
It's easier then linseed and gives a better finsh with more protection.
If you really want to go the cheap route you can use Thompson's Water Seal.
Have a close look at the glen l link I posted.