I'm currently evaluating materials for a backyard pergola and was shocked to find that Western cedar is priced at $16 per board foot! I'm considering Paulownia wood, which I found for just $6 a board foot. Has anyone here used Paulownia for outdoor projects, specifically pergolas? How well does it hold up? I also stumbled upon an article discussing Paulownia as a potential cedar alternative. Any insights would be appreciated!
3 Answers
Just curious, but how clear is the cedar you're looking at? I wouldn't expect those prices for anything below all clear. Maybe sourcing locally can save you a bit?
Wow, that Western cedar price is crazy! Have you looked into other options like quarter-sawn white oak? It's often cheaper and more durable.
I'm in the lumber industry, and while I haven't used Paulownia directly, I've heard it's tricky to work with. If you’re looking for something similar to cedar, Cypress could be a solid choice. It's available at a much better price and can be really nice depending on the grade!
That’s good to know! Cypress sounds interesting. Do you think it would hold up as well as cedar in an outdoor setting?
Definitely worth checking local sawyers and lumber yards! I found some better deals that way.