by doug hodder » Sun May 22, 2005 11:04 pm
Just my opinion, but luan, birch, oak, or fir plywood will hold up a lot better in the long run if you are painting. Masonite is the least likely to use. It will give you a smoother finish on the paint, but won't hold up at all if any moisture gets to it. there's no structure to it. I think for strength in the long term, the plywood is the way to go. also the core on the luan, birch, or oak veneered materials isn't nearly as strong as the fir. you might want to coat out the fir with an inexpensive Varathane prior to applying the color coat, or a Kilz, Binz primer. Maybe others have different experiences. just for grins, paint a piece of masonite and leave it out in the yard and let the sprinklers work on it, see what happens. PS. having lived in Denver, I think that Austin Hardwoods on Santa Fe is going to have the best prices on your materials for ply goods, veneered stuff that HD won't have. Paxton is pretty pricy, and Centennial has the best deal on stick lumber, (hardwoods) They usually get killer 1/4 sawn white oak., not a lot of really exotic stuff though, Paxton has the best supply of wild woods.....Good Luck on your build, doug hodder