For a lighter interior, white oak looks great finished with a clear
satin varnish. So does ash, but the oak has more "Character" in the
grain IMO. Cherry looks great too. For exterior grab rails, the only
advantage to teak is that it can be left unfinished for quite a while
without damage. If finished with a good sealant, varnish or paint,
most hardwoods will work fine. Mahogany, sapele, oak or even douglas
fir, if you're going to paint it, would be OK. I think.
Chuck Rose
SV Lealea, V1860
Honolulu
Albin Vega - American Vega Association. Vega 27 sailing, cruising, living aboard, maintenance, repairs, events, information.
americanvega.org
At 01:02 PM 3/7/2007, you wrote: