what kind of wood do I use to carve a sign for outdoors in the pacific northwest?

Question

I've been asked to carve a sign for a business near Seattle. The wood would have to withstand our rain and wind. Would Cedar work, or is there something better? and what would I finish it with?

Answer 1

Go with your instincts ... cedar.
no need to finish it .

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

I would say if you can afford the higher cost use Azek or Koma as they are poly or PVC type boards that are made to be outside with no maintenance for many years. The Azek and Koma can but cut or carved with power tools just like wood. Then you will just need some paint to add color to the carving. Any wood will require maintenance

Answer 4

I think Cedar is one of the best. Some people use stains or paint the letters and varnish everywhere. Personally I like the weathered look. Edensaw Woods in Port Townsend has all kind of exotic woods, they could advise you well. 1 360 385-7878

Answer 5

if you plan to leave the sign unfinished, then cedar or redwood will hold up to your harsh environment better. however if you plan to finish your project, then wood choice is not as critical, more so the finish you choose.bass wood has a predictable, almost nonexistant, grain which is very easy to carve. mahogany also has a grain structure that lends itself to carving, and also has a natural ability to withstand the weather. however it's at the upper end of the price scale.

Answer 6

Walnut or Mahogany - but that would be very expensive. So you might just want to go with Redwood.

The website below is from a wood artist in the Seattle area, I think. Their wood projects are absolutely beautiful.

Answer 7

There is a neigbor here that carves lawn ornaments like bears, mushrooms, and other animals. He uses soft wood like popular , pine , or spruce becuase it is easier to carve detailed shapes and results in a better looking carveing. I know these woods are not the best for damp outdoor conditions. He uses stains and sealers made for decks. They seem to hold up for more than ten years this way.

Answer 8

I vote for all-heart redwood (not the lighter-colored sapwood). I would finish it with several coats of boiled linseed oil.

But then again, I live in Texas and it hasn't (really) rained here since 1998 so I may be unqualified to answer a Seattle question.

Answer 9

My buddy makes these outdoor signs. Now he works with me @carpenters shop inc. com. He used Mangaris and Epay not sure on its spelling, are best . Teak is an outdoor wood. Redwood,Mahogany,spanish cedar,and Cedar are good choices choose which color you like and there you have it,Walnut is really not great outdoors! i use regular epifanes marine grade wood finish. they are grea.t epifanes.com free shipping!

Answer 10

Cedar or Redwood. Either will work fine. Both stand up to all kinds of weather conditions.

Answer 11

The 2 most common types of wood signs are Vinyl letter laminated MDO plywood sometimes referred to as "sign board". It is a treated plywood with a laminated face. But they only look good for about 6 months. The other is a manufactured plank of redwood. Usually 2"x2" boards laminated together to size. The reason for the laminating is to prevent warping due to weather. A plank of redwood would work fine but tends to twist after a couple winters. These redwood signs are lettered(designed) by either sandblasting through a rubber masking with letters cut out of masking, or routed out with a digital router. There is no reason not to hand carve this type of sign if that is what is wanted it simply isn't cost effective in the trade. The reason redwood is used is for exactly the same reason you use it to build a deck. It lasts longer in the weather longer and resists bug infestation. Well it also looks good sandblasted. The redwood signs are most often used in a historical district if you would like to go see some possibilities.