Hmmm. I was thinking just the same thought. I've found that almost any
material will be durable if properly installed; where proper installation
includes saturation with a preservative (such as borates), back priming
everything, painting all cut ends, and priming the exposed surface at the
end of the day (if not when back priming). Use good paint -- US or German
made, your choice and don't leave any holidays.

Dr. John, the Night Tripper?

Sign me,

Groovy.

-----Original Message-----
From: J. Bryan Blundell [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2000 10:49 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Hemlock


I find that poplar that is available today is very prone to decay, not at
all the
same as old growth. I would not recommend whispering the words: water;
moisture;
rain; snow or condensation when standing too close to modern growth poplar.
However, have found that if a treatment of BoraCare is applied prior to
painting
that this produces a very durable wood substrate. (This is not meant to be a
commercial)

- Dr. John's Snake Oil Emporium
========

Ralph Walter wrote:

> Leland,
>
> You might try poplar, too.  I have heavy rails on my front porch which
turned
> out to be poplar and held up pretty damn well for 100 years plus.  You
might
> get into the new vs old growth problem, though.
>
> Ralph