Ever wondered what wood is best for your exterior columns? Let’s journey together to uncover the mystery, ensuring your porch stands sturdy and stylish for years to come!
Exterior wood columns do a great job in terms of strength, functionality, and aesthetic look.
They support the roof over the porch that is open-air or closed. Also, they play a major role to improve the appearance of your beautiful home.
There are many types of exterior columns you can go with for different home styles.
If you’re looking for a wood column, the first question that comes up to your mind is what material should I use for exterior columns or porch posts.
After years of making different types of exterior columns and porch posts, here’s what I know about, the Best Wood For Exterior Columns,
Birch, Mahogany, White or red oak, Poplar, Cherry, Maple, Redwood, Cedar, Douglas fir, Yellow pine, and Spruce are the best wood for exterior columns. Most woods are perfect for exterior columns as long as they can support roof weight, consist of quality wood grades, and have an aesthetic look and style.
But that’s just a quick glimpse.
There are different types of exterior wood columns you can select that fit best according to your budget and finality.
Wood, fiberglass, vinyl, aluminum, and brick are the most popular types of exterior columns.
They differ in color, fee, price, lifespan, and custom options. But, if you love the natural aesthetic look, the wood exterior column is the best option for you.
In this article, I’ll dive deep into the best wood for exterior columns with the pros and cons of each,
Plus, I’ll discuss the types of exterior columns and wood types that suit them perfectly, the best wood to warp exterior columns, and how to protect exterior wood columns.
Below I have discussed in-depth the 11 best wood for exterior columns.
Just keep reading!
First of all, let’s give a quick look at what are the exterior columns and the benefits of using wood for making them.
What are Exterior Wood Columns?
Exterior wood columns, also known as pillars, are a prominent feature in architecture and structural engineering.
They’re primarily used as supporting structures, transmitting the weight of the structure above, like a porch or deck roof, down to the other structural elements below.
However, these columns offer so much more than mere support – they add significant aesthetic value to properties and are a quintessential element of many architectural designs.
A Blend of Function and Style
Exterior wood columns are versatile. They are excellent supporting structures, capable of bearing a substantial amount of weight for many years without faltering.
For example, consider a traditional home with a wide porch and roof.
The weight of this porch roof needs to be evenly distributed to ensure the structure’s longevity, and this is where exterior wood columns come into play.
But beyond their structural role, these columns also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of a property.
Take a leisurely stroll around any neighborhood with historic or traditional homes, and you’ll likely spot several with beautifully crafted wooden columns adorning their front porches.
These homes exemplify the blending of function and style that wood columns can offer.
The Variety and Durability of Wood Columns
The variety in designs and types of exterior wood columns is vast, catering to different architectural styles and individual preferences.
You can find them in different shapes, such as round, octagonal, square, or rectangular.
They can be made from several types of wood, including birch, red or white oak, mahogany, and Douglas fir, each carrying its unique grain patterns and colors.
Moreover, wood columns are durable. They can withstand harsh weather conditions and, with the right care and maintenance, can last for many decades.
Some wood types, such as cedar, redwood, cypress, and teak, possess excellent moisture-repelling properties, making them a great choice for areas with wet climates.
The Role of Wood Columns in Home Decor
Apart from the technical side, exterior wood columns are a canvas for creativity and personal expression.
Many homeowners enjoy the opportunity to customize their columns with flourishes and accents that add to the property’s exterior aesthetic.
For example, basic vertical beam-style columns give clean lines that blend well with matching banisters, railings, and other features, especially for homes with lots of ornamentation.
On the other hand, multi-level exterior wood posts for double-decker porches create a visually striking impact, making the building appear taller and cleaner.
Other styles to consider include buttress-style porch posts, twin column porch posts, stately design exterior wood posts, Victorian porch posts, and colonial wood post front porch style.
As you can see, exterior wood columns serve as an integral part of the structural and aesthetic framework of homes, particularly those with porches and decks.
Their blend of strength, versatility, and visual appeal makes them an excellent choice for any homeowner seeking to add a touch of classic elegance to their property.
Benefits of Using Wood Columns for Porch
Using wood columns for your porch comes with a plethora of benefits.
Not only do they add a touch of classic elegance to your home, but they also serve as a robust and reliable support structure.
Let’s delve deeper into the many advantages of using wood columns.
Durability and Longevity
One of the foremost benefits of wood columns is their durability.
When properly treated and maintained, wood columns can last for decades, even in the face of adverse weather conditions.
The durability of wood varies depending on the type – for example, teak, cedar, and cypress are particularly well-suited for outdoor use due to their natural resistance to moisture and pests.
Take a moment to imagine a hundred-year-old house you may have seen, standing tall with its original porch columns, bearing the weight of all those years. It’s a testament to the strength and resilience of wood.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Wood columns undoubtedly add a touch of natural beauty and elegance to any porch.
Their classic look can complement a wide range of architectural styles, from traditional and rustic to modern and minimalist.
The unique grain patterns and rich colors of wood also allow for a high degree of customization.
You can choose from a variety of finishes, or even leave the wood in its natural state for a more rustic look.
Furthermore, wood columns can be intricately carved or kept simple and sleek, depending on your personal taste and the overall design of your home.
Easy to Work With
Wood is one of the easiest materials to work with, and this extends to wood columns.
They can be cut, carved, and shaped in a multitude of ways to match your desired aesthetic.
If your porch requires a unique shape or design for the columns, wood is an excellent choice.
Versatility
Wood columns can adapt to any architectural style and can complement almost any other building material.
Whether your home features a brick facade, stone accents, or vinyl siding, wood columns can be integrated seamlessly.
Take, for example, a brick home with a wooden deck – adding wooden columns not only strengthens the deck structure but also bridges the gap between the two materials, creating a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic.
Eco-Friendly
Finally, wood is an environmentally friendly choice.
It’s a renewable resource, and responsibly-sourced wood can contribute to sustainable forestry practices.
Furthermore, wood requires less energy to process than steel or concrete, leading to lower carbon emissions.
Now you know what are exterior columns and the benefits of using wood as a material for making columns for your porch.
Now get into the hot topic of the best wood for exterior columns and discuss them in detail.
Just keep reading.
Best Wood for Exterior Columns – Top 11 Picks
1. Birch
If you’re looking for a comparatively high stable exterior wood column, Birch is the wood you should go with. Birch is highly stable and high-density hardwood, that is perfect for porch, square, rectangular, or round exterior columns.
Even though birch is not the hardest wood, it has great properties in terms of durability.
The straight strain with pores and waves adds a unique look with fine grain.
Birch is great for high-end exterior columns. It is heavier than most other hardwoods and softwoods that can use for exterior columns.
Most importantly, the aesthetic look of birch wood adds a great aesthetic rich look to your exterior columns and improves the appearance of your home. The stain and finish birch wood are available in different styles and colors.
Birch is a strong heavy wood with rot-resistant capability and knots free nature.
The Janka hardness value for birch is 1260, which is a great rating to build an exterior wood column.
As a full-time woodworker, birch is undoubtedly one of the best modern-looking wood I’ve ever worked with.
Pros and Cons of Birch Wood for Exterior Columns
So, let’s talk about the pros and cons of birch to build an exterior column.
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong and Durable | No weather resistance |
| Aesthetic grain and modern look | No moisture resistance |
| Less expensive | Crack and warp easily in dry conditions |
| High workability (finishing is easy) | No shear and wear resistance |
| Easy to work with | Easily damage from insects |
| Natural decay resistance |
Because of being significant decay resistance property, it is useful to increase the lifetime of your exterior columns.
2. Mahogany
Mahogany is one of the best wood for high-end exterior wood columns. Mahogany is a popular choice for round, octagon, square, or rectangular exterior columns.
When we are considering exterior wood columns, the first thing we need to focus on is the water resistivity of the wood.
So, in terms of water resistance, mahogany has a great water-resistant ability. It stands so well against moisture and water than most other types of wood.
Therefore, the durability of mahogany exterior columns is also high. This is why mahogany is one of the best and strongest woods for exterior columns.
I can highly recommend mahogany for exterior columns any day. Its great water resistance is also one reason to become relatively expensive than most other woods.
Mahogany is durable and attractive hardwood but difficult to handle. Not light in weight.
Therefore, I mostly recommend mahogany only for professionals and woodworkers, not for beginners.
Mahogany exterior columns add a classical look to space with their unique reddish-brown color. Strength and stability are also extremely high.
Because of those rich high-level qualities, mahogany is an expensive wood type. No other wood can replace mahogany in terms of the rich look it gives to your exterior columns.
The Janka hardness value for Mahogany is 800, which is a great hardwood to build an exterior wood column.
Pros and Cons of Mahogany Wood for Exterior Columns
So let’s discuss the pros and cons of mahogany you face when making exterior columns.
| Pros | Cons |
| High water resistance | Difficult to handle |
| High durability | Expensive |
| High strength | Hard to find |
| Rich reddish-brown color | Heavyweight |
| Rot-resistant | Darken over time |
| Hold paint and polish great |
As you can see the advantages of mahogany wood have a clear win over its disadvantages. This makes it a great option to make exterior columns.
3. Red or White Oak
Oak is known as one of the most popular woods for exterior columns. It has great sturdy and strength. Oakwood has good dimensional stability and durability.
So, the shape and size won’t be changed so easily even under harsh and extreme weather conditions if your exterior wood columns are made with red or white oak wood.
With proper maintenance, an oak exterior column will last for a long. Red and white oak are the two most common oak available in the market.
They have white to brown. The growth rings of white oak add dramatic beautiful light and dark tone to the wood.
Red oak has a Janka rating of 1260 and red oak has 1360, which are pretty good and able to hold any load with good strength.
Both white and red oak has great durability and strength, which can improve the appearance of your home in a unique way.
If you’re afraid of using red oak for this outdoor use of making exterior columns, read my latest guide about, using red oak for outdoor use!
When we look at the finishing of oak wood exterior columns, they are excellent.
With proper finishing, you’ll be able to get weather-resistant exterior columns in any color you want.
It can easily take sawing, screws, nails which are useful for doing DIY.
Oakwood exterior columns can support roof weight, consist of good quality wood grades, and have an aesthetic look and style.
Pros and Cons of Oak Wood for Exterior Columns
Hereby I have summarized the pros and cons of oak wood important in making exterior columns.
| Pros | Cons |
| Sturdy and Stability | Difficult to move |
| High durability | Darken over time |
| Easy to finish and stain | Cracks and shrinkage can occur with poor maintenance |
| High strength | Expensive |
| Finishing is easy with any color | |
| Fire resistant | |
| Wear-resistant |
4. Poplar
Poplar is a great choice for exterior columns. Poplar wood is stronger than any softwood, but when it comes to hardwoods, poplar wood is not stronger than most hardwoods.
The most important thing poplar wood has then other hardwoods is its workability. Because of being softer than most hardwoods, it takes manipulation with a lather, saw, and router as well.
But before making an exterior column with poplar make sure to sharpen your woodworking tools well, because poplar wood easily tears when cutting if they aren’t sharpened properly.
Even though poplar wood is known as hardwood, it is softer than most of hardwood with a Janka rating of 800.
Therefore, the durability and strength of poplar could be a little less, and we can sort it out with proper finishing techniques.
So, if you’re going to use poplar to make exterior columns, focus more on its finishing than any other.
Poplar wood exterior columns need regular maintenance to keep them nice and clean for long enough. Also, make sure to keep your exterior column dry. Otherwise, moisture can damage the wood so easily.
Pros and Cons of Poplar Wood for Exterior Columns
I have researched and listed down some advantages and disadvantages of poplar wood as exterior column making.
| Pros | Cons |
| Uniform texture | Painting is a bit difficult and needs more paint |
| Lightweight | Require maintenance frequently |
| Inexpensive | Scratch and dent easily |
| Hardwood |
5. Cherry
The beautiful reddish-brown texture of cherry wood adds a unique aesthetic look to your exterior column. Cherry is a popular choice among woodworkers due to its great workability.
The finishing properties of cherry wood are great in making exterior columns with excellent gluing, nailing, polishing, and screwing.
If you are a beginner in woodworking cherry is the best option for you to make exterior columns because of being easy to work.
But in terms of hardness, Cherry wood has a less dense Janka hardness rating of 950.
But in my experience, cherry wood has good strength and has a good appearance to be a good option for exterior columns.
Pros and Cons of Cherry Wood for Exterior Columns
Hereby I have summarized some pros and cons of cherry wood in terms of making exterior columns.
| Pros | Cons |
| Good finishing properties | Expensive |
| Beautiful reddish-brown texture | Scratch and dent easily |
| Lightweight | |
| High workability | |
| Give nice appearance to your home |
6. Maple
Maple is the least expensive wood type you can go for making exterior columns. Even though it’s cheap, maple has great qualities for the price.
It is durable and appealing wood which can add a new unique look. Overall maple is strong high-quality hardwood.
The creamy color of sapwood with a slight pink brownish tingle makes the maple wood more attractive and modern.
Because of being affordability and great physical qualities, I highly recommend maple wood for beginners in woodworking in making exterior columns.
But maple is a bit difficult to work because of lack of tools and proper caring is pretty much important to keep the column lifelong.
The Janka hardness value of maple wood is 1450 and that is also an indication of strong hardwood.
In my experience, making an exterior column with maple wood is so satisfying because of its creamy soft color tone.
Pros and Cons of Maple Wood for Exterior Columns
Here are some pros and cons of maple wood-making exterior columns.
| Pros | Cons |
| Very affordable | No weather resistance |
| Durable and strong | Easily damage from insects and bugs |
| Moisture resistant than most other woods | No, wear or tear resistance |
| Beautiful creamy color tone | Heavyweight |
| Resistant to shrinkage and warping |
7. Redwood
Redwood is a popular wood that can go with any type of woodworking project. Because of its great qualities, redwood is ideal for exterior columns as well.
High durability adds attractive eye-catching grain will add a unique look to the house.
The only issue that I have noticed with redwood is, it dents and scratches more easily than any other wood.
But you can skip it by applying a good finisher or sealer after proper sanding.
Most importantly, redwood does not have any bad chemicals or fumes that are harmful to humans and animals.
The high weather resistance of redwood is quite important because exterior wood columns belong to the outdoors. The natural decay-resistant ability is also an added advantage of redwood.
The Janka hardness value of redwood is 3190 and it is the hardest wood you can go for making exterior columns.
Pros and Cons of Redwood for Exterior Columns
Here are some pros and cons of redwood for making exterior columns.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable | Scratch and dent easily |
| Nontoxic | Heavy |
| High strength and sturdy | Hard to move |
| High durability | |
| High weather resistant |
8. Cedar
To get the aesthetic look you want, cedarwood is the best wood you should go with. The pinkish-red color texture of cedarwood adds a new look to your house.
Cedar has good finishing properties and good workability compared to other wood types.
Because of its workability and lightweight, cedarwood is great for a beginner in woodworking to make exterior columns.
Also, cedar is known as one of the most durable and rot-resistant woods for outdoor use.
This is important because we’re going to make exterior woodwork. It is also resistant to weather and moisture as well.
Because of having a porous structure, cedarwood absorbs oils and chemicals so easily, that can cause discoloration.
So, highly recommend applying a sealer coating to keep the column last long.
Janka’s hardness value of cedarwood is 320, a low value because of being a softwood. But this doesn’t mean cedar wood is strong enough.
Pros and Cons of Cedar Wood for Exterior Columns
Hereby I have summarized some pros and cons of cedar wood in terms of making exterior columns.
| Pros | Cons |
| High durability | Low dense |
| Rot and decay-resistant | Regular maintenance |
| Moisture resistant | |
| Weather-resistant | |
| Beautiful texture | |
| Not expensive | |
| High workability | |
| Lightweight | |
| Versatile wood |
9. Douglas fir
Douglas fir is a great wood for the exterior column in terms of economy and paint grade.
If you’re low on budget or seeking a cheap option, Douglas fir is a good option with nice finishing properties.
Douglas fir is durable and strong, but not strong as hardwoods. Most importantly it has good weather resistance, and it is useful for exterior column making.
Douglas fir has low shrinkage and warp. It can withstand even harsh eater conditions without any defects. It shows great qualities in strength-wise as well.
Douglas fir is resistant to fungus and insect attacks, which is pretty much useful until we apply the finishing coat over the wood.
Because of being softwood, Douglas fir is lightweight and easy to handle and move. This makes Douglas fir an excellent choice for beginners in woodworking.
Because of having coarse texture, it is difficult to work with hand tools.
Pros and Cons of Douglas Fir for Exterior Columns
Here are some pros and cons of Douglas fir making exterior columns.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight | Discoloration over time |
| High workability | Difficult to work with hand tools |
| Resistant to insect and fungus attacks | |
| Low shrinkage and warping | |
| Cheap |
10. Yellow pine
Yellow pine is a highly available wood in many lumber markets which is great for exterior column make. It is cheap and has great qualities
Yellow pine is a softwood and easy to handle and cut. Therefore, its machinability and workability are so good. Pleasant grain of yellow pine is easy to work with.
There are no bad chemicals and fumes inside the yellow pine and safety is high. Finishing is a must for yellow pine to protect it from moisture, cracks, and dents.
Most importantly, yellow pine won’t swell, shrink or change dimensions in hot and cold temperatures. Yellow pinewood exterior columns can withstand rain, heat, and anything else so easily.
Pros and Cons of Yellow Pine for Exterior Columns
Here are some pros and cons of yellow pine-making exterior columns.
| Pros | Cons |
| High workability | Less durability |
| High availability | Need regular maintenance |
| Can withstand harsh weather conditions |
11. Spruce
Spruce is a top-quality wood for porch columns. Spruce is an affordable and cheap wood type similar to Douglas fir.
Spruce has the ability to withstand the rigors of weight and weather.
It is a paint-grade wood and supports roof weight, consists of good quality wood grades, and has an aesthetic look and style.
Spruce softwood has a dull appearance and is available more exclusively than pine.
Pros and Cons of Spruce Wood for Exterior Columns
Here are some pros and cons of spruce-making exterior columns.
| Pros | Cons |
| High strength | Low weather resistance |
| Easy to handle | Low weather resistance |
| Dries quickly | Easily get damaged by insects and bugs |
| High durability |
Congrats folks! Now you know the best wood for exterior columns by taking the best 11 kinds of wood.
Now you have a good idea about each type of wood and what matches your home perfectly according to its properties.
Since you already know the best wood for exterior columns, I know now you’re confused about picking the one that matches you the most.
Don’t worry, I’ll help you with finding the one that suits your preferences.
How to Select the Right Wood for Exterior Porch Posts
Choosing the right type of wood for your exterior porch posts can seem like a challenging task, but it doesn’t have to be.
By understanding the various types of wood and their unique characteristics, you can make a choice that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable and long-lasting.
So let’s break it down and help you make that decision.
Consider the Climate
The first thing to consider when selecting wood for exterior porch posts is your local climate.
If you live in an area that experiences high humidity, heavy rainfall, or extreme temperature fluctuations, you’ll want to opt for a type of wood that can withstand these conditions.
Cedar, for instance, is a fantastic option for humid climates due to its inherent resistance to moisture and rot.
On the other hand, if you live in a drier climate, a softer wood like pine might be an appropriate choice.
Remember that a good sealant can greatly enhance the longevity of your wood posts, regardless of the type of wood you choose.
Durability and Longevity
As mentioned earlier, the durability of your porch posts is a key consideration.
Woods such as redwood, cedar, and teak are known for their natural resistance to decay and insects, making them great options for outdoor use.
One of my close friends, Mike, renovated his porch with redwood columns, and even after 10 years, they look as fabulous as they did on day one.
Just goes to show, choosing the right wood can save you from frequent replacements.
Aesthetic Preferences
While strength and durability are certainly paramount, you’ll also want to consider the aesthetic appeal of the wood.
Different types of wood have varying colors, grains, and textures that can significantly influence the look and feel of your porch.
For a warm, rustic aesthetic, woods such as cedar or pine can be an excellent choice. If you prefer a more exotic look, teak or mahogany with their rich, dark colors might be the right choice.
Budget
Your budget will naturally play a role in your decision. While hardwoods like teak and mahogany are extremely durable and beautiful, they are also more expensive.
Softer woods like pine and fir are generally more affordable, but they may not last as long in harsh outdoor conditions, even with proper treatment.
That said, many people find the cost savings worth the potential need for more frequent maintenance or replacement.
Availability
Finally, keep in mind the availability of the wood. Some types of wood may be harder to find depending on your location.
If you’re sourcing your wood locally, it’s a good idea to check with your local lumber yards or home improvement stores to see what they have in stock.
Best Wood to Wrap Porch Posts
Cedar, Redwood, Pinewood, Teak and Composite wood are the best wood to warp exterior columns because of their great weather resistance and stability.
Let’s have a look at them in detail to learn more about wrapping exterior columns
Cedar: Natural Beauty and Durability
When I first decided to wrap my porch posts, cedar was my top choice.
Not only is cedar remarkably beautiful with its rich, warm tones and straight grain, but it’s also highly durable.
Cedar is naturally resistant to decay, insects, and even moisture, making it an excellent choice for exterior applications.
Redwood: An Eco-friendly Choice
Redwood is another fantastic option for wrapping porch posts.
It’s similar to cedar in terms of durability and resistance to rot and pests, but it has a slightly different aesthetic appeal with its vibrant, reddish tones.
Plus, it’s an eco-friendly choice since redwood trees grow faster than many other types of trees, so using redwood can help sustain our precious forests.
Pine: Affordability and Availability
If you’re on a budget, pine can be an excellent choice.
It’s less expensive than cedar or redwood but still offers decent durability when properly treated.
It’s also widely available, so it’s usually not difficult to find.
My neighbor Sarah wrapped her porch posts with pine and with a little stain and sealant, they look simply gorgeous.
Teak: A Luxurious Option
If budget isn’t a concern and you’re looking for a luxurious option, consider teak.
This hardwood is incredibly strong, highly resistant to decay, and has a unique golden-brown color that can bring a touch of elegance to your porch.
Remember my friend Mike with the redwood columns? His brother, John, went for teak, and the result is stunning – but it does come with a heftier price tag.
Composite Wood: The Modern Alternative
Composite wood is a modern, synthetic material that’s becoming increasingly popular for outdoor applications.
It’s made from a combination of wood fibers and plastic, resulting in a material that’s very durable and requires little maintenance.
It’s also available in a wide range of colors and textures, allowing you to mimic the appearance of different types of wood.
What are the Best Woods for Outdoor Porch Columns?
Poplar, Mahogany, Oak, Pine, Maple, and Redwood are the best wood for outdoor porch columns.
Read to find out the way of protecting redwood exterior columns from elements!
Apart from them, any other wood that I have discussed earlier is also great for outdoor porch columns. They have great durability, strength, and good weather resistance as well.
So, let’s dig into frequently asked questions about exterior wood columns.
FAQs
What type of wood is most commonly used for exterior columns?
Cedar and redwood are the most commonly used types of wood for exterior columns due to their natural resistance to rot and insects, as well as their appealing aesthetics.
Is composite wood a good choice for exterior columns?
Yes, composite wood is an excellent choice for exterior columns as it offers high durability, requires little maintenance, and is available in a variety of colors and textures.
Why is teak considered a luxurious option for exterior columns?
Teak is considered a luxurious option due to its unique golden-brown color, high strength, and exceptional resistance to decay, making it a superior but more expensive choice for exterior columns.
Can I use pine for my exterior porch columns?
Yes, you can use pine for your exterior porch columns; it’s an affordable and widely available option, but it needs to be properly treated to improve its durability for outdoor use.
How can I protect my wood columns from weather and insects?
To protect your wood columns from weather and insects, it’s essential to apply a weather-resistant stain or sealant, which not only enhances the wood’s natural defenses but also brings out its natural beauty.
Can I wrap my existing porch posts with new wood?
Yes, Wrapping your existing porch posts with new wood can enhance the aesthetic appeal and provide an extra layer of protection against the elements.
Is it necessary to hire a professional to install wood columns?
While you can install wood columns yourself if you’re handy, hiring a professional is often recommended to ensure the columns are installed correctly and safely, especially for larger or more complex projects.
How to Prevent Wood Porch Columns from Rotting?
Preventing wood porch columns from rotting can be achieved by using a high-quality, water-resistant sealant, ensuring good air circulation around the columns, and regularly checking for signs of damage or infestation.
How much does a wood column cost?
The cost of a wood column can greatly vary based on the type of wood used, the size of the column, and any intricate detailing or design. On average, you might expect to pay anywhere from $100 to several hundred dollars per column.
What wood lasts the longest outdoors?
Hardwoods like teak, ipe, or white oak tend to last the longest outdoors due to their natural resistance to decay and insect damage.
Are vinyl columns good?
Yes, vinyl columns are a good option. They are durable, low maintenance, and resistant to weathering, insects, and rot, although they don’t offer the same natural look as wood.
What is the best wood for exterior beams?
For exterior beams, cedar and redwood are often considered the best choices due to their durability, resistance to insects and decay, and attractive appearance.
Can pressure-treated wood be used for exterior columns?
Yes, pressure-treated wood can be used for exterior columns. It’s a cost-effective choice that has been treated to resist decay, insects, and weathering, making it a solid option for outdoor use.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Wood for Exterior Columns?
In this article, we have mainly discussed the 11 best wood for exterior columns with their physical and mechanical properties.
The best woods for exterior columns are cedar and redwood due to their natural resistance to decay and insects. Other good choices include teak for its exceptional durability and pine, which is cost-effective but needs to be properly treated for outdoor use.
In summary, the advantages and disadvantages of each type of wood are also discussed.
Even though there are some disadvantages, every wood that I have described in this article is great for exterior columns.
You just have to select one of them which matches your wishes perfectly.
Ultimately, I have answered frequently asked questions as well.
Plus, I have specified some wood types you can definitely give a try to make exterior columns especially if you’re a beginner.
I hope by reviewing each type of wood one by one, now you can get an idea or take the final decision of your personal best wood for exterior columns without any issue.
