Oak Newel Gone in 2 yrs


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Old 06-10-19, 06:58 AM
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Oak Newel Gone in 2 yrs

I built a short railing for our front porch 2 yrs ago. The newels at either end are turned 4x4 oak. I didn't know when buying them that they were made from oak pieces. The glue joints have separated to the point that one newel is beyond any repairs. The other newel is still like new. I could have chosen poplar. Is that a better choice or is it just luck of the draw on these? I'll ask my lumber yard if I can get one turned from a solid piece rather than glued pieces.
 
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Old 06-10-19, 07:23 AM
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I don't know that I've ever seen oak newel posts used on the exterior, how did you finish them? A pic of your application might garner better advice.
 
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Old 06-10-19, 08:31 AM
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Anything not pressure treated is going to need protection from the weather.
 
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Old 06-10-19, 10:01 AM
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These were primed with Zinnser oil based and two coats of exterior semi-gloss latex. The second newel is only about 2 feet from the bad one and still looks new. I realize that oak is a poor outdoor choice, but was not aware of paintable, turned posts in other than hardwoods. I would love redwood, but don't know if such newels exist.
 
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Old 06-10-19, 10:36 AM
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Go to a real lumber yard and see what they have to offer.
 
 

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