Sustainable Lumber for Exterior Use?

[Hans Baumann]

Does anyone know of a good resource that covers the most sustainable choices for exterior lumber?  I’d like to avoid specing tropical hardwoods if possible (even if they are FSC-certified). 

[Mark Storie]

Hi Hans, I am not sure what you mean by “most sustainable choice” of lumber – Here are a few contacts for reclaimed wood suppliers in the US:

Duluth Timber Co. They deal primarily with large reclaimed timbers and flooring. Mostly native soft and hardwood species. http://duluthtimber.com/ –

TerraMai – They have a large selection of reclaimed woods from exocotic hardwoods from around the world to native hardwood and softwood species. http://www.terramai.com/defaultnew.aspx?

Hope that helps.

[Tosh K]

What are your criteria? 

A lot of suppliers offering thermally treated woods with some doing the process domestically (rather than shipping it out to the Baltic and back) – the ash supply seems to be from the trees cut down for borer infestation so may be a good choice.

[Craig Richmond, RLA]

I sat in on a presentation for this product earlier this year. From what I understand they can finish the wood to look like tropical wood. It’s preserved with a non-toxic vinegar solution and is supposed to last a good while even when used in contact with soil. I haven’t had the opportunity to use yet, but I’m curious to see how it performs. Check it out: http://www.accoya.com

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