We are replacing our rotted 100yr old front porch and would like some info on what type of wood is best to use. Ipe was recommended but its a bit too expensive for us.
Thanks -

I know what you are going thru, I'm currently planning the same thing for our 120 year old porch. For the columns and under supports I'm planning on using seasoned pressured treated material. The porch floor itself is going to be 5/4 x 4 T & G mahogany porch flooring. Handrails and ballusters are pre fab units. Everything is going to be primed before installation so (hopefully) it will outlast me. I also found that if you make a list of materials and go to your lunber yard, they cut better deals and have better materials than your local do it yourself store. Good luck and let us know how you made out.

The best porch material to use is a product that has now been around since 2001. As a former sales manager of a lumber distribution company we sold a bunch of this. It is not cheap but it has a lifetime warranty and if you go with the gray you will never have to paint it. The product is Tendura. http://www.tendura.com

I had several customers use on on some historic homes. check them out, they have a great website. If you call them tell them Chris in Dallas sent you.

If engineered materials like Tendura and Trex are too expensive there is nothing wrong with using fir flooring. Most well built older homes used it and it lasted for many years.

quote:

Originally posted by Andy:
If engineered materials like Tendura and Trex are too expensive there is nothing wrong with using fir flooring. Most well built older homes used it and it lasted for many years.

I don't disagree. The problem with Trex is that it is not "authentic". Tendura is a true porch material.

Tendura also has the "color-through" gray product which never needs painting. This will save you money up front and long term!

After looking at the Tendura website, I'd have agree that it's probably very nice stuff. The biggest advantage that it has over a decking material like Trex is that it is a tongue and groove design. If you use wood, even if it is treated, then be sure to prime and paint all sides and edges. you can paint the edges just before inserting them so that the paint is still wet and will not interfere with getting a tight fit.

Last year I went through the same dilemma, and decided on tongue and groove fir. Since I wanted to maintain a Victorian color scheme with a grey porch, I needed something I could paint. And I wanted something that the State Historical folks would approve for my tax credit on the rehab of my home. It has stood up quite well, and I love the look and feel of real wood under my feet.

quote:

Originally posted by aplus3:
Last year I went through the same dilemma, and decided on tongue and groove fir. Since I wanted to maintain a Victorian color scheme with a grey porch, I needed something I could paint. And I wanted something that the State Historical folks would approve for my tax credit on the rehab of my home. It has stood up quite well, and I love the look and feel of real wood under my feet.

Cool thing about the Tendura is the Historic Community has embraced it. The gray material is really neat! I know I hate to paint!!

Being a "wood" guy I understand the natural feel of wood, it is hard to beat.

We added a front porch to our house last year (10 x 26 ft). We looked at several flooring options including the Tendura. At the time, the TenduraPlank Solid wasn't available, only the "classic" which requires painting.

We settled on Trex in Winchester Grey, figuring that we can always paint it later if needed-mfg. suggests letting it weather 6 months before painting.

I Love the Trex. It feels so soft under your feet, doesn't get extrememly hot in the sun. The only drawback I have noticed is that it will pick up some stains, particularly grease-if someone drops a pizza, however, after a while they must soak in or something b/c they seam to disappear. Many times cleaning with a little Dawn and water will get them up as well.

Good luck!