Replies

1. 
   Ron01960 | Dec 31, 2010 11:14am | #1

   lumber choice domestic

   Adam,

   White oak is available in all sizes.  Its used in barrel making. It holds wine and whiskey pretty well, It should be available in your area.

   It sounds like a cool job!

   Happy New Year

   Ron in Peabody

2. 
   ahughes | Jan 01, 2011 10:34pm | #2

   If your still looking look up easy creek lumber.They are in oregon he has both yellow and white cedar.I have bought from them. I think you will be happy with the quality of his woods.

3. 
   BruceS | Jan 02, 2011 02:14pm | #3

   lumber blasphemy

   Just a thought ,  Have not researched the idea.   But what about TREX ?  May not be as crazy as it sounds.

4. 
   caryhson1 | Jan 03, 2011 08:41am | #4

   Rubbadub

   I have emailed easy creek lumber for a price list. Thanks for the recommendation.

   As for using oak; I am worried that I would be limited to the “barrel” style Ofuro when square is preferred. Don’t barrels only work when filled? Meaning, wouldn’t the tub have to remain filled to not leak and require straps to keep it from exploding? I suppose I could use any stable hardwood as long as I wrapped it in fiber glass and epoxy (not so natural feeling) ps who is Adam?

    I did some research on redwood and am apprehensive about the availability of the old growth product suitable for tub making. They also seem to have only been made in the barrel configuration and have to be constantly filled with water. Not to say that redwood is off the table. My opinion may very well give way to someone with actual experience owning a redwood hot tub.

    Trex eh? You sound like and equal opportunity user. There is always the “All materials and created equal” argument; right? . I’m not opposed to the idea; it just raises another list of questions to hammer out.

   I have used similar products, but am unsure as to how to join boards together in a water tight and sufficiently strong way. Maybe I could order a 4’ wide section of it. If it is anything like the product I have used before, the widest they are prepared to go is 24”. Swelling is not an issue with the square style ofuros. I don’t believe the construction requires it. I’m not sure it’s a material one would want to soak in unless; it is like acrylic and wont percolate chemicals into hot water. Ill do some more research. In short, you are not too crazy.

    Interesting fact about Port Orford, Dusty. Japanese culture is so rich. I recommend the book, Japan - Culture of Wood: Buildings, Objects, Techniques, by Christoph Henrichsen. It reads somewhat like and encyclopedia, but has a romantic nature. It is well illustrated, shows the intricate methods used, and reminds the reader to value the endurance and craftsmanship of ancient techniques. If you havent read it already...

   Thanks for all the replies. Próspero Año Nuevo

1. 
   BruceS | Jan 03, 2011 10:17am | #6

   " Trex eh? You sound like and equal opportunity user. There is always the “All materials and created equal” argument; right? . I’m not opposed to the idea; it just raises another list of questions to hammer out."

   NOT  EQUAL !   Thats for sure.    But Trex does have possibilities   I'de give them a call,  they may want to work with you to develop a new use for their product.   I may have just given away a $$Million$$ idea.   A good splined joint and proper glue may be possible along with the typical banding.

   When I get to it,  I plan on using TREX or similar material to build a coupala for the roof of my shop.

5. 
   dan62 | Jan 03, 2011 10:11am | #5

   how about basswood, its relatively cheap and stands up to weather, I use it to make japanese lanterns and shoji. You could make a small 1 foot tub and test it to see if it leaks over a period. Port orford cedar is expensive but best of luck

6. 
   PSeverin | Jan 03, 2011 03:59pm | #7

   Cypress anyone

   Years ago I remember building docks out of cypress because it was supposed not to rot.  It was hard to find then, but maybe it is still around and yet available.    . 

   Peter

1. 
   caryhson1 | Jan 04, 2011 12:38pm | #8

   Cypress and cedar

   I was under the impression the white or yellow cedars were a type of cypress aka Canadian cypress. I can’t definitively say though. I don’t think the good old growth cypress is around anymore.

   Any objections western red cedar? There is a great place near me for red cedar, Douglas fir, and redwood (ACMUS.com). If the price is right I may take Dustys suggestion and go with the redwood.  Easy creek has fair prices on its white and yellow, but the shipping is an extra 200. ACMUS.com

7. 
   ahughes | Jan 05, 2011 10:48pm | #9

   One thing i forgot to mention.If you haven't worked yellow and white cedars.They both have strong smells.Yellow has a very earthy smell.It can be overwelming i use shellac to block it.Portorford cedar has a ginger smell.it's not too bad and doesnt last long.I read something about them both not being tru cedars also.Good luck with your choice.Some old vertical grain redwood would be a nice choice.hope this helps.

1. 
   caryhson1 | Jan 06, 2011 07:43am | #10

   ipe

   I have read a little about the difference in aroma given off by the two cedars. Most people seem to like the white better. They say it’s sweet and less offensive. If I find some good redwood I may use that. Its good looking and quite stable provided that it’s milled correctly. I am also considering Ipe. It’s super dense and readily available. The reservations I have with Ipe are stability and gluing.

1. 
   woodmoto | Jul 07, 2012 02:50pm | #11

   Tub woods

   Ipe is not a good choice for a soaking tub as it is too dense and will not expand enough to be leak proof at the joints when wet. Not to mention that many say that Ipe dust is toxic. Cypress might work fine, and there is a large supply of it coming out of Louisiana and Mississippi. Much of it is from very old, large trees. Clear heart redwood is also a good choice, but very expensive. Try Brazos Forest Supply for cypress. Clarks Hardwoods in Houston sells clear heart redwood.