What wood to use for Painted Pergola?
I am building a pergola, live in the mountain west so cold winter, warm summer. I want to paint the pergola white so do I still need to use Redwood or Cedar or can I buy regular Doug Fir or Pine, and prime it really good. I’ve been told that I need to prime it either way, so why pay double the prices for Redwood if the primer and exterior paint will seal the wood from weather and insects. Thanks for your help!!
2 Responses
woodtick314
20 May 2011
brian
20 May 2011
cedar or douglas fir will work just fine but why would you want to paint it? my advice would be to leave it for atleast 6 months especially if you are going to use the douglas fir less time for the cedar and apply 2 – 3 coats of a white alkyd semi tansparent stain with a product called penetrol mixed in. it will last far longer than any paint will. before you stain it clean it all with a deck wash to help with the mill glaze. your best bet would be to give it all a light sand then clean. the mill glaze happens when the wood is being planed. it makes it smooth and there fore closes the wood fibres up and does not allow the stain to penetrate as well
Straight grained Doug Fir is your best bet. It’s durable, strong, and will take paint well after being primed. Hope this helps.