Replies

1. 
   wop | Jan 10, 2003 12:44am | #1

       I have used laminated oak for that size window and it worked well except where the windows got lots of rain. If the windows will get lots of rain I would use Iroko, African, Hell on tools but very resistant to weather. (If you have it available in the states)

                                           Philip

2. 
   AlanTurner | Jan 10, 2003 01:29am | #2

   I believe that mahogany is among the woods more suitable for exterior use.  On our office building, which is a center city Philadelphia townhouse which we redid in 1995, we used mahogany for the windows and door for the first floor, which had to be per the dictates of the historical commission (which did not care about what wood we used, only the design, molding profiles, etc.).  It is now 7 1/2 years later, and all is fine.  Our windows are quite large, perhaps 42" wide, and about 9' tall.  We also used 10/4 mahogany for the front door, which is 42" wide, and about 10' tall.  The opening size is 16' tall, and there is a large arch topped transom on top.  Teh door, with jamb and transom, took 4 guys to set in place.  I still remember that day.

3. 
   Marcello | Jan 10, 2003 03:40am | #3

   My vote is for mahogany as well.  Teak is very hard to come by now a days.  I am not sure if it is in the endangered species yet.  Use a good sealer on it, you may have to recoat every 3-5 years, depending on the sun exposure.