Hi All,
I've been lurking for a few months now and absorbing the wealth of knowledge in the forums. I decided it's time to contribute my efforts. My exterior wood was heavily weathered and needing to be replaced. Splits, cracks and raised grain precluded a refinish and I wanted a low maintenance option.
I found this product at a local Big Box store:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/ChoiceDek-...-6-ft-Actual-1-47-in-x-3-41-in-x-6-ft/4642699
It ripped on the table saw and cut on the mitre saw very easily. Routing the groove for the crib board guides and sliding top rails was a "bit" of a challenge. I used low cost bits from Harbor Freight which dulled rapidly. Some quality bits from Lowes finished the job.
You'll notice I changed the teak handrail for stainless in the process:
https://www.amazon.com/Boat-Handrail-Grab-Handle-Flared/dp/B01LYED3P4/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1505852354&sr=1-1&keywords=Boat+Handrail+/+Grab+Rail+Handle+15"+Flared+Base+-+Marine+316+Stainless+Steel+Hand+Rails
I had four loop grab rails with two bolts and three screws. Of course the holes on the stainless handles didn't line up, so I reused each end bolt hole and drilled two new holes. Finally, I tried out this two-part epoxy from Jamestown Distributors to fill the extra holes.
The slow hardener gave about 90 mins working time at 70 degree ambient. Way to long for this application. Lesson learned.
Oh yeah, a healthy dose of butyl tape around each fastener for waterproofing. That tip is via $tingySailor! This project improved the look and solved most of my leaks at the same time. The material comes in 3 colors, the Beach House Grey was in stock at my store and I kinda like the patina. Hopefully the composite will be low maintenance. Nice project for a couple of weekend's work.
Cheers
KBG
I've been lurking for a few months now and absorbing the wealth of knowledge in the forums. I decided it's time to contribute my efforts. My exterior wood was heavily weathered and needing to be replaced. Splits, cracks and raised grain precluded a refinish and I wanted a low maintenance option.
I found this product at a local Big Box store:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/ChoiceDek-...-6-ft-Actual-1-47-in-x-3-41-in-x-6-ft/4642699
It ripped on the table saw and cut on the mitre saw very easily. Routing the groove for the crib board guides and sliding top rails was a "bit" of a challenge. I used low cost bits from Harbor Freight which dulled rapidly. Some quality bits from Lowes finished the job.
You'll notice I changed the teak handrail for stainless in the process:
https://www.amazon.com/Boat-Handrail-Grab-Handle-Flared/dp/B01LYED3P4/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1505852354&sr=1-1&keywords=Boat+Handrail+/+Grab+Rail+Handle+15"+Flared+Base+-+Marine+316+Stainless+Steel+Hand+Rails
I had four loop grab rails with two bolts and three screws. Of course the holes on the stainless handles didn't line up, so I reused each end bolt hole and drilled two new holes. Finally, I tried out this two-part epoxy from Jamestown Distributors to fill the extra holes.
The slow hardener gave about 90 mins working time at 70 degree ambient. Way to long for this application. Lesson learned.
Oh yeah, a healthy dose of butyl tape around each fastener for waterproofing. That tip is via $tingySailor! This project improved the look and solved most of my leaks at the same time. The material comes in 3 colors, the Beach House Grey was in stock at my store and I kinda like the patina. Hopefully the composite will be low maintenance. Nice project for a couple of weekend's work.
Cheers
KBG
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