[jmhomestuff]

Hi there,
I am very new at this and am trying to add a decorative element to my backyard. i have a cinder block wall, and my landscape guy tried attaching douglas fir 1x10x10. With two days of rain, they warped, split, and look awful. I have realized he doesn't know what he is doing and I am have to figure this out myself. Any suggestions of the right wood to use? He also was installing with nails, and not using cement glue.

I rally appreciate any suggestions and help.

 

[Steve Neul]

I wouldn't have put the boards directly on the block. I would have put furring strips on the blocks and then put western cedar on it.

 

[TimPa]

although there are some things the lanscape guy could've done to improve the installation, you are seeing a dramatized affect of weather and wood. Believe me I love wood, but the outdoors is never kind to wood, at least here in pa. I would have to want it pretty bad to make an outdoor wall of it, and be ready for maintenance.

 

[GeorgeC]

Your pictures are very hard to see because they are rotated.

Steve has it right. First use furring strips. Then hang the wood of choice. Even wit Western Cedar you are probably going to have some wood movement problems.

Was any protective finish used?

George

 

[willbess08]

how bout fir strips and then like a wooden lap siding made for exterior? My dad has cedar lap siding on his house (we're in western NC) and the house is dang near 30 years old, he's never had a bit of trouble. not big on exterior stuff but does the lap effect allow for some movement?

 

[against_the_grain]

Treated outdoor privacy fencing would have been my choice. These come in sections around 6 ft. wide and are already attached to "furring strips"

Doesn't hurt to apply some kind of outdoor waterproofer even if they are pressure treated. You could also paint the cinder block black or a dark color before attaching the fencing.

Important to have a furring strip (a gap) so moisture can weep away.

Or maybe just use some kind of stucco over the block in the color of your choice.