outside architectural

[frogwood]

I am making balusters for porches. Normally I make them in wood for painting. Someone wants them in a synthetic/plastic so they do not have to paint them forever. I can do pvc. I am concerned about the cut edges which do not have the hard surface like the face. Wondering if this will get dirty or attract mildew. Does anyone else have suggestions for other materials that would be white and not require painting? Any other issues with pvc? Balusters will be 5.5 x 30 inches and have scrolled inside and outside cuts.

Thanks

[jerry_stanek]

Have you thought about composite decking

[bleeth]

I think he is looking for thinner and wider material. One quick thought, of course, is starboard or similar. Didn't Don also recently post a manufacturer that made colored sheets of recycled composite material like what is used for the deck planks? The rep is up the road from me in Florida but the name of the company is escaping me.

Just found the thread:
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17305

[jerry_stanek]

I have some composite decking that is 6" wide he only needs 5.5 wide

[CNYDWW]

EPVC (expanded pvc) will have a porous edge and may collect dirt and or mildew . If you paint the edges of a good exterior spray paint it will seal it up quite well. The attached pics are cut from different colors of 5/8" thick composite decking trim board.

Regards.

Randy

[frogwood]

What is the name or type of material that you see used to make the plastic
Adirondack chairs??????? Perhaps this is the same or similar to the decking materials.

Thanks for everyones input.

[joe]

Fiteen years ago, perhaps even longer, I made the posts on this sign from decking materials. It was approx 1" thick. When I found out there wasn't a glue for it, I screwed everything together.

Wouldn't you know, the client didn't like the color so I had to paint it. Everyone cautioned me but it had to be done. I used Kills for a primer and latex on top of that. Still looks good. I may circle by and take an up to date photo. I'm still amazed it worked.

O by the way, the decking materials were screwed to a 4"X4" treated. Those posts weighed 6 or 7 tons. Perhaps even more. I never did it again.

Joe Crumley
www.normansignco.com