What Type of Exterior Wood for a Railing Is Paintable?

Pine

• Pine is a relatively soft, inexpensive wood. This makes it a popular choice for painted exterior railings. Its natural grain is not especially pronounced, so paint doesn't cover up any special natural beauty. Some pine is pressure treated, which makes it resistant to moisture and warping from temperature fluctuation. Pressure-treated wood can be painted just as untreated wood can be, though sanding it for smoothness releases chemicals that are dangerous to inhale, making it best to work with outdoors.

Cedar

• Cedar is a harder, more beautiful and more expensive material than pine for painted wood railings. Like cherry and redwood, cedar is a hardwood with a tight natural-grain pattern. You can maintain the grain pattern by using a stain in place of opaque latex or oil-based paint. Cedar is also resistant to rotting, which makes is an excellent choice for exterior railings, whether the wood is painted or stained.

Oak

• Oak is a common wood for furniture and interior trim, but it can also provide the base for a painted outdoor rail. Oak is similar to ash in that it features hard, dense areas and softer areas that will absorb pigment unless they are sealed first with a coat of primer. Priming wood rails before painting also adds another layer of protection against mold and rot. Each layer, from primer to paint to sealant, must be thin to prevent blistering and peeling.

Alternatives

• Not all exterior railings need to be made from wood. Fiberboard and plywood strips can produce lightweight, low-cost railings that will blend in with natural wood if both materials have the same type of paint applied. This provides an option for homeowners under budget constraints or with weight limits for their outdoor projects.