Greetings, I need to build a cedar post and beam entry to match the existing WRC shingle sidewall. Looking for a visible cedar bead board decking attached to the top of the beams. I believe traditionally this was 2×6 T&G. Topped with sheathing. When I hear the words 2×6 and cedar used together I think…….Ca Ching! Beams are 36″ on center. Was wondering if anyone has any experience on cutting the cost while maintaining quality. My original thought is cedar siding….but at 36″….probably not.
thanks.
Replies
Ceiling over entry...
I assume the decking is forming both the roof and the ceiling of the entry space??? In other words...there's no concealed space or attic type area... If that's the case, I think you'll find that installing cedar decking is going to be the least expensive solution because of the labor involved to do anything else...sometimes, simple is easier and cheaper - even if the material is more $$.
You could frame it with 2x4 rafters and put T&G cedar on the bottom face, plywood on the top....etc...but it's a lot of labor and you have paid for 3/4" cedar anyway...and you have to vent that rafter space...
You could get a less expensive wood decking (pine, fir, hemlock) and stain it a different color...it would conceal the materia species and add a bit of color to the entry.
Ceiling over entry
Thanks....looks like I'll be biting the bullet
2x4 rafters w/ vent space? Where would that meet insulation code even without the vent space?
We recently framed an exposed timber frame roof structure with doug fir #1 structural. 3' O.C. trusses. 6" of poly iso topside. The decking was supplied out of Alabama in 18' lengths at a reasonable cost.
2x4 rafters
I guess I should have been more explicit. This is a post and beam exterior entry not in the building envelope. Just a roof over an entry deck.i
Spruce
Look into 2x6 spruce decking.If the color is close enough it's a lot less money. 1x6 should span 36" if you cover it with plywood. Install the t & g and then glue the plywood to the top. You may want to use plywood that spans the 36". Why not 32" instead?