Expert: Nazim Nice - 6/18/2009

Question
Hello; I like to add a patio roof cover on the back of my house and would like to know what wood should I use? The company at http://www.patioroofcovers.com/ is what I'm trying to somewhat copy. The wood patio covers are the ones I'm interested in. What wood is this guy using and any ideas of your own. Well anyway Thanks,Steve

Answer
Hi Steve,

It looks to me that there are a variety of woods being used.  I suspect some of it is not too fancy - it looks like it could be southern pine.  If you have access to this you might consider pressure treated southern pine.  Because it is softer than the fir found in the northwest, it doesn't have the perforations in the surface like the pressure treated wood we get in the northwest.  

Cedar would be a good choice for the exterior and I suspect is available anywhere in the country.  For the underside of the ceiling you could use a tongue and groove (T&G) fir or cedar, but a less expensive alternative is pine and can be stained.  There is also a wood called Ironwood or IPE that is very durable, although it will likely be the most expensive option.

Also consider what kind of finish you will use.  I recommend you look at Sikkens products.

http://www.nam.sikkens.com/product-category.cfm?product_category=exterior

Look at the Cetol 1 and Cetol 23.  One is a top coat, one is a base coat.  Choosing one with a stain will protect the wood longer since it will cut down on damage from the sun.  

Hope this helps! Good luck.

Nazim Nice
Principal / Architect
http://www.motion-space.com
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