The Best Wood to Use on Exterior Porch Columns

Mahogany

• Mahogany is an exotic wood that, due to its properties, is best for outdoor use. It is naturally resistant to insect damage and impervious to water. It is a beautiful wood that is free of knots and never needs to be sealed. However, it also has several disadvantages. It is one of the most expensive woods and many mahogany species are endangered.

Oak

• The beautiful grain of oak makes it a popular wood to use for decorative reasons, but is also a strong, hardy wood perfect for exterior use. Oak will change in color over time. Oak can fade in direct sunlight and may be prone to darken naturally as time passes.

Redwood

• Redwood is easier to work with than other hardwoods and provides a beautiful aesthetic to your exterior porch columns. It never has to be sealed or stained. Redwood can also be used inside the home, creating a consistent transition from the porch to the heart of the home. Among the disadvantages of redwood: it susceptible to moisture, and as a softer wood it can easily be damaged by dents and scratches.

Tips

• Overall, the best wood to use for an exterior porch column is particular to your home design and requires the proper maintenance. If you are planning on painting your porch columns, the best wood for your porch columns is a wood that takes paint well such as pine or cedar. If you are using hollow columns, you will need to vent the columns by drilling small holes in the top and bottom of the column. Be sure to add a screened material over the hole to keep pests out of the column.