wood strips

[Vizyaker]

Hi! As a woodworker interested in going into kayak & canoe building for fun and profit, I'd like to ask anyone what other kinds of wood are possible to make into strips, besides cedar, that are reasonably safe and durable for kayaks and canoes. I have the machinery to do it, but I'd like to possibly mill my own wood, already having experience with green wood milling and building rustic furniture.

[Noah's]

You can use any wood you wish. The wood is a core between two fiberglass skins and it?s only function is to hold the skins apart, so structurally it really doesn?t mater as long as it doesn?t collapse ( think I beam ). The reason most builders use Western Red Cedar is it is light, easy to work, available in long clear lengths, and pretty. We have had customers use White Cedar, Redwood, Pine, and Mahogany among others.

[frankolste]

Hi, I have heard of basswood being recommended. Seems to be more readily available, but does not have the asthetic appeal of cedar.

[Jay Adamo]

Hi, I have heard of basswood being recommended. Seems to be more readily available, but does not have the asthetic appeal of cedar.

I am building a wood strip kayak mostly red cedar. Iwill be using basswood wich is very light & pliable to highlite some narrow walnut strips, @ coming & stems wich is harder & heavier.. Reply if you have any ideas. Jbird.

[rosaryshop]

I, too, am a pro-woodworker who is now making canoes... but mostly just for fun. In answer to your question, you can use almost any softwood that is straight grained and relatively-free of knots.

Depending on your region, you may have other choices, but cedar is hard to beat for availability and price.

Seth Murray
My Recent Canoe Project: http://www.rosaryshop.com/resources.php/request/canoe