Alternate Wood For Cedar - Woodworking Talk

Wholeshoe · 06-26-2009, 10:39 PM

I am going to build a picnic table. The plans call for Cedar. I priced it out and they want $389 dollars for it. That's not in the budget.

What are my options?

Wholeshoe

**Daren** · 06-26-2009, 10:56 PM

That must be a HUGE picnic table

Darn near $400 worth of cedar would build a small shed...I think maybe you should shop around for other lumber suppliers in other words.

Wholeshoe · 06-26-2009, 11:31 PM

It is about 20 8 to 10 foot 2x8s and 2x10s.

gregL · 06-27-2009, 01:34 AM

TReated pine woukd be cheaper...not as nice but you wanted cheaper.

GeorgeC · 06-27-2009, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wholeshoe

It is about 20 8 to 10 foot 2x8s and 2x10s.

That IS huge.

G

**Daren** · 06-27-2009, 08:52 AM

Yes it is a big one. If I did my math right over 250 bft of lumber, or less than $1.50 bft for material. I don't know how much cheaper a guy can get decent wood for a picnic table really.

cabinetman · 06-27-2009, 09:07 AM

You might try pricing out Cypress or PT. SYP might be less (you can treat it). You might find a good deal on White Oak.

jeffreythree · 06-27-2009, 10:34 AM

Sounds kinda like the one I am eyeing in Wood magazine. A whole lot of wood to sit outside. I would check local mills and craigslist if you live in an area where cedar grows. There was a guy out of Oklahoma posting on the Dallas craigslist a couple of weeks ago with $1 a bdft ERC 2x material.

JoshuaHoffman · 07-01-2009, 07:45 AM

Hi, Larch/Tamarack..soft and durable outside. Locust...Hard, dense and heavy...available here in the northeast and elsewhere...image from some inventory purchased to build exterior deck around my house and poles for fencing to keep me on the property.

nelcatjar · 07-08-2009, 11:08 PM

Ipe
Wood Magazine, issue 192, Sep09, page 52. "4 Substitute Wood Products You Should Try".
For outdoor projects, try IPE (pronounced EE-pay). The article says it is a durable, insect-repellent, rot-resistant wood.

snowi · 07-09-2009, 12:57 AM

Price it out by using 2X4's to see if it would be cheaper.