HD, Lowes vs. Lumberyard

[masterswimmer]

Rus - thanks for the advice. Like I posted earlier, it only has to last three or four years. Can poplar or another non-plywood do the trick if its in contact with the ground? The base will just be buried chicken wire that is bent up to overlap with the wooden boards. I am trying to design it so that most of the boards are above ground, with maybe six inches buried on both sides.

No problem Eric, my pleasure. There are lots of other woods that are naturally rot resistant. However, the cost goes up dramatically and unnecessarily. If you only need it for 3-4 years, just go with an exterior grade of plywood. The only thing that is different between an interior and exterior grade plywood is the glue the mfg uses to laminate the boards together. Exterior grade uses a more weather resistant glue. It is the same wood though. This will help to prevent delamination of the plywood.

I second Steve's recommendation with regards to an 8' x 8' pen if you can work with those dimensions. A 6' x 10' enclosure will create a lot of waste.

Russ

 

[jejton]

Ok I'll pull out the tapemeasure and see if 8x8 works. So to make sure I understand, an outdoor plywood will last at least 3-4 years both the buried and partially sides? And this is cheaper than going with an untreated rot resistant wood like poplar? I took woodshop in 12th grade so im a bit rusty..er rotten um nevermind.

Tim- Thanks for the suggestion and the offer. I dont know when I'll next be in the city but will let you know when I do. I could always use the wood for another enclosure if I've already made this one.

 

[masterswimmer]

It will degrade slowly over the course of the 3-4 years. I can't guaranty exactly how long it will last, but it will definitely not be a 'forever' pen.