N
Velvet Digest

What is the best wood for exterior trim?

Author

Ethan Hayes

Updated on April 12, 2026

Redwood. Redwood is the premier of all trim woods. Its natural weather-resistant qualities make it perfect for any exterior trim work. It's strong, straight and has an ambient quality that adds character and value to any home.

.

Also to know is, what kind of wood should I use for exterior trim?

Wood Trim

  • Douglas Fir. Doug Fir is one of the most widely used of all the exterior wood trim materials.
  • Redwood. Redwood is a great wood trim.
  • Western Red Cedar. Cedar rivals redwood in weather and insect deterrents.
  • Primed Fascia.
  • Specialty Wood Trim Products.

Subsequently, question is, can I use pressure treated wood for exterior trim? Pressure-treated wood may not be the best choice for exterior trim, since most pressure-treated wood is southern yellow pine, a species that is not particularly good at holding paint. Although some lumberyards do sell premium grades of pressure-treated wood for exterior trim, this grade may be difficult to find.

In this manner, what is the best exterior wood?

9 Wood Species Best for Outdoor Projects

  • Acacia. Acacia is a thick, strong hardwood with high oil content.
  • Black Locust. Black Locust is one of the strongest and stiffest domestic woods.
  • Cedar. Cedar is soft, light, and easy to work with.
  • Cypress. Cypress wood is rot and insect resistant attributable to its natural oils.
  • Douglas-Fir.
  • Ipe.
  • Redwood.
  • Teak.

What kind of wood do you use for window trim?

The type of wood you can choose from usually ranges from poplar to pine to fir to oak to aspen. Once you've got the trim you want to use figured out, find out how to trim windows perfectly.

Related Question Answers

Can MDF be used for exterior trim?

It can not last in harsh conditions and should never be used for external framing and construction. Stick to heavy-duty lumbers such as plywood and OSB for these uses. That's not to say it can't be used outdoors. It just isn't as durable in certain outdoor applications, so builders tend to use alternatives.

Will painted wood last outside?

Even though natural weather-resistant wood is the best choice for outdoor exposure, at some point it becomes vulnerable to decay. The only way to properly use untreated wood of any type outside is with the addition of water-repellent preservatives, sealer or paint that contain UV protection.

How do you make wood waterproof?

There are three surefire ways to waterproof your wood for years to come.
  1. Use linseed or Tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed finish.
  2. Seal the wood with coating of polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer.
  3. Finish and waterproof wood simultaneously with a stain-sealant combo.

Can Poplar be used for exterior trim?

Poplar species do not form a regular or durable heartwood. This puts poplar wood at an inherent disadvantage for exterior work, where the risk of wetting - and hence decay - is higher. However, poplar, or any species, can be used successfully outside if it is kept dry.

Can primed pine be used outside?

Our Primed Pine boards are stocked in 16′ lengths only. Boards are made of finger-jointed clear Radiata Pine with an exterior grade primer. These boards can be used interior or exterior. These boards are often used for exterior trim, fascia, bookshelves, shelving and furniture.

What is the wood on the outside of a house called?

Clapboard /ˈklæb?rd/, also called bevel siding, lap siding, and weatherboard, with regional variation in the definition of these terms, is wooden siding of a building in the form of horizontal boards, often overlapping.

What is the exterior trim of a house?

Whether a home has wood, stucco, brick or stone siding, the fascia, soffits and trim around doors and windows are traditionally wood. Wood is second-to-none for decorative materials, and for most homeowners, the primary function of exterior house trim is to accent the architecture and increase curb appeal.

How long does wood last outside?

Some say that untreated 2×4's can last up to two years before showing signs of rot and others say it can last even longer. When deciding if you should you use an untreated 2×4 it depends greatly on the application, how much weather and sun it's exposed to and if it's making ground contact.

What is the most rot resistant wood?

Naturally resistant woods that are commercially available include black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), teak (Tectona grandis), ipe (Tabebuia spp.), California redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum). These have the highest resistance to rot over time.

What wood is waterproof?

Water-resistant Woods Hardwoods in general have better water resiliency than softer woods like pine because the fibers are tightly packed together, resulting in less absorption, which does not mean all hardwoods are waterproof. Maple, oak and birch flooring expands and contracts due to moisture in the air.

Is pine wood water resistant?

Any kind of structure made of pine, including furniture, enclosures, boxes or storage areas, need to be waterproofed so that the wood will not be damaged in case of rains or flooding. Water damage will ruin a piece of furniture because the wood will rot, become soft and decay.

What makes wood rot resistant?

The “resins” you're describing are called “extractives.” They're chemicals, produced naturally by the tree, thought to make the wood resistant to decay. Lumber cut from the heartwood—the innermost part of the tree—contains the most extractives, so it's more durable than lumber from sapwood (the outermost wood).

How long does Cedar last outdoors?

Average Life of a Cedar Fence Fences made of untreated cedar can last between 15 and 30 years, depending on how well you care for it and the specific cedar species used. If it's treated, a cedar fence may last up to 40 years. Cedar consistently outlasts other wood species.

How long does poplar wood last outside?

three to four years

How long will cypress wood last?

For your information, most clear stains last 1 - 3 years, semi-transparent colored stains (wood grain still visible) last 3 - 5 years, solid colored stains last 5 - 10 years, and most paints last 10 - 20 years. Q: How does cypress wood compare with pine and cedar wood?

How do you keep pressure treated wood from rotting?

Pressure treated wood can crack and split from water exposure and this will allow fungi to get into the cracks and create wood rot. If you have a pressure treated deck this can be a harder problem to avoid. The best way to protect your treated wood deck is to apply a deck preservative.

How long will pressure treated wood last outside?

40 years

Is it better to stain or paint pressure treated wood?

Not only can you stain treated wood, staining and painting pressure treated wood is actually good for your new deck. Although the treated wood doesn't need to be protected against rot, staining it will help reduce surface cracking.

How can I make pressure treated wood last longer?

You can enjoy pressure treated decks for a very long time. All it takes is a little extra care during installation and a yearly dose of maintenance. Keep the wood stable by applying a coat of water repellent treatment onto all surfaces before installation.