Wood species for exterior doors

[Peter Pedisich]

Hi,

I am in the purchasing phase of a new project, 2 exterior doors for my FIL.
A wood storm door for the house and a (ledged and braced) board & batten door for the barn.

I designed the storm door to be 1-1/8" thick (5/4?) and the barn door to have 7/8" thk (4/4?) beaded T&G boards and 1-1/8" thk battens.

What would you suggest for the wood? (cost is a big consideration)

Douglas Fir?
White Pine?
Yellow pine?

A local hardwood dealer told me he does not carry DF and he recommends Spanish Cedar, anyone work with this?

My big problem is that I do not have a planer so I have to have it milled for me or try to pick some good pcs of 5/4 DF from Lowes which is a last resort.
I realize having straight stock for a door is essential, so I'm a little concerned.

Thanks for any help!

[Richard Wolf]

Sounds like you have been talking to Alan and Zeke at J&A. Spanish cedar is an excellent wood for outdoor work. I'm using some now for an outside railing for my house.

Richard

[Peter Pedisich]

Richard,

J&A! yes.

How is it to work with spanish cedar? dust bother you? does it paint well?

Thanks,

Pete

[Richard Wolf]

It is a little dusty, like mahogany, and I haven't finished it yet, but I am planning on painting it also.

Richard

[chris toomey]

Richard,

J&A! yes.

How is it to work with spanish cedar? dust bother you? does it paint well?

Thanks,

Pete

the dust bothers me big time....even with dust mask and good dust collection

[Chris Fite]

Spanish Cedar is nice to work. A lot like mahogany for dust. Quite durable outdoors. Paints nicely, but you might want to fill the grain first.

[Mark Singer]

Cedar , Genuine mahogany, Ipe (heavy!)