Exterior wood use

[ironhat]

I'm scoping out a possible job for a friend who wants to put a tonneau cover on his truc but he wants the snaps to be screwed into a wood rail that runs across the top of the bed. He wants to use oak but I reminded him of how ugly it can get when it weathers. He also wants to make the bows out of wood - don't ask. So, my questions are;

1. What readily available species would be best for these top rails? I suggested hickory for strength of the screw hold.

2. I suggested the Cabot's Australian Timber Oil that I used on my swing since I had to buy a gallon of it and have plenty. Do you see anything wrong with that?

3. How 'bout the bows - don't know if hicory will bend very well but I guess he could go with maple since they won't see the weather.

TIA, folks!

[jlm]

Have you thought about ipe for the frame? It's a very weather-resistant wood, and hard as nails. Prettier than oak, too. It's an "exotic" wood, but it's seeing a lot of use in decks these days, so you should be able to find it relatively easily.

[ironhat]

The Ipe is a consideration - I don't know how it looks under an exterior oil finish - but availability might be an issue. Thanks!

[scmhogg]

Chiz,

How about Teak or Mahogany with a gloss marine varnish finish. Think yacht or a Chris Craft look.

Try bent laminations for the bows.

Steve

[cabinetman]

My vote goes with Steve for Teak or Mahogany, but I would oil it. You could also use White Oak.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

My vote goes with Steve for Teak or Mahogany, but I would oil it. You could also use White Oak.

White oak. QS if you want to get fancy. Sounds like a bizarre project. I dont think you will have any luck bending IPE or teak, though Mahogany will bend similar to white oak if steamed.

[Knottscott]

Cypress would be nice too...