Exterior wood

[Kaz]

I want to use 3/4"Baltic birch for my side walls. I don't plan on skinning the exterior because I want the birch wood look, not crazy about marine plywood finish (luan). I have been told Baltic birch is not an exterior rated plywood. What are my choices? Really don't want to go through the process of laminating with fiberglass. I'm sure I can seal the wood with varnish but am worried about extreme temperature fluctuations here in New England causing delaminating of the plywood.

[48Rob]

Kaz,

I used 3/4 Birch.

It is very well sealed with varnish.
It is 8 years old now, with no issues.
That said, it is stored indoors, I would not even consider keeping it outside exposed to the elements unless it was protected with epoxy and cloth.

The plywood you choose does not need to be exterior rated, though it sure doesn't hurt...
Any plywood can be sealed againt moisture, you can seal cardboard just as well.
The long term issue isn't sealing the material, but rather keeping it sealed.
A wood exterior requires more maintainance than aluminum, filon, and the like.

Rob

[DMcCam]

Hi Kaz,

What Rob Said!

By the way Rob, If I haven't mentioned it before, my word...you made a Fantastic trailer good Sir!!!

All the Best,

Dave