by Miker » Thu Apr 18, 2013 3:04 pm
Teak is usually the timber of choice, however it is softer than some other types. If left natural it will go a nice salty grey colour too.
I have a teak companionway that I made about two years ago, and the cabin top rails are teak as well and they look fantastic when varnished well. The toe rails are grey now, but they're Jarrah and whilst they look old and neglected the jarrah is harder in my opinion.
You have a big choice, including beech, Huon pine, turpentine, celery top and even sassafras. All will look very nice indeed when varnished up, but if you want easy to work with, go with teak.
Don't use merbau, it will leach oil and stain your gelcoat.
Michael
"Dulcamara" - MKIII
Careel Bay, Pittwater
"Order of the Tipping Dinghy" 2017