The most common tropical hardwood species include teak ipe mahogany and rosewood.
Best wood for porch beams.
Within a few years the cedar ages to a silvery gray.
Your geographic location will determine the availability and cost of these materials.
Western red cedar is reddish brown.
In addition to their beauty tropical hardwoods are sought after for their density and resilience to the elements.
The three most widely available and suitable exterior lumber choices not treated with chemical preservatives include western red cedar redwood and cypress.
Naturally resistant woods that are commercially available include black locust robinia pseudoacacia teak tectona grandis ipe tabebuia spp california redwood sequoia sempervirens and bald cypress taxodium distichum.
These have the highest resistance to rot over time.
Janka ratings relate directly to the density or hardness of a wood.
Fir is an excellent wood for highly finished post beam frames and commercial work because of its strength and beautiful grain.
The best wood to use on exterior porch columns.
Its color ranges from light red to pale yellow.
This soft wood splinters easily but holds up well in rain sun heat and cold.
Redwood for example is widely available and used in the western united states.
The wood you choose should have an excellent resistance to decay and cedar is one such wood.