Deck storage bench - thoughts

[chris64]

Alright team BT3K. I wanted some input. Going to be building some deck boxes to accompany my new deck (I didn't build this one - sorry) out of Ipe.

I like this design in this link.

My question is how well does exterior grade plywood hold up? I could go either way on this one - I could make a more watertight box with exterior grade plywood and just have the ipe as decorative fascia boards or I could go for a less waterproof design and build it all out of Ipe with no plywood involved. I guess I like the idea of more waterproof, I just dont want to spend the money/time on this and the plywood fail in a couple of years leaving me a pile of expensive wood with no seating/storage.

Any thoughts?

[atgcpaul]

I haven't used it personally but have seen Norm as well as other online WWers
talk about using MDO plywood for exterior use. Typically these projects are
painted. If the purpose of the plywood is just to have an interior structure
to attach the decorative ipe skins, then I'd say that is a viable option.

Paul

[jackellis]

I've built two boxes for storing furniture covers out of the same cedar that was used to build the decks. Instead of spacing the boards, I machined them to 1" thick and glued up panels. I have to stain them if it ever warms up here and then a) I'll post photos, b) we'll see how they hold up.

My plan is to store them underneath tables that are covered in the wintertime, so they may not get the same exposure to water, ice and snow that yours would.

Personally, I'd use a material that will hold up to heavy weathering. I would not be inclined to use plywood if the box is going to be constantly exposed to moisture and sun. The nice thing about ipe is that you don't have to stain it every year (I think).