I will be building a set of interior square columns that will be non-load bearing, and will consist of a post and lintel. I planned to paint them white but may consider finishing the wood depending on what I use. The span of the lintel will be ~10’ and have one full column in the middle and 2 half columns on the ends. I’m curious about the best material to use for this; Veneered Plywood, MDF, or Hardwood? If I were to use hardwood, what species? Poplar comes to mind because if price and the fact that it would be painted.
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The advantage I saw to sheet goods was price and consistency, the disadvantage being limited to a 8’ seamless section.
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I‘d appreciate any suggestions on materials and construction techniques.
Replies
10' plywood is available, if that helps.
If I had my choice I'd go with MDF under paint. I can't help you with local suppliers, but it might be available in longer than usual sheets if you have a serious supplier. In any case, you can make very invisible scarf joints under the paint if necessary.
DR
MDF is fragile for exposed corners, if there is going to be a lot of activity near the columns you would be better off making them out of a hardwood.
John W.
Try Breaktime. I'm more interested in furniture but do flip through FHB in regards to fixing my own house and recall seeing articles on your subject. Journal of Light Construction is another good mag on the subject and they have a forum. More of a profrssionally oriented magazine. http://www.jlconline.com/cgi-bin/jlconline.storefront
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