Best timber for studs?

[TimPellet]

Which wood would you choose for a framing structure?

I'm going to build a deck that will later become a sunroom, and I'm planning to buy the wood at a local sawmill. The posts will likely be oak, as it wasn't too expensive and I think it will last very well.

Does it matter if the joists are made of spruce or pine? Initially, I was set on spruce since it's normal and common, but then I happened to read that oil and tar penetrate better into pine and thought that maybe it would be smarter? Maybe I should choose a completely different (cheap) type of wood?

Regardless of wood type, is there any problem using fresh wood for the framing structure?

Is it better with planed or unplaned? I will probably apply a coat of "roslagsmahogny" (linseed oil, turpentine, and tar) before setting it up.

Thanks!

 

[ArneTW]

The problem with fresh timber is that it has such a high moisture content that it shrinks quite a bit... Which can create some problems with tensions and cracks as a result.

/ATW

 

[TimPellet]

But if the timber will be outside anyway, it will get wet and dry alternately regardless, right?

A planed piece of wood seems like it would resist moisture better, but a sawn piece can be thicker at the same price. What's more worth it?

 

[ArneTW]

Well, wood that is outdoors and is somewhat sheltered/airy will be much drier than fresh wood even if it gets a little rain on it sometimes.

/ATW

 

[vectrex]

Are you planning to build a deck with untreated wood? How long do you intend for it to remain unprotected from precipitation?

 

[ArneTW]

Are you going to build a deck with non-pressure-treated wood? How long have you planned to leave it unprotected from precipitation?

Sure, pressure treatment is good for the most part, but the idea that high-quality wood treated with something like roslagsmahogny would rot and disappear in a few years is not entirely correct.

I would guess that if properly maintained, the lifespan would be at least as good... There are quite a few boats that have done well with roslagsmahogny...

Regards,
ATW

 

[vectrex]

Sure, pressure treatment is good for most things, but the idea that wood of good quality that has been treated with, for example, roslagsmahogny would rot and disappear in a few years is not entirely correct.
Best regards,
ATW

I haven't said (or even implied) that, have I?

 

[ArneTW]

I didn't say that (or even suggest it)?

That was probably an over-interpretation on my part, it happened when I read the question about unprotected from precipitation.

/ATW

 

[TimPellet]

The vision is that it will only stand unprotected for a year or so, but you never know how that goes . The lazy bug can kick in totally uncontrollably!

But even after the sunroom is finished, some timber will be quite exposed with just a sparse panel nailed on.

The posts will be oak, but for the outermost beams, I'm not really sure what to choose.

Is spruce or pine generally better in some way?