The three most widely available and suitable exterior lumber choices not treated with chemical preservatives include western red cedar redwood and cypress.
Best wood for porch beams.
These have the highest resistance to rot over time.
Its color ranges from light red to pale yellow.
The best wood to use on exterior porch columns.
This soft wood splinters easily but holds up well in rain sun heat and cold.
Western red cedar is reddish brown.
It is one of the most abundant wood species in north america and is one of the most popular choices for timber framing.
Naturally resistant woods that are commercially available include black locust robinia pseudoacacia teak tectona grandis ipe tabebuia spp california redwood sequoia sempervirens and bald cypress taxodium distichum.
Janka ratings relate directly to the density or hardness of a wood.
The wood you choose should have an excellent resistance to decay and cedar is one such wood.
Fir is an excellent wood for highly finished post beam frames and commercial work because of its strength and beautiful grain.
Within a few years the cedar ages to a silvery gray.
In addition to their beauty tropical hardwoods are sought after for their density and resilience to the elements.
Redwood for example is widely available and used in the western united states.
Your geographic location will determine the availability and cost of these materials.